Keeper Experience FAQ

What animals will I get to work with?

The animals you should expect to be working with include:

• Big Zoo Animals - White Rhinos, Giraffe and Lowland Tapirs. You will see the Ostriches and Zebra.
• Primates and Reptiles - Primates such as the Marmosets, Tamarins, Lemurs, Siamang Gibbons and a variety of reptiles such as Snakes, Lizards, Geckos, Skinks, Tortoises and many more. These may vary depending on the feeding regime of the animal.
• Big Cat Experience - African Lions and Bengal Tigers.
• Junior Keeper Experience - Meerkats, a Reptile, Giraffe and Lowland Tapirs.

The programme may be altered on any given day due to animal welfare or health issues or a change to the zoo's collection, but Noah's Ark will ensure that if this is the case then the activity will be replaced with another similar task.

Do I get to go in with the animals?

You will get to go in with many of the animals and those you are not able to go in with you get a behind-the-scenes, up-close experience.

What sort of activities will I be expected to do?

Activities vary from mucking out enclosures, preparing food, feeding the animals, getting involved in enrichment activities and meeting the zoo's animals.

What is a guest?

A guest is another person that can join you on the experience and stay at the Zoo for the rest of the day. This is only for the Big Zoo Animals, Primates and Reptiles and Junior Keeper experiences. Only one guest is allowed, any additional guests must be paid for at £50 and this will be limited on numbers. Guests are allowed to take pictures and watch but are not able to get involved in the keeper experience. All guests must be over 16 years old.

Why aren't guests allowed in the Big Cat Experience?

It would be too dangerous to have a guest watching the Big Cat Experience and we are restriced for Health and Safety reasons. However, two keepers are able to do the experience at any time with the second keeper discounted.

Do I need to be strong and healthy to do the experience?

There is some physical work but we are able to adapt the experience to your needs, should you require it. Please call 01275 852606 and speak to us personally before you purchase an experience.

What if I don't want to do one of the tasks?

No one will be pushed into doing anything that they do not want to do. However, to get the most out of it we recommend that you get stuck in and experience what it's like to be a keeper.

How long does the experience last?

For the Big Zoo Animals, Primates and Reptiles and Big Cats the experience lasts between 8am - 10am with the rest of the day spent at the Zoo once it opens at 10.30am. The Junior Keeper Experience last from 9am- 10am with the rest of the day spend at the zoo from 10.30am. This allows you to have one-on-one time with the animals without any other visitors around. The experience cannot be changed to a later time due to the strict routine of the animals.

How many people will be taking part at the same time as me?

You will be the only person on the experience unless you book two keepers in yourself. There will not be any other members of the public there during your experience. Each experience is one to one to make it special for you.

Will there be someone qualified with me?

You will have a qualified keeper with you at all times.

Will it be dangerous?

Working with any animal always carries a degree of risk, but you will be fully briefed on what you should and should not do in any situation and you will be fully supervised at all times. Noah's Ark will take all necessary precautions and as long as participants do as they are instructed by the qualified keeper, then there should not be any particular danger in the activities.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Bad weather should not effect the experience. Should the weather be unsuitable, the experience may be rescheduled for another day.

What should I wear?

Wet weather gear is recommended as well as clothing suitable for outdoors in often mucky conditions. Sturdy shoes or boots should be worn as well as layers should you get too hot. We ask that you do not wear baggy tops or trousers or open-toed shoes.

What's included in the price?

You will receive a keeper t-shirt and certificate as well as a pass into the Zoo for the rest of the day. Big Zoo Animals, Primates and Reptiles and Junior Keeper Experiences will also get one additional ticket for the Zoo.

Will I be able to take photographs?

We recommend that you bring your camera to capture some memories of your amazing day.

How old do I have to be?

The Big Cat Experience has an age limit of 16+. The Big Zoo Animals and Primates and Reptiles has an age limit of 10+. The Junior Keeper Experience is for 6- 10 year olds. Any children taking part that are under 16 must have at least one parent or guardian present.

Any other questions?

If you have any further questions which cannot be found on this list please contact us either by email or by phone.