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Elephant Keeper Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

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Elephant Keeper information

See Ohio salary details

$12

$23

$33

How much do elephant keeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for elephant keeper in Ohio is $23.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $26.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an elephant keeper do?

An Elephant Keeper is responsible for the daily care, feeding, and overall well-being of elephants in zoos or wildlife sanctuaries. They clean enclosures, prepare diets, monitor health, and provide enrichment activities to ensure the elephants' physical and mental stimulation. Keepers also assist with veterinary care and engage in public education about elephant conservation. The job requires physical stamina, patience, and a deep understanding of elephant behavior.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an elephant keeper?

To thrive as an Elephant Keeper, you need a solid background in animal husbandry, biology, or zoology, often supported by experience working with large mammals and relevant vocational training. Familiarity with specialized equipment such as restraints, feeding mechanisms, and enrichment tools is typically required, and certifications in animal care or safety protocols are highly valued. Strong observational skills, patience, clear communication, and teamwork set top candidates apart in this role. These skills ensure the health, welfare, and safety of both the elephants and the keeper, while supporting effective collaboration within a zoo or wildlife facility.

What are some typical challenges elephant keepers face in their day-to-day work?

Elephant Keepers often face the challenge of managing the care and enrichment needs of large, intelligent animals that require both physical and mental stimulation. This can include safely carrying out daily routines like feeding, cleaning, health checks, and delivering environmental enrichment while maintaining a strong awareness of animal behavior and safety protocols. The role is physically demanding and can sometimes involve work during weekends, holidays, or in varied weather conditions. Teamwork, adaptability, and keen observational skills are essential to address unexpected situations and to ensure the well-being of the elephants in their care.

How do you become an elephant keeper?

To become an elephant keeper, candidates typically need a background in animal care, zoology, or a related field, along with experience working with large animals. Relevant skills include physical fitness, patience, and knowledge of animal behavior; certifications in animal handling or safety may also be beneficial.

What are popular job titles related to Elephant Keeper jobs in Ohio?

For Elephant Keeper jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Elephant Keeper jobs in Ohio look for?

The top searched job categories for Elephant Keeper jobs in Ohio are:

Elephant Keeper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Elephant Keeper job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,080 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Elephant Internship (2026)

Columbus Zoo Family of Parks

Powell, OH • On-site

Full-time, Internship

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

This internship offers an opportunity to learn about the general husbandry and care of animals within the Elephant area. Interns will actively assist with daily operations and gain exposure to professional zoo practices. 


Interns will work alongside full-time keeper staff and may assist with:

  • Preparing animal diets
  • Cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures and exhibits
  • Observing animal behavior and documenting findings
  • Learning basic training concepts through observation
  • Maintaining area grounds and buildings
  • Adhering to all safety guidelines and protocols
  • Interacting with guests and supporting educational programs
  • Performing other duties as assigned

Interns will also complete structured learning components, including quizzes, projects, and a final reflection paper.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the internship, participants will:

  • Understand the fundamentals of elephant husbandry and zoo operations
  • Gain experience in daily care routines for large mammals
  • Learn about animal behavior observation and documentation techniques
  • Develop knowledge of safety protocols and professional standards in animal care
  • Enhance communication and teamwork skills in a zoological setting

Benefits of This Internship

  • Hands-on experience in a professional zoo environment
  • Exposure to career paths in animal care, conservation, and wildlife management
  • Networking opportunities with experienced animal care professionals
  • Development of practical skills that support future employment or advanced studies

  • Second-year college student or recent graduate (within 2 years) in Zoology, Biology, Wildlife Management, Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, or related field
  • 3.0 GPA or higher preferred
  • TB test required
  • Prior animal care experience preferred
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to manage multiple assignments
  • Professional appearance and courteous behavior
  • Flexible schedule including weekends, evenings, and holidays (e.g., July 4th, Memorial Day, Columbus Day)
  • Subject to BMV and criminal background checks

Physical & Environmental Requirements

  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
  • Comfortable working outdoors in varied weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, snow)
  • Ability to walk, bend, and stand for extended periods
 

 Hours:  Minimum of 20 hours a week for 12 to 16 weeks

The RISE Scholarship, generously funded by Battelle, is now open! Eligible interns can apply for a $5,000 scholarship supporting handson, missiondriven internship experiences across the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds—applications are open May 1– June 30, 2026.
To Apply to the RISE Scholarship, please visit: https://www.columbuszoo.org/rise-scholarships

Apply