Keeper Shadowing

NEW Cheetah – Go behind the scenes and get the chance to hide food for this elite carnivore.

NEW Komodo Dragon – Prepare enrichment for this incredible species and watch as they stalk around their habitat using a fantastic sense of smell.

Aardvark – Meet these nocturnal African animals as they captivate you with their mysterious lifestyle.

Armadillo – Meet a favourite amongst keepers and visitors alike, Gomez and Allie the Hairy Armadillos.

Elephant – Go behind the scenes and learn more about these gentle giants.

Giraffe – Meet these towering characters and see how you measure up.

Hyena – Meet these curious carnivores and hear about the important role they play out in the wild.

Lemur – Meet this excitable bunch as they leap and jump around.

Mandrill – Go behind the scenes and meet our colourful troop full of mischief.

Meerkat – Meet our group as they scurry around, foraging or standing on sentry duty.

Penguin – Go behind the scenes and meet these waddling birds as they show off their swimming skills.

Rainforest – Meet our Coppery Titi Monkeys, Marmosets and Tamarins. Our Sloths and Tamanduas may also been seen (this cannot be guaranteed).

Rhino – Meet these gentle giants with enormous personalities which you are bound to adore.

Sea Lion – Watch as these intelligent marine mammals leave you fascinated with their skills.

Tiger – Go behind the scenes and meet these stripy felines.

Tortoise – Meet these prehistoric giants which are one of the largest reptile species in the world.

Open to participants aged 8yrs +
Armadillo and Giant Tortoise shadows open to participants aged 6yrs +
Penguin shadow open to participants aged 5yrs +

Anyone aged 8 – 17yrs taking part in the Keeper Shadow for ONE experience must be accompanied by an adult aged 18yrs or over in a supervisory capacity only. They must have a valid admission ticket or valid Zoo Pass to enter the zoo.

There cannot be two persons under 18yrs participating in the Keeper Shadow for TWO experience. One of the two participants must be aged 18yrs or over.

If you are a supervising adult attending an Animal Experience with a participant under the age of 18yrs, any additional children under the age of 15yrs in attendance on the day who are not participating in the experience, must have a separate supervising adult to remain with them whilst the Animal Experience is taking place.

This experience is for 1 or 2 participants. Please select one of the BOOK NOW buttons above which will take you to the relevant booking page.

All Keeper Shadowing Experiences consist of a private 30 minute experience with your chosen animal and a member of the Animal Care Team.

Experience Start Times:
NEW Cheetah – 2.00pm on Thursdays and Sundays only
NEW Komodo Dragon – 12.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays only
Aardvark – 12:30pm on Thursdays and Sundays only
Armadillo – 3:00pm
Elephant – 3:00pm
Giraffe – 10:00am
Hyena – 12:00pm
Lemur – 12:30pm until 31st October 2023 and 11:30am from 1st November 2023
Mandrill – 12:00pm
Meerkat – 12:30pm
Penguin – 10:30am
Rainforest – 10:30am
Rhino – 10:00am
Sea Lion – 3:30pm
Tiger – 11:30am
Tortoise – 12:00pm

Only selected Keeper Shadowing Experiences take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays including Giraffe, Lemur, Meerkat, Penguin and Rhino. All other Keeper Shadowing Experiences take place on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only (excluding Cheetah Hippo, Komodo Dragon and Aardvark).

You will be required to check in with our Experience Team at least 10 minutes prior to the experience start time.