Senior Curator of Carnivores

Job Description

Join us at Miral Experiences!

Miral Experiences is a region's leader in the management and operation of world-class, award-winning immersive attractions and experiences across Abu Dhabi. Our diverse portfolio includes some of the most iconic entertainment and leisure destinations, including Ferrari World Yas Island Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Yas Island Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World Yas Island Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi, CLYMB Yas Island Abu Dhabi, and TeamLab. Phenomena Abu Dhabi, and CLYMB Abu Dhabi, as well as cultural treasures like Qasr Al Watan.

We specialize in crafting unique experiences that cater to all tastes and ages, delivering a seamless blend of thrills, joy, and discovery. Our attractions are designed to ignite the imagination and create unforgettable memories for visitors from around the world. Whether you're seeking excitement, relaxation, or cultural enrichment, we offer something for everyone.

About The Role

The Senior Curator of Carnivores is responsible for the strategic leadership, management, and development of the institution's carnivore collection and associated programs. The role provides direction and oversight for all aspects of carnivore management, including animal welfare, husbandry, behavioral management, safety systems, conservation breeding, staff development, collection planning, exhibit development, and operational risk management.

As the institution's lead carnivore specialist, the Senior Curator ensures that all carnivore species are managed to the highest international zoological standards while supporting the broader mission of conservation, education, research, and visitor engagement. The position serves as a key member of the Animal Care leadership team and plays a critical role in shaping institutional policy relating to animal management, operational safety, staff competency, and emergency preparedness.

Because the management of large carnivores carries an inherently elevated level of risk compared to most other zoological taxa, this role places exceptional emphasis on safety leadership, hazard identification, risk mitigation, emergency planning, and the development of a culture in which safe operations and animal welfare are equally inseparable priorities.

The Senior Curator is expected to foster a culture of professionalism, accountability, continuous learning, evidence-based decision making, and operational excellence, while ensuring that the welfare of the animals and the safety of staff remain the foundation of all management decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• The Senior Curator of Carnivores leads the planning, management, and long-term development of all carnivore programs across the institution. This includes maintaining exemplary standards of husbandry, welfare, enrichment, training, nutrition, veterinary collaboration, enclosure management, and social group management. The position ensures that all carnivore species are managed in accordance with current international best practices and that management programs are continuously refined through scientific evaluation, welfare monitoring, incident review, and operational assessment.
• The role is responsible for the strategic management of the carnivore collection, including recommendations relating to acquisitions, transfers, breeding programs, collection planning, population sustainability, and participation in regional and international species management initiatives. The Senior Curator works closely with species coordinators, studbook keepers, zoological associations, conservation organizations, and partner institutions to ensure meaningful contributions to conservation breeding and long-term population sustainability.
• A central responsibility of this position is the development of a highly competent carnivore team. The Senior Curator provides leadership, coaching, and professional development for supervisors, senior keepers, keepers, trainers, interns, and volunteers. Particular emphasis is placed on ensuring that staff maintain the highest levels of competence in carnivore handling, protected contact procedures, emergency response, behavioral observation, decision making, and safe working practices.
• The position works closely with Veterinary Services, Animal Welfare, Nutrition, Facilities, Horticulture, Conservation, Education, Life Support Systems, and Guest Experience teams to ensure integrated management of the carnivore collection. The Senior Curator also provides expert input into exhibit design, holding facility development, capital projects, operational procedures, and accreditation requirements.

Qualifications & Experience

• Master's Degree in Zoology, Wildlife Management, Animal Science, Conservation Biology, Veterinary Science, Animal Behaviour, or a closely related discipline.
• Managing large carnivores and other dangerous species within a modern zoological facility.
• Experience managing breeding programs, behavioral management programs, emergency procedures, safety systems, exhibit operations, and multidisciplinary teams
• Previous experience within AZA, EAZA, WAZA, SEAZA, BIAZA, ZAA, or similarly accredited zoological institutions

Desirable

• A doctoral degree or additional postgraduate qualifications would be considered advantageous.
• Experience participating in Species Survival Plans (SSPs), European Ex-situ Programmes (EEPs), studbook management, and conservation breeding programs

Shape the Future with Us

At Miral Experiences, we don't just create world-class destinations - we create unforgettable memories for our guests and remarkable careers for our people.

From theme parks and attractions to guest services and behind-the-scenes roles, every member of our team plays a part in delivering exceptional experiences. We're driven by passion, powered by innovation, and committed to excellence in everything we do.

We're looking for passionate, driven, and talented individuals who are ready to grow, lead, and make a difference. No matter your background or expertise, there's a place for you at Miral Experiences.

About Us

Miral Experiences

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