Description

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:

We are looking for a skilled and dedicated Veterinary Officer to join our Wildlife Health Services team, delivering exceptional clinical care across both ZSL London and Whipsnade Conservation Zoos. The Veterinary Officer will support the delivery of clinical veterinary services by the Wildlife Health Services (WHS) team across both ZSL London and ZSL Whipsnade Conservation Zoos.
 
Reporting to the Veterinary Manager (VM), the Veterinary Officer (VO) will support the health and welfare of all animals in ZSL collections, predominantly as a clinician working at both zoos. The role will also represent ZSL as a centre of excellence in the veterinary care of zoo and wild animals.
 
Key responsibilities: 
 
Clinical Care: Deliver high-standard veterinary care (preventive, diagnostic, treatment, disease surveillance, and post-mortems) at ZSL London and Whipsnade Zoos.
Cross-Team Collaboration: Work closely with curatorial, animal management, and wider teams to support animal health, welfare, and ZSL’s strategic goals.
Research & Publication: Lead, contribute to, and publish clinical research in peer-reviewed journals and other academic platforms to enhance ZSL’s profile.
Teaching & Mentorship: Assist with teaching and mentoring students (tracking, MSc, ECZM ZHM residents, etc.) through ZSL, the RVC, and partner institutions to build global wildlife health expertise.
Reporting & Records: Produce timely clinical, pathological, and welfare reports to enable informed decision-making and continuous care improvement.

More information and how to apply can be found on our website. 

Requirements

ABOUT YOU: 

• Membership in the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) or ability to obtain it
• Proven experience in veterinary care of zoo and wild animals across a range of species.
• Experience using remote drug-delivery firearms and systems.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation related to zoo licensing, animal health, health & safety, firearms, and veterinary medicines.
• Familiarity with managing competing priorities and delegate effectively.
• Working knowledge and skills of IT systems including MS office packages, ZIMS, etc.
• A full driving license is required for this role or ability to obtain one

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including confirmation of your right to work in the UK. A DBS check is also required for this position and you must be eligible for possession of a firearms license.

ZSL recognises that conservation is one of the least diverse sectors, and we actively encourage applications from candidates who identify as part of underrepresented communities. We are committed to building a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage. 

ABOUT US: 

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.

New Wildlife Health Centre

ZSL just celebrated the 200th year anniversary in April 2026 and with the celebration came the announcement of a £20 million donation to build a new, state-of-the art veterinary hospital at the London Zoo integrating clinical care, teaching, and wildlife disease research. For more information about this exciting project, please see http://www.zsl.org/200/news 

 What We Offer
At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include: 

• Purpose driven work – join an organisation where every role contributes to creating a world where wildlife thrives.  
• Pension scheme -we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension.
• Flexible working – talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you.  
• Holidays – 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays (increasing with milestone anniversaries).
• Access to ZSL’s staff Equality Networks -Race & Culture, Team Pride, Disability, and Menopause, supporting an inclusive and welcoming workplace for those with lived experience.
• Wellbeing – access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.  
• Life assurance – eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL’s life assurance scheme from their first day.  
• Complimentary tickets – annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops.  
• Cycle2Work - our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle.  
• Season ticket loan - we offer an interest free loan for eligibly London-based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work.
• Family friendly policies – we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages.
• Salary Details: £55,000 - £61,752.60 per annum commensurate on experience.