Animal Keeper: Elephants

About the Role & Team

Walt Disney's legacy of caring for animals and the environment is deeply ingrained in the culture of Disney Experiences. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we are committed to excellence in animal care, guest education, and global conservation efforts.

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Animal Keeper to join our dedicated Elephant team. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to the daily management, enrichment, and behavioral conditioning of a multi-generational, mixed-sex herd of African elephants in a dynamic zoological setting. As part of a collaborative and highly skilled team, you will be instrumental in upholding world-class standards in husbandry while playing a vital role in conservation and education efforts.

If selected for this full-time role, you will report to a team of Zoological Managers.

What You Will Do

• Provide exceptional daily care, welfare management, behavioral conditioning, and enrichment for a multi-generational, mixed-sex herd of African elephants.
• Perform daily routines, including habitat maintenance, animal observation, diet preparation, and communication of medical needs or behavioral observations to Zoological Managers.
• Accurately maintain animal records, ensuring data is logged and communicated effectively within the central animal record-keeping system.
• Work in an outdoor environment with varying temperatures and humidity levels common to Central Florida, including extreme heat.
• Foster a strong team dynamic by collaborating with fellow keepers and partnering with maintenance, operational managers, horticulture, veterinary staff, educators, and scientists.
• Engage with Guests and Cast Members, sharing valuable animal insights and conservation messaging to enhance their experience.
• Adapt to a flexible schedule, including early mornings (starting as early as 5 AM), late evenings (ending as late as midnight), weekends, and holidays as required.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Demonstrated hands-on experience working with large mammals, with expertise in husbandry, enrichment, and operant conditioning techniques.
• Strong observational and data collection skills related to species management and research.
• At least three years of paid experience as a keeper in an AZA-accredited institution or in an institution with equivalent standards.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as needed for routine tasks in the work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working specifically with elephants, demonstrating proficiency in their behavioral needs and social structures.
• Advanced knowledge and application of operant conditioning techniques.
• Experience in guest-facing roles, providing meaningful interaction and education opportunities.

Education

Minimum of one of the following:

• Three years paid experience as a keeper in an AZA-accredited institution (or equivalent), plus two years of verifiable college coursework (60 semester hours).
• Four years paid experience as a keeper in an AZA-accredited institution (or equivalent), plus one year of verifiable college coursework (30 semester hours).
• Five years paid experience as a keeper in an AZA-accredited institution (or equivalent).

Benefits & Perks

Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

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