The Northumberland Zoo Keeper Experience is a unique opportunity for animal enthusiasts to spend a half-day with the zoo’s knowledgeable keeper team. This hands-on encounter allows participants to work directly with a variety of species, feeding them, and gaining valuable insights into the daily routines and responsibilities of a zoo keeper.
What is the Northumberland Zoo Keeper Experience?
The Northumberland Zoo Keeper Experience is a 4-hour program that takes participants behind the scenes of the zoo. During this time, visitors will have the chance to:
- Work alongside experienced zoo keepers
- Assist with the preparation and distribution of animal feeds
- Participate in health checks and enrichment activities
- Clean enclosures and maintain the animals’ habitats
Participants will also receive a completion certificate, admission to the zoo, a health and safety briefing, and a complimentary drink from the Bear Falls Cafe. Members and adopters of the zoo can enjoy a 10% discount on the £120 per adult fee.
Who Can Participate in the Northumberland Zoo Keeper Experience?
The Northumberland Zoo Keeper Experience is open to adults aged 18 and over. Unfortunately, the experience is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of the activities involved.
Pre-booking is required, and the voucher is valid for 12 months from the purchase date. Participants must wear suitable footwear, and the zoo reserves the right to cancel encounters due to animal welfare issues or poor weather.
What Other Animal Experiences are Offered at Northumberland Zoo?
In addition to the Northumberland Zoo Keeper Experience, the zoo offers a variety of other animal encounters and experiences, including:
| Experience | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Capybara Encounter | 30 minutes | £25 per person |
| Fruit Bat Encounter | 30 minutes | £25 per person |
| Beekeeping Experience | 2 hours | £50 per person |
| Donkey Encounter | 30 minutes | £15 per person |
| Meerkat Encounter | 30 minutes | £20 per person |
| Owl Encounter | 30 minutes | £20 per person |
| Lemur Encounter | 30 minutes | £20 per person |
These experiences vary in price and duration, and some may involve handling or touching the animals.
Northumberland College Zoo Keeper Experiences
The Northumberland College Zoo, located within the Northumberland Zoo, also offers its own Zoo Keeper Experiences:
Half Day Zoo Keeper Experience
- Duration: Half Day
- Price: £140 per person
- Includes: Working with experienced keepers to prepare and distribute feeds, carry out health checks, create enrichment, and clean enclosures. Participants can tailor the day to their interests and favorite species.
Children’s Zookeeping Experience
- Duration: Half Day
- Price: Varies
- Includes: A zookeeping experience tailored for children aged 6-14, with a paying adult required to attend with them.
Animal Experiences at Northumberland College Zoo
In addition to the Zoo Keeper Experiences, the Northumberland College Zoo also offers Animal Experiences, which include free entry to the zoo and a health and safety briefing. These experiences vary in price and duration and may involve handling or touching the animals.
Conclusion
The Northumberland Zoo Keeper Experience is a unique and immersive opportunity for animal enthusiasts to learn from and work alongside the zoo’s knowledgeable keeper team. With the chance to assist with a variety of tasks and interact with a diverse range of species, this experience offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the daily life of a zoo keeper.
Whether you’re a seasoned zoo visitor or a first-time animal lover, the Northumberland Zoo Keeper Experience is sure to provide a memorable and educational adventure. So why not embark on this unique journey and discover the wonders of the Northumberland Zoo?
References:
– Northumberland Zoo – Zookeeper Experience for One Adult
– Northumberland Zoo – Animal Experiences
– Northumberland College Zoo – Zoo Keeper Experiences
– Northumberland College Zoo – Animal Experiences