Zookeeper for a Day returns

Whipsnade Zoo is inviting animal lovers to live out their dreams and become a Zookeeper for a Day, as the UK’s biggest Zoo releases new dates for its sell-out behind-the-scenes experience.

With a mammoth 42 new dates added due to popular demand, zookeepers-in-training will be able to join the experts at the conservation zoo to see what it takes to care for more than 10,000 animals at Whipsnade Zoo – from Asian Elephants to black footed penguins.

Taking place on Mondays and Tuesdays from Monday 6 November, participants will spend the whole day exploring the ZSL conservation zoo through a zookeeper’s eyes, being inspired by the unique species they care for - many of which are threatened in the wild and part of important collaborative global breeding programmes.

Funds raised from the Keeper for a Day experience supports international conservation charity ZSL’s vital work protecting species, restoring ecosystems, inspiring change and bringing people closer to wildlife – in the UK and around the world.

Arriving before the zoo officially opens to the public, honorary zookeepers will get stuck into the greatest job on Earth for animal-lovers, carefully preparing food for some of the thousands of animals including the Asian Rhinos and chimpanzees, before feeding the hungry herds a fresh and nutritious breakfasts.

Guests will have the opportunity to ask the zoo’s unflappable experts their most burning wildlife questions, discovering fascinating facts about each animal, while helping with the monumental task of cleaning up after them – before enjoying lunch at the Zoo’s Basecamp Restaurant.

Whipsnade Zoo Visitor Experiences Manager Catherine Howes said: “Spending the day as a zookeeper is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that also raises funds for ZSL’s important work for wildlife. Families and friends can come behind-the-scenes of our world-famous conservation zoo, creating incredible memories and getting closer to nature together.”  

Perfect for adults and children over the age of 16, the six-hour Keeper for a Day Experience will take place on Mondays and Tuesdays from Monday 6 November. Available to small groups of just five per day, tickets to the exclusive experience start from £249 per person, which includes entry to Whipsnade Zoo. 

For an unforgettable experience that supports nature, book now at whipsnadezoo.org/plan-your-visit/zoo-experiences.