Junior Zookeeper Experience
Have you ever wanted to see what Zookeepers do behind the scenes at the Rockhampton Zoo? If you said ‘Yes’ then the Junior Zookeeper Experience may be your answer.
Held during Queensland School Holidays for ages 8 – 12, (public holidays excluded), the Junior Zookeeper Experience takes you to parts of the zoo usually only inhabited by Zoo staff and our wonderful animals.
You will get the chance to make enrichment item, feed selected animals, help clean our enclosures. No, it isn’t all about talking to cute Chimps and cheeky Meerkats. Maybe even hold a reptile while asking your Zookeeper Guide lots of questions.
NOTE: Animals such as Chimpanzees and Crocodiles will not be part of this experience but may be included in a talk or watching enrichment items being given. At no stage will your child be allowed in or at the back of these enclosures.
The experiences run on Queensland School Holidays (excluding public holidays);
*Mondays 10.00am to 2.00pm 8 - 12-year-olds
*Wednesdays 10.00am to 2.00pm 8 – 12-year-olds
* please note: When a Junior Zookeeper Experience falls on a public holiday we may offer an alternative date. Please call customer service to enquire.
In that time, you will have hands on experience and be shown some of the work and dedication it takes to be a Zookeeper.
The experience includes;
- A dedicated Zookeeper
- Lunch from the Botanic Gardens Tearooms
- Rockhampton Zoo Junior Zookeeper hat; and
- Rockhampton Zoo Junior Zookeeper water bottle
Parents / Guardians, if you think this is something your child would love to do, then follow this link and book your experience now.
Note: Conditions apply to this experience, please read all the information given in the application process including the Terms and Conditions.
Experience duration: 10.00am to 2.00pm (including collection and safety brief)
Experience location: Meet zoo keeper at 'Meet here for Junior Zookeeper Experience' sign at Rockhampton Zoo main entrance (Gate 2) Participants must be at meeting point 15 minutes prior to the start time for induction and signing your child in. Parking is limited in school holidays so please ensure you allow sufficient time as the experience will continue at the scheduled time.
Maximum participants: Five participants per Junior Zookeeper Experience.
Minimum age: 8 years old.
Maximum age: 12 years old
Dress code: Long-sleeved and collared shirts. No singlets, midriffs or bare backs. Pants – must be long shorts or full-length pants (recommend full length pants). A broad-brimmed hat will be provided as part of the experience along with a water bottle.
Footwear: Fully enclosed shoes must be worn for your child's protection and comfort. For more details please refer to the Parent Handbook(PDF, 868KB).
Please note, no gumboots are allowed as they trigger a stress response in some of our animals.
Accessibility: Unfortunately, this activity is not wheelchair accessible. Due to the nature of this activity all participants require a moderate level of fitness and good mobility. If you have any concerns about your child’s ability to participate in the activity, please contact Rockhampton Zoo via email Rockhampton Zoo or call Rockhampton Regional Council customer service.
Language: For Health and Safety all children must be able to speak and understand English to be able to follow verbal instructions and any emergency commands.
Covid-19: When visiting the zoo, you must comply with all Queensland Government COVID-19 requirements.
Participants who do not abide by these entry requirements will not be entitled to reschedule or to a refund.
Rockhampton Regional Council, Rockhampton Zoo, Rockhampton Regional Councils’ officers, employees and volunteers do not take any responsibility for any injuries or illnesses sustained by any of the participants, whether caused as a result of the animal encounter or as a result of being in the animal enclosure.
Please read our full Terms & Conditions(PDF, 113KB) before booking your child into a Junior Zookeeper Experience.
If you have any questions after reading the details on this webpage, please check our Junior-Zookeeper-FAQs(PDF, 176KB).
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