Keeper for the day

Our Keeper for the Day scheme is designed to give you a real understanding of what’s involved in looking after animals in a zoo environment. The day runs from 8.45am to 4.45pm, giving you a chance to work in four key areas: 

• ectotherm – includes aquarium, Butterfly Forest, Bug world and reptiles

• presentations – includes fur seals and ‘presentation animals’

• mammals – includes primates, Zona Brazil, Twilight world and Monkey Jungle

• Birds – includes penguins, animal food stores and all birds on site.

During the day you’ll have plenty of hands-on experience of cleaning enclosures, feeding, and animal enrichment.

Our fantastic keeper for the day scheme is now available for the first time on Saturdays as well as Wednesdays. We are now taking bookings for the experience on a first come first serve basis, so do not delay book today.

Restrictions and bookings

Due to the hands on nature of this experience, participants of ‘Keeper for a Day’ must be physically fit and suffering no severe health problems. For insurance purposes, the scheme is only available to those aged 16 years and over and unfortunately cannot accommodate wheelchair users in this instance due to access restrictions behind the scenes

Whilst every effort will be made to accommodate those with a disability or learning difficulty, due to practicality and health and safety this cannot always be achieved; we will try to adapt our experiences to suit if you have any disabilities. In order for us to do this please contact Bristol Zoo for advice before purchasing.

Please be advised that it is your responsibility to inform us if you have any medical condition (e.g. pregnancy) that you or your doctor feel we should be aware of in order to ensure your safety. 

Being a 'Keeper for the Day' costs £250 (inc. VAT) and includes souvenir gifts such as a specially designed fleece, a complimentary guest ticket, and a guidebook.

If you would like to make a booking, please download the application form and send it to: Liz Earl, Guest Services Administrator, Bristol Zoo, Guthrie Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3HA.

Please be aware that this experience is valid for one year from date of purchase.

No refund will be given for cancellations. An alternative date may be offered if notice is given no less than 10 days before the booked date of the experience. Special circumstances may be considered.

Please contact our experiences team on 01179 747 328 or 01179 747 388, or email learl@bristolzoo.org.uk for more information and to book. 

Cancellations:

• If we have 14 days or more notice of cancellation – 50% will be refundable
• If we receive less than 14 days notice of cancellation – we regret that no refund or alternative date will be possible
• The experience is transferable to another date if we receive no less than 14 days' notice. The experience is transferable to another individual.
• If Bristol Zoo Gardens cancels then alternative dates will be offered, if no dates can be found a full refund will be arranged.