What animals will the participant get to work with?
The experience will include lots of different tasks and animals so it’s guaranteed to be a fun packed week.
Participants will get to muck out animals from different areas of the Park, including some of the primates, large mammals such as the giraffe and camels, reptiles, smaller mammals such as the meerkats and prairie dogs as well as some of the birds. Other practical sessions will include behaviour observations, designing enclosures, preparing animal feeds, identifying browse, observing animal training sessions and creating enrichment for some of the animals.
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 we will ensure that if this is the case then the activity will be replaced with another similar task.
What animals do the participants get to go in with?
Participants will get to go in with some animals, where appropriate. Participants will still get a behind-the-scenes or feeding experience with the animals that they don’t get direct contact with.
Do the participants need to be strong to do the tasks?
Some of the work is quite physical, but anyone of reasonable fitness should be able to cope. The experience has been specially designed for 15–18-year-olds. There is a lot of walking involved throughout the week.
What if the participant doesn’t want to do one of the specific tasks?
No one will be forced to do anything they do not wish to, although most find that taking part in the full range of activities is the best way to get the most from the experience.
Can someone accompany the participant during the week?
As this is a week-long experience and there are elements of classroom activities and behind the scenes access for the participants, we can’t allow anyone to accompany the group. Participants will need to dropped off and picked up each day. If friends or family wanted to visit the Park during the week, they would be welcome to do so, but wouldn’t be able to observe or participate in any of the Academy activities. Anyone visiting the Park will need to purchase admission tickets.
How many people will be taking part at the same time?
There will be a maximum of eight participants taking part in the experience, so there will be plenty of opportunities for all to get involved. The group will be split into 2 groups of four for the practical aspects.
Will there be someone qualified with the participants?
Yes, our experienced education team will be with them at all times to explain and supervise the activities.
Is it dangerous?
Working with any animal always carries a degree of risk, but the participants will be fully briefed on what they should and should not do in any situation and they will be fully supervised at all times. We will take all necessary precautions and as long as participants do as they are instructed by the activity leader, then there should not be any particular danger in the activities.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The weather should not affect the experience, although the itinerary may be changed if conditions are unsuitable for any aspect of the day. Besides, keepers work in all weather conditions. The experience would only be cancelled and rearranged due to the Park closing in the case of bad snow or high winds.
What should the participants wear?
They should wear comfortable, hard-wearing clothes suitable for wearing outdoors in sometimes mucky conditions. Sturdy, flat shoes or boots should be worn that are suitable for wearing in mud.
Will they have a uniform?
All participants will be issued with polo shirts that they can wear for the week, they are light weight and quick drying. In addition, disposable gloves will be given for the muckier jobs.
Are refreshments included?
All participants will need to bring a packed lunch with them. We will provide a reusable water bottle and participants can refill their bottle whenever they need.
Will participants be able to take photographs?
We recommend that participants bring a camera to capture some memories of the experience, but it should be able to fit comfortably in a secure pocket. We will also take photos during the week of participants when they are working and involved in different tasks.
How often will the sessions be running?
The Keeper Academy will run once a year during the Summer Holidays. Dates are very limited and have to be booked through the website.
What should I expect to be sent in the post?
Once you book directly onto a date, you will be sent a confirmation letter with sample itinerary, terms and conditions, map of the Park and health and safety form that will need returning before the experience (with a freepost envelope to do so).