: April 2015
Junior Keeper Experience Frequently Asked Questions
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 morning.
Participants will get to muck out on the Children’s Farm, do enrichment feeds for the meerkats, feed a giraffe, feed the Lemurs, go behind the scenes in our Reptile House, plus lots more.
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 7-11 year olds. There is a lot of walking involved throughout the morning.
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.
What time can the participant and accompanying adult enter the zoo before the experience?
The experience will start no later than 9.10 am so we ask that participants and accompanying adult arrive promptly at 9.00am. They will have to come into the Park via the exit gate/ drive and they will meet the activity leader outside the Gift Shop next to the car park. The experience will finish at 13.00pm. They will not be able to access the zoo before the experience, but they can explore the zoo after the experience. Any other family members or friends that arrive with the participants will have to remain in the Car Park until the Park opens at 10.00am.
How many people will be taking part at the same time?
There will be a maximum of four participants taking part in the experience, so there will be plenty of opportunities for all to get involved.
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.
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 special keeper vest that they can wear over their clothes for the day. In addition, gloves will be given for the more mucky jobs.
Are refreshments included?
Lunch is not included in the experience but there is a complimentary refreshment break half way through the experience.
What’s included in the price?
Price includes: Fun packed 4 hour experience, including various up-close animal encounters, free entry into the Park for an accompanying adult and the participant for the entire day, morning refreshments, a goody bag and certificate.
Can the participant bring a guest?
An adult must accompany the participant during the experience, but we ask that they to do not attempt to partake in the experience at anytime. Any additional spectators will not be able to attend the briefing and cannot access the Park until 10am and will have to pay normal admission costs. Most of the experience will be on-show to the public so any additional spectators should be able to view most of the experience.
Will I be able to take photographs?
We recommend that the accompanying adult or participant brings a camera to capture some memories of the experience. However, the participant will also be able to carry around a camera if they wish, but it should be able to fit comfortably in a secure pocket.
How often will the sessions be running?
Experiences run on some weekends during school term time and weekdays during school holidays with one experience per day. Dates are limited and can be seen and booked through the website.
What should I expect to be sent in the post?
Once you book directly onto a date, then you will be sent a confirmation letter with your ticket attached, sample itinerary, terms and conditions, map of the Park and health and safety forms that will need returning before the experience (with a freepost envelope to do so).
Any other questions?
If you have a question which is not covered in this list, please email helen@cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk and we will respond as soon as we can. Please call 01993 823006 if you have any urgent queries.