The Northumberland Zoo Capybara Experience is a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the world’s largest rodent. This 20-minute encounter allows you to feed the capybaras, learn about them from a knowledgeable keeper, and receive a small capybara gift and a Capybara Encounter completion certificate.
What to Expect from the Northumberland Zoo Capybara Experience
The Capybara Experience at the Northumberland Zoo is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to interact with these fascinating creatures. Here’s what you can expect:
Briefing Session
Before entering the capybara enclosure, you’ll receive a 10-minute briefing session from a knowledgeable zoo keeper. They will provide you with information about the capybaras, their behavior, and how to safely interact with them.
Feeding the Capybaras
The highlight of the experience is the chance to hand-feed the capybaras. These gentle giants are known for their calm and friendly demeanor, making them the perfect animals to interact with. You’ll have the opportunity to offer them their favorite treats and observe their unique feeding habits.
Learning about Capybaras
During the encounter, the zoo keeper will share fascinating facts about capybaras, including their biology, habitat, and conservation status. You’ll gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for these remarkable rodents.
Souvenir and Certificate
As a memento of your Capybara Experience, you’ll receive a small capybara-themed gift and a Capybara Encounter completion certificate. These keepsakes will help you remember your unforgettable experience long after your visit.
Who Can Participate in the Northumberland Zoo Capybara Experience?
The Capybara Experience is available for adults and children over the age of 10. However, children between 10 and 15 must be accompanied by a spectating parent or guardian paying normal zoo admission.
The encounter is not suitable for wheelchair users, and participants must wear suitable footwear, with no open-toed shoes or heels/sandals allowed.
How to Book the Northumberland Zoo Capybara Experience
Pre-booking the Capybara Experience is required. Once you have purchased an Encounter Voucher from the online shop, you will be sent an online voucher with an email to contact the zoo and arrange a date for your experience.
The voucher is valid for 12 months from the purchase date, and participants must pre-book their encounter.
About the Northumberland Zoo
The Northumberland Zoo is a family-run, non-profit zoo that is home to over 80 different species, including snow leopards, fruit bats, lemurs, and arctic foxes. The zoo is committed to conservation and offers various animal encounters, including a Fruit Bat Encounter, Beekeeping Experience, Donkey Encounter, Meerkat Encounter, Owl Encounter, Lemur Encounter, and Adult Zookeeper Experience.
The zoo is located in Morpeth, Northumberland, and is small and easy to navigate, with a few inclines but generally quite level overall. The animals at the zoo seem happy, and the raccoons are a particular highlight.
The zoo also offers live webcams of their Snow Leopards and Raccoons, as well as various events throughout the year, such as Quiet Hours, Photography Calendar Competition, NorthumBOOland Zoo for Halloween, and Christmas at the Zoo.
Unique Features of the Northumberland Zoo Capybara Experience
The Northumberland Zoo Capybara Experience stands out for several reasons:
- Intimate Interaction: The small group size and close proximity to the capybaras allow for a truly immersive and personal encounter.
- Knowledgeable Guides: The zoo keepers who lead the experience are passionate about capybaras and eager to share their expertise with participants.
- Memorable Souvenirs: The capybara-themed gift and completion certificate make for wonderful keepsakes to remember your visit.
- Commitment to Conservation: The Northumberland Zoo’s focus on conservation aligns with the capybara’s status as a vulnerable species, making your visit even more meaningful.
Conclusion
The Northumberland Zoo Capybara Experience is a must-do for anyone interested in learning about and interacting with these fascinating creatures. Whether you’re a zoo enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for a unique and memorable experience, this encounter is sure to leave a lasting impression.