Keeper for a Day

What does it take to be a zookeeper at Elmwood Park Zoo? In this immersive experience, children will learn firsthand, working alongside our animal care staff! Our junior keepers will spend their day shadowing an EPZ professional as they complete their daily tasks that provide essential care to our animals. Junior keepers will be in close proximity to our animals, they’ll prepare diets, they’ll create enrichment, and more!

All participants must wear close-toed shoes throughout their experience.  “Keeper for a Day” experiences are for children ages 8 through 13 only; parents/guardians are required to drop off and pick up their child on the scheduled day (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM).

Please contact the Education department at 610.277.3825 ext. 235, or email education@elmwoodparkzoo.org with any questions.

$325 per Keeper

Program Booking

Keeper for a Day experiences are available daily, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. You must purchase your experience in advance of at least 2 weeks before your preferred date. Reservations can be purchased online by clicking here.

Cancellation

Cancellations must be emailed to education@elmwoodparkzoo.com 48 hours in advance to program date.  We do not offer refunds, but will try to reschedule if necessary.

Experience

We cannot guarantee specific activities due to weather and animal behavior. Additional activities will be provided during the experience.

At this time, Keeper for a Day cannot be scheduled for anyone who requires a service animal due to quarantine standards of the animals at our facility.  If your keeper has a special need or mobility need, please inform us in advance during booking so we may plan the experience accordingly.