He maintains he's used to handling animals (6)
I believe the answer is:
keeper
This clue could be a double definition.
'he maintains' is the first definition.
The answer is a person as well as being a singular noun. This is suggested by the definition.
'he's used to handling animals' is the second definition.
The answer is a person as well as being a singular noun. This is suggested by the definition.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for keeper that I've seen before include "Zoo attendant" , "Custodian, steward" , "Goalie" , "Goal minder" , "One at the wicket" .)