ZSL London Zoo
The animals you should expect to be working with include: giraffe, penguins, meerkats, monkeys or lemurs and big cats (full day only).

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
The animals you should expect to be working with include: elephants, tigers, Indian rhino, giraffe, otters and a bird of prey.

Please note the Introduction to Zoo Keeping experience is only available at ZSL London Zoo.

The programme may be altered on any given day due to animal welfare or health issues or a change to the zoo's collection, but ZSL will ensure that if this is the case then the activity will be replaced with another similar task.

Do I get to go in with the animals?

You will get to go in with some animals, where appropriate. You will still get a behind-the-scenes experience with the animals that you don’t get direct contact with.

What sort of activities will I be expected to do?

Activities vary from mucking out enclosures, to preparing food and devising enrichment activities, to feeding and meeting some of our animals.

Do I 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 I don'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.

How long does the day last?

The full day session will last approximately 7 hours and the Introduction to Zoo Keeping will last approximately 4.5 hours depending on the day’s activities.

How many people will be taking part at the same time as me?

There will be a maximum of five people taking part in the experience, so there will be plenty of opportunities for all to get involved.

Will there be someone qualified with me?

Yes, a qualified Keeper will be with you at all times to explain and supervise the activities.

Is it dangerous?

Working with any animal always carries a degree of risk, but you will be fully briefed on what you should and should not do in any situation and you will be fully supervised at all times. ZSL will take all necessary precautions and as long as participants do as they are instructed by the qualified 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, although the itinerary may be changed if conditions are unsuitable for any aspect of the day. Besides, ZSL’s keepers work in all weather conditions.

What should I wear?

You should wear comfortable, hard wearing clothes suitable for wearing outdoors in sometimes mucky conditions. Sturdy, flat shoes or boots should be worn that are suitable for wearing in mud. At ZSL Whipsnade Zoo it can be cooler than you might anticipate as it is up on the Downs, so ensure that you have warm layers.

Will I have a uniform?

All participants will be issued with special keeper overalls that they can wear over their clothes for the day. In addition, gloves will be given for the more mucky jobs.

Are refreshments included?

At both zoos, the full day includes complimentary lunch plus morning and afternoon refreshments. At ZSL London Zoo, The Introduction to Zoo Keeping includes complimentary lunch plus morning refreshments.

What's included in the price?

As well as complimentary lunch and refreshments, you will receive a goodie bag with some mementoes of your day. Entry to the zoo is also included so you are free to have a look around afterwards. Please note that this is not always possible, as the experience may finish after the zoo has closed.

By purchasing a Keeper for a Day experience, you will be helping us to protect endangered species, conserve natural habitats and bring learning to life for all ages.

Can I bring a guest?

Although spectators are not able to accompany you on the experience, there may be opportunities during the day for them to see you completing the tasks with the animals. The experience does not include admission to the zoo for spectators, although a discounted rate is available if booked online at least 24 hours in advance. Alternatively, tickets are available for purchase on the day in the normal way. Please note that the zoo does not open for guests until 10.00am. You will receive instructions on how to book spectator tickets once you have booked a date for your experience.

Will I be able to take photographs?

We recommend that you bring your camera to capture some memories of your day.

Can my child take part?

Unfortunately participants need to be 16 years or older to take part in a Keeper for a Day session. We do offer a Junior experience for 11-15 years old at ZSL London Zoo.

How often will the sessions be running?

Sessions run all year round at ZSL London Zoo, and from April to October at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. Participants are advised to call and book their session as early as possible to ensure the widest possible choice of dates. There can be up to a 4 month wait during the warmer peak periods. The sessions always run on weekdays. Please see Detailed itinerary information for further detail.

How do I buy a place on a Keeper for a Day session?

To purchase a place visit the Keeper for a Day main page and simply select which experience you would prefer and at which location. All purchases need to be made online via the website. A gift voucher will then be sent to the specified delivery address with details of the experience and how to book the session.

How do I book my session?

Once you have received your voucher, you simply need to telephone 020 7449 6274 to arrange a date for your session. The booking line is open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5.00pm. The booking line does become quite busy so if you are unable to get through please leave a message and somebody will return your call as soon as possible. Bookings will be allocated on a first come first served basis. We recommend you book as soon as possible as dates get booked up very quickly, sometimes up to 4 months in advance.

What should I expect to be sent in the post?

A voucher in a gift card will be sent to the delivery address specified during the shopping process within 7 days, during busy times it may take up to 14 days. These are not put in anyone’s name and can be personalised. Be careful not to put the recipient’s delivery details unless you want it to be sent to them directly.

Is it possible to arrange individual animal encounters?

Unfortunately, due to the volume of requests ZSL receives for individual animal encounters, we are unable to offer them.

Can a day be tailored to just one animal specifically?

ZSL is not able to offer full day experiences with just one animal. The itinerary for Keeper a Day is worked out so that it includes a variety of different experiences and animal encounters throughout the day.

Any other questions?

If you have a question which is not covered in this list, please email keeperforaday@zsl.org and we will respond as soon as we can. Please call 020 7449 6274 if you have any urgent queries about your purchased vouchers.