Zookeeper Experience FAQs

How do I buy a Zoo Keeper Experience?
To purchase a Zoo Keeper Experience simply click on the link ‘Buy Now’ on the 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 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 small gift and certificate 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 depending on the time of the experience. Chester Zoo’s opening and closing times do vary; please visit our website to check times for the day of your Experience.

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 bats, tapirs, birds, Red River Hogs, meerkats and Red Pandas. 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 16 years or over to take part in this Experience (find out about our Junior Zoo Keeper Experience).

Are there any other restrictions?
Regrettably, certain guests will be unable to take part including children under 16 years of age, 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?
Participants 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 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 Zoo Keeper Experiences be taking place?
There will be one session available on selected days throughout the week (both weekdays and weekends). As availability is limited we recommend you make your booking well in advance.

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.

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.

Will there be someone qualified with the participants?
Yes, a qualified Experience Presenter Keeper will be with the participant 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.

It is a condition of participation in the session that the risks and restrictions have been understood and agreed to.  All guests will be requested to clean their hands with hand sterilizer before and after close contact with animals.  Guests will also be asked to thoroughly wash their hands with soap and warm water.

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?
Please note that the Zoo Keeper Experience starts before the zoo’s opening times and therefore additional spectators will not be able to gain admission until the zoo is open. This Experience involves work behind the scenes and is not designed for additional spectators.

Will I be able to take photographs?
We recommend that you bring your camera but you must ask permission before you take any photos.  This is to reduce the risk of changing the behaviour of the animals taking part in the session.

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 Zoo Keeper Experiences.