Junior Zookeeper Experience FAQs

How do I buy a Junior Zoo Keeper Experience?
To purchase a Junior Zoo Keeper Experience simply click on the link ‘Buy Now’ on the Junior Zoo Keeper Experience page or call 01244 650281. Once we have processed your booking we will send you a gift wallet containing a gift voucher, gift message and everything you need to know about your Experience.

I am a member.  Do I get a discount?
Members and adopters receive a 10% discount on this Experience (phone order only).

Do I have to pre-book my Experience?
Your Junior Zoo Keeper Experience gift voucher is valid for six months from the date of purchase.  Once you have received your voucher it is essential you pre-book a minimum of four weeks before your visit.  This is so that we can schedule your Experience with one of our Experience Presenter Keepers.  To pre -book your Experience all you need to do is call our Events team on 01244 650281 and we will sort the rest.

What's included in the price?
The Experience Presenter Keeper will reveal the full schedule of activities on the day. The Experience will be fun and educational but you should be prepared for some hard work!

As well as the complimentary refreshment break, participants will receive a certificate, special keeper top and cap at the end of their Experience. Entry to the zoo is also included for the participant so they are free to have a look around before and after the experience.

Chester Zoo’s opening and closing times do vary; please visit our website to check times for the day of your Experience.

Please note that it is not always possible to look around the zoo after the Experience as it may finish after the zoo has closed.

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 fun packed and full of new learning opportunities. Animals which may be included will vary depending on the day of your visit but may include our bats, tapirs, birds, Asian Short Clawed Otters, meerkats and Red River Hogs.  Please do not book the Experience if there is a particular animal that the participant would like to meet as we can not make any guarantees.

Is there an age restriction?
Unfortunately participants need to be aged between 11- 15 years old, at the time that they participate in the Experience.  Children must be accompanied by a spectating adult (1 adult per 1 child).  Spectator adult admission is included in the price.  People age 16 years and over can participate on our adult Zoo Keeper Experience.

Are there any other restrictions?
Regrettably, certain guests will be unable to take part including people with relevant phobias or known allergies; pregnant women; and immunocompromised individuals.
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, please contact Chester Zoo for advice before purchasing.

Will I have a uniform?
Juniors should wear clean, comfortable, hard wearing clothes suitable for wearing outdoors in sometimes mucky conditions.  Wellington boots and special overalls will also be provided to put on over normal clothes. In addition gloves will be given for the more mucky jobs.

How long does the Experience last?
The Junior Zoo Keeper Experience lasts approximately 4 hours.

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.

How often will Junior Zoo Keeper Experiences be taking place?
There will be one session available on selected days during school holiday periods, and also on selected weekends throughout the year.

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 11 - 15 year olds.

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. This is why we request that an accompanying adult follows the Experience just in case there are any occasions when a participant would rather not partake in a particular activity.

Will there be someone qualified with the participants?
Yes, a qualified Experience Presenter Keeper who is CRB checked will be with the juniors 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. Chester Zoo will take all necessary precautions and as long as participants do as they are instructed by the qualified Experience Presenter Keeper, 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, besides, Chester Zoo’s keepers work in all weather conditions. In cases of severe weather the experience may be cancelled and rescheduled for another day.

Are refreshments included?
Lunch is not included in the Experience but there is a short complimentary refreshment break to include a drink.

Can the participant bring a guest?
An accompanying adult is required for the initial briefing and then encouraged to follow the group around 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. Most of the Experience will be on-show to the public so the accompanying adult and any additional spectators should be able to view most of the Experience.
The Experience does not include admission to the zoo for additional spectators. Admission tickets can be purchased online or on the day in the normal way.

Will I be able to take photographs?
We recommend that the accompanying adult 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.

Can I get a refund on my Experience voucher?
Under the Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000 you have a right to cancel your order and or return an item purchased through the Chester Zoo online shop within 7 (seven) days of delivery for any reason.  Chester Zoo will refund your payment card with both the item cost and original posting and packaging cost within a reasonable period of time. 

Unfortunately Chester Zoo is not able to refund the cost of return postage and packaging.  Please note this does not include the right to return personalised items and admission tickets.  A refund can only be made to the purchaser on the same card originally used for payment.  A refund can not be given once a booking has been made or on extended, expired or exchanged vouchers.

Any other questions?
If you have a question which is not covered in this list, please email gifts.experiences@chesterzoo.org and we will respond as soon as we can. Please call 01244 650281 if you have any urgent queries about our Junior Zoo Keeper Experiences.