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Animal Keeper: Elephants

Job ID 10121331 Location Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States Business Walt Disney World Resort Date posted May 07, 2025
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Job Summary:

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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About Walt Disney World Resort:

Since opening in 1971, Walt Disney World Resort has played an important role in many childhood and family memories. Today, hundreds of millions of guests from around the globe visit this magical place to enjoy a Disney vacation. Through a combination of creativity, innovation and technology, the resort immerses guests in classic Disney tales and new kinds of family entertainment. Drawing from a rich heritage of storytelling, Walt Disney World Resort cast members bring Disney magic to life through unmatched attention to detail and superior guest service.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., which is part of a business we call Walt Disney World Resort.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS

The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, visit the Disney candidate disability accommodations FAQs. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

Having technical issues? View the FAQs for help.

Hiring Process

  • Where Does Your Story Begin?

    Explore Disney Careers and the Life at Disney blog to learn about all the amazing opportunities waiting to be discovered at The Walt Disney Company.

  • Be Part of the Story

    There are many different brands and businesses to explore. Once you've found the opportunity that is right for you, take the next step by completing your application.

  • The Next Chapter

    Once you've applied, you will receive an email allowing you to access your candidate dashboard. Create your login and make sure to check your dashboard often to see your application progress.

Explore this Location Lake Buena Vista, FL

Lake Buena Vista is home to the Disney Springs retail, dining and entertainment complex, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course and several resort hotels are located with the City limits.

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