Zoological Curator

Worldwide Zoo Consultants is a global leader in the creation, development and management of a wide variety of specialized animal facilities and projects. From Zoological Parks, Public Aquariums and Animal Sanctuaries, to living museums and immersive animal-based education centres

Position Summary

Location: Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia | Full-time, on-site.

Worldwide Zoo Consultants (WZC) is delighted to be partnering on a major new zoological attraction in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, featuring immersive, world-class living exhibits designed to inspire guests and set new standards in animal care and welfare.

As Zoological Curator, you will lead the living collection and the animal care team from opening onwards. You will bring strong hands-on animal experience, proven team leadership and the operational discipline to run a high-profile facility to international standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Animal Collection & Welfare:

• Lead the care, welfare, health and wellbeing of the full animal collection.
• Develop and enforce husbandry protocols, diets, enrichment, training and record-keeping to international best practice (AZA / EAZA aligned).
• Work closely with the veterinary team on preventive health, quarantine and treatment plans.
• Plan collection needs, animal acquisitions, transfers and breeding programmes.
• Maintain accurate animal records, inventories and welfare reporting.

1. Team Leadership:

• Recruit, lead, train and mentor curators, supervisors and keepers.
• Set rotas, standards and performance expectations, and hold the team to them.
• Build a positive, disciplined, safety-first team culture.

1. Operations:

• Manage day-to-day animal operations, including exhibits, holding areas, life support, supplies and budgets.
• Work with design, construction and facilities teams to make sure exhibits are ready for animals and operate well.
• Lead opening-readiness, animal move-in and commissioning of animal areas.
• Make sure health and safety rules, permits, biosecurity and emergency procedures are followed.
• Report regularly to WZC management and the client on KPIs, welfare and operational status.

1. Guest Experience & Education:

• Support keeper talks, guest encounters and educational content.
• Represent WZC professionally with the client, partners and visitors.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Minimum 8 years' zoological experience, including at least 3 years in a curator or senior animal management role.
• Proven experience leading and developing animal care teams.
• Strong operational and budget management experience in a zoo, aquarium, wildlife park or similar facility.
• Experience with new facility openings or major exhibit projects is a strong advantage.
• Degree in Zoology, Animal Science, Biology or a related field preferred.
• Excellent written and spoken English. Arabic is an advantage.
• Experience in the Middle East is an advantage.

Skills / Abilities

• Passionate about animal welfare and conservation.
• A calm, decisive leader who sets high standards.
• Organised, hands-on and comfortable in a fast-moving project setting.
• Ability to work outdoors and stand for long periods.
• Competency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.