Curator of Primates

The Indianapolis Zoo is looking for a Curator of Primates to lead the care, management, and long-term planning of our primate collection. This position provides leadership and direction to animal care staff while maintaining direct accountability for animal welfare, husbandry, behavioral management, and collection health.

Working closely with veterinary services, conservation, research, facilities, and other Zoo teams, the Curator of Primates helps advance species-appropriate care, support responsible population management, and contribute to the Zoo's mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world.

Key Responsibilities

- Provide leadership, supervision, and professional development for Assistant Curators and animal care staff, establishing clear expectations and promoting a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

- Maintain direct accountability for the health, welfare, behavioral management, and husbandry standards of the primate collection.

- Oversee animal introductions, social group management, breeding recommendations, animal transfers, and collection planning in collaboration with appropriate partners.

- Develop, evaluate, and improve animal care practices, behavioral enrichment, training programs, and welfare assessment procedures.

- Collaborate with veterinary services on animal health, preventive care, treatment plans, cooperative medical training, and ongoing welfare assessments.

- Establish departmental goals, manage operating plans and budgets, and identify priorities for staffing, equipment, animal care, and facility improvements.

- Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, institutional policies, animal care standards, safety procedures, and documentation requirements.

What We're Looking For

- A bachelor's degree in Biology or a related field from an accredited college or university. A graduate degree in a related field preferred.

- A minimum of 10 years of direct or related experience in a zoo or similar professional setting, including at least four years of demonstrated personnel management.

- Experience working with primates, such as chimpanzees, orangutans, gibbons, baboons, or tamarins, preferred.

- Demonstrated leadership, supervisory, communication, and interpersonal skills.

- The ability to make sound decisions, manage competing priorities, and lead teams in a dynamic animal care environment.

- Strong organizational skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with external professional partners.

- The ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and overtime as needed, and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Why Join Us?

At the Indianapolis Zoo, your work contributes to something bigger. Join a team dedicated to exceptional animal care, wildlife conservation and inspiring people to care for our world. As Curator of Primates, you'll have the opportunity to lead a talented animal care team, help shape the future of the primate collection, and make a meaningful impact on animal welfare and conservation.