Mō mātou | About us
At Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo we are guided by our kaupapa “Me tiaki, kia ora" – we must look after our environment so all things will flourish. We punch above our weight in leading the way through connecting people with animals, saving animals in the wild and ensuring we’re a voice to be heard.  We’ve been an integral part of Wellington for 120 years and are proud to be a progressive, positive, animal welfare-accredited zoo.  

Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo is committed to accepting, valuing, and embracing the diversity of all people.

Mō te tūranga | About the role
Te Kohanga the Nest, the Wellington Zoo vet hospital is seeking an experienced wildlife veterinarian to provide cover while one of our team is on secondment.  We are looking for a veterinarian who can step confidently into a busy wildlife hospital environment and work independently from the outset, although there is an incredible support network from our resident veterinarian, a strong team of vet nurses and a network of regional experts. This is a hands-on clinical position working with a diverse caseload of Exotic Zoo animals as well as New Zealand native wildlife.  

This is not a training or introductory wildlife-veterinary position.

The successful applicant will be joining a small, experienced team providing specialist veterinary care for zoo animals and sick and injured wildlife. Because this role is intended to provide temporary replacement for an experienced wildlife veterinarian, the ability to practise independently and make clinical decisions without requiring routine senior veterinary supervision is essential.

The anticipated period is mid-November 2026 to May 2027, although there may be some flexibility around exact dates for the right candidate.

He kōrero mōu: About you

• Veterinary degree and eligibility for registration to practise in New Zealand.
• Strong clinical experience and confidence handling, assessing and treating a range of exotic species.
• Able to independently investigate, diagnose and manage complex wildlife cases.
• Competent and confident performing medical and surgical procedures without direct supervision.
• Experience with anaesthesia, emergency care, diagnostic procedures and perioperative management of zoo and wildlife patients.
• Able to work effectively within a small multidisciplinary team in a busy and sometimes high-pressure clinical environment.
• Comfortable participating in rostered weekend and/or after-hours work as required.
• A natural at communicating and building rapport/trust 
• Postgraduate qualifications in wildlife health, avian medicine, zoological medicine or a closely related field would be highly desirable.
• Minimum three years' clinical experience 
• Experience working in a wildlife hospital, , zoo wildlife service, or comparable clinical wildlife setting would be beneficial.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer 

• Salary of $110,000.00 gross per annum 
• KiwiSaver additional to salary (eligibility applies) 
• Zoo uniform including boots.
• Supportive and collaborative team and management.
• Free parking 
• Free flu vaccinations 
• Employee Assistance Services 
• Zoo passes to share with family and friends
• Discounts on Zoo products
• An organisation with a commitment to animal welfare, visitor experience excellence & conservation 

Please note the following: 

• Applicants for these positions need NZ residency or a valid NZ work permit. 
• If successful, you will be required to undergo a police background check and a pre-employment drug and alcohol test. We arrange these for you through relevant providers. 
• If you have support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process. 
• For questions about the role or the application process please contact people&culture@wellingtonzoo.com

Tono mai | Apply Now Applications close on NZT 5pm Tuesday 27 October 2026

Tūhono mai! Come join us!