As Orana approaches its 50th year, we are reflective and determined to continue achieving our conservation goals. We are looking for team members to help us continue our mission to connect people with nature, and to educate and inspire ourcommunitytowards creating a bright future for the next 50 years, and beyond.
Applications are open for a position as an Animal Keeper, you will provide a high standard of husbandry and daily
care to meet the welfare needs of our animal collection. You will assist in developing and participating in various trainingprogramsandenrichmentactivities that prioritises the health and well-being of our animals Furthermore, the role will help inspire visitor experiences that encourage action for wildlife conservation and environmental protection.
Orana is owned and operated by Orana Wildlife Trust, a registered charitable trust and not-for-profit organisation. Conservation is a core part of our mission and the key reason Orana exists. Our on-site habitat restoration and predator pest control programmes provide a connecting
wildlife corridor and safe haven for some of Canterbury’s most threatened species.
Orana Wildlife Park participates in many zoo-based breeding programmes in partnership with the World Association of Zoos & Aquariums (WAZA), the Zoo & Aquarium Association Australasia (ZAA), DOC and others. We are committed to continuing our efforts towards these breeding programmes into the future.
You will need a minimum of 2 years' proven experience with animal care in a zoo or similar setting. This position will be working with a
variety of exotic mammal species including carnivores, ungulates or primates.
You will also have:
You will join an incredibly passionate team who are committed to their animals and the conservation
efforts Orana plays in the wild.
These are full-time positions, working on a set 40 hours, 5 days per week roster that may include weekends and public holidays.
The rostered days of the position are yet to be determined and the salary range for these positions are $50,000 -
$55,000 gross per annum.
As a member of our team we are able to offer you:
If you are adaptable and open-minded, with a desire to push yourself to benefit conservation and animal welfare, APPLY NOW through our website link. Provide us with a letter of introduction and CV detailing your skills/experience relevant to the role and anoutline of the species you have worked with.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received.
Applications for this position close on Sunday 3rd May 2026,
5pm.
For over 46 years, Orana Wildlife Trust (a registered charity) has operated Orana Wildlife Park, an internationally recognised zoo and Canterbury icon attraction. The Trust operates in a commercially astute manner to: provide quality recreational experiences for local people and visitors to Canterbury; conserve endangered native and exotic wildlife; educate all visitors (especially children) about environmental and conservation issues; and support research.
Set in 185 hectares, Orana Wildlife Park is Aotearoa’s only open range wildlife park. We care for over 1,000 animals representing 90 different species, many of which are critically endangered. Orana is a conservation powerhouse making significant contributions to recovery programmes for Aotearoa’s threatened species (e.g. kākāriki karaka, Aotearoa’s rarest parakeet). We connect visitors with wildlife and inspire people to care about the plight of endangered species.
Orana specialises in providing amazing visitor experiences, including the fantastic Lion Encounter (the only one of its type in the Southern Hemisphere), meeting NZ’s only gorillas, encountering mischievous kea, observing kiwi, hand feeding majestic giraffe, eyeballing the magnificent white rhino and much more. The Park is a key regional asset contributing to economic recovery and growth and an important facility for community well-being.
As a registered charity, Orana relies on gate-takings to operate. We separately raise 100% of funds for all developments, animal transfers and involvement in key conservation programmes.
