Keeper Shadowing

Aardvark – Meet these nocturnal African animals, also known as ‘Earth Pigs’, and learn about their mysterious lifestyle within the Aardvark Burrow.

African Elephant – Go behind the scenes at the Elephant Kingdom and discover more about the largest land mammal in the world!

Amur Tiger – Go behind the scenes are learn more about the Endangered Amur Tiger whilst you meet these magnificent felines.

Armadillo – Meet a favourite amongst keepers and visitors alike, Gomez and Allie the Hairy Armadillos, also known as Screaming Armadillos due to their high-pitched squeal.

Cheetah – Go behind the scenes and get the chance to hide food for the fastest land mammal on the planet, reaching speeds of up to 87 kilometres per hour!

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

Giraffe – Meet these towering characters with their 45 centimetre long prehensile tongue, and see how you measure up against the world’s tallest land mammal!

Hyena – Meet these curious carnivores and learn about the important role they play out in the wild with their incredible predatory skills and super-strong jaws.

Komodo Dragon – Prepare enrichment for the largest lizard in the world and watch as they stalk around their habitat using a fantastic sense of smell.

Lemur – Go behind the scenes and meet our excitable bunch as they use their superb skills to leap from branch to branch. They definitely ‘like to move it, move it’!

Mandrill – Go behind the scenes and discover more about the largest monkey in the world with our colourful troop full of mischief.

Meerkat – Meet our manic mob as they scurry around, foraging or standing on sentry duty at their burrow in Suricata Sands.

Penguin – Go behind the scenes with these waddling birds and watch as they shoot through the water at speeds reaching 30 miles per hour.

Pygmy Hippo – RETURNING IN 2024! Go behind the scenes and prepare enrichment for this adorable aquatic mammal who can consume as much as 68kg of grass per night!

Rainforest – Step foot in this humid habitat and meet exotic species including Coppery Titi Monkeys, Marmosets and Tamarins. You may also see a Sloth or Tamandua! (this is not guaranteed)

Rhino – Meet Africa’s largest Rhinoceros species and find out more about our crash with enormous personalities which you are bound to adore.

Sea Lion – Watch our intelligent group of females as they leave you fascinated with their impressive swimming skills and super roar!

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 must be a participant aged 18yrs or over in the Keeper Shadow for TWO, THREE and FOUR Experiences.

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. The Giraffe, Lemur, Meerkat and Penguin Experiences are also available for 3 or 4 participants. Please select one of species 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:
Aardvark – 12:30pm on Fridays and Sundays only from 1st April 2024
African Elephant – 3:00pm
Amur Tiger – 11:30am
Armadillo – 3:00pm
Cheetah – 2.00pm on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays
Giant Tortoise – 12:00pm
Giraffe – 10:00am
Hyena – 12:00pm
Komodo Dragon – 12.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays only
Lemur – 11:30am
Mandrill – 12:00pm
Meerkat – 12:30pm
Penguin – 10:30am
Pygmy Hippo – 12:30pm from 1st April 2024 on Mondays, Thursday and Saturdays only
Rainforest – 10:30am
Rhino – 10:00am
Sea Lion – 3:30pm

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, Komodo Dragon, Pygmy Hippo and Aardvark from 1st April 2024).

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