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Primate Keeper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Naples Zoo Inc

Animal Care Professional - Primates

Naples, FL · On-site

$14.25 - $18.75/hr

This position will regularly work with other department keepers in a team setting as well as independently and will require effective communication skills as well as the ability to understand primate ...

TANGANYIKA WILDLIFE PARK LLC

Hoofstock Keeper

Goddard, KS · On-site

$16/hr

If baby giraffe steps, pygmy hippo snacks, and primate antics sound like your kind of day-this is ... Desire to grow as a team member, animal keeper, and human being * Ability to stand or walk and be ...

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How much do primate keeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for primate keeper in the United States is $24.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a primate keeper do?

A typical day for a Primate Keeper involves preparing diets, cleaning enclosures, observing the animals for signs of illness or behavioral changes, and providing enrichment activities to stimulate natural behaviors. Keepers also record daily logs, assist with veterinary procedures, and may interact with visitors during educational talks or demonstrations. Collaboration with other animal care staff and veterinarians is common to ensure optimal care standards are met. The role can be physically demanding and requires attention to safety protocols, but offers the rewarding opportunity to contribute directly to the welfare of primates in a team-oriented environment.

How much do primate keepers make?

Primate keepers typically earn between $25,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, certifications, and years of experience working in zoos or wildlife facilities.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a primate keeper?

To thrive as a Primate Keeper, you need hands-on animal husbandry experience, strong observational skills, and a background in biology or zoology, often supported by a relevant college degree or certifications such as AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums) training. Familiarity with record-keeping systems, enrichment planning software, and health monitoring tools is typically required. Exceptional teamwork, patience, attention to detail, and effective communication with colleagues and veterinarians help a Primate Keeper excel. These skills and qualities ensure the well-being, safety, and enrichment of primates, while supporting effective collaboration in a zoological setting.

What is a primate keeper?

A Primate Keeper is responsible for the daily care, feeding, enrichment, and welfare of primates in zoos, wildlife centers, or research facilities. They monitor animal health, clean enclosures, and provide behavioral enrichment to ensure the primates' physical and mental well-being. Keepers also educate the public about primate conservation and may assist in breeding programs or research efforts. This role requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and a strong understanding of animal behavior.

How to become a primate keeper?

To become a primate keeper, candidates typically need a background in biology, zoology, or animal science, along with experience working with animals, such as volunteering or internships at zoos or wildlife centers. Relevant skills include knowledge of primate behavior, proper handling, and safety procedures, and some positions may require certifications in animal care or first aid. A strong passion for conservation and animal welfare is also important for this role.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Primate Keeper jobs? The most popular types of Primate Keeper jobs are:
What states have the most Primate Keeper jobs? States with the most job openings for Primate Keeper jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Primate Keeper jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Primate Keeper jobs are:
Primate Keeper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Primate Keeper job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,573 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Seasonal Primate Keeper

Indianapolis Zoo

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$13/hr

Temporary

Posted 19 days ago

Indianapolis Zoo rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 36 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

The Indianapolis Zoo's Primate Department is searching for a seasonal keeper to join our team. This position will primarily care for our chimpanzee, orangutan, baboon, gibbon, and tamarin residents. Duties include cleaning and maintaining animal environments, preparing and distributing daily enrichment, observing animal behavior, ensuring optimal animal welfare, supporting a variety of research activities, and educating zoo guests.
Ideal candidates are committed to advancing the Zoo's mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world. Having a professional attitude and appearance to visitors, volunteers, and co-workers is vital to the position as well as being a team-oriented individual that is temperamentally suited to work with the public and animals. Prior experience working with primates is highly desired. This is a seasonal, 40 hours per week position that requires availability to work weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. Seasonal assignments are temporary in nature and are expected to last approximately six (6) months with a pay rate of $13.00/ hr.
Position Requirements and Experience (Note: there are strenuous physical requirements to this position including but not limited to):
  • Minimum of one (1) year animal care experience, preferably with primates, is preferred. College course work in a suitable animal-related field may be substituted for work experience.
  • Demonstrates patience, gentleness, respect, and consistency with animals in their care.
  • Displays a professional attitude and appearance to visitors, volunteers, and co-workers.
  • Completes daily husbandry tasks and recordkeeping.
  • Ability to work outdoors and indoors under all environmental conditions and temperatures.
  • Ability to transport and move items, exerting at least 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/ or up to 50 pounds of force frequently.
  • Ability to ascend/ descend ladders, steps, and uneven terrain, while maintaining body equilibrium while performing various jobs.
  • Ability to crouch, bend, kneel for prolonged periods of time.
  • Exceptional visual acuity is required, along with the ability to communicate, comprehend, and decipher information accurately, using a two-way radio.
  • Possible occupational exposure (Category B employee) to human bloodborne pathogens. Possible exposure to dangerous chemicals (e.g. chlorine bleach, cleaning agents, etc.) Must follow Universal Protection Precautions and Bloodborne Pathogens Guidelines.
  • High school diploma or equivalent is required. Bachelor's degree in a Life Science area from an accredited college/university in life sciences is strongly preferred.

To apply:
  • Interested candidates must complete an online application.
  • Interested applicants must include a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to be considered.

Employment at the Indianapolis Zoo is contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment testing including a background check, motor vehicle check (if applicable) and a drug test.

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