Zookeeper for a Day

Zookeeper for a Day availability is subject to student schedules, and availability is not known until 2-3 months ahead of time. Please refrain from requesting dates more than 3 months in advance. 

Overview

Have you ever wondered what a morning in the life of a zookeeper is like? Are you interested in animals and want to know firsthand how zookeepers give amazing care to the animals at the SF Teaching Zoo?

Sign up for our “Zookeeper for a Day” program to work alongside a zookeeper for a morning and learn the ins and outs of zookeeping. 

Who can participate?

This program is available for animal enthusiasts ages 9 and up.

*If you are considering applying to the Zoo Animal Technology Program, this is a great opportunity to get a sneak peak of what your experience working here would look like.

Rates

$30 + tax per day

Reservations

Reservations must be made at least 2 weeks in advance. Please fill out the form below requesting your top three dates. You will receive an email with the confirmed date and information regarding preparations for the program. 

Availability

Zookeeper for a Day is booked through July 2023. Please check back in July for future availability. 

This program is offered daily from 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. At this time, Zookeeper for a Day is limited to one person per day. 

*Due to special events and the nature of the Zoo Animal Technology Program, there are blocks of time where the program is not available so zookeepers can have proper training and prepare for events. Available dates listed below are subject to change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have additional questions? Please contact us at 352-395-5633 or zoo@sfcollege.edu.

What will I do during my experience?

After checking in at the ticket window, participants will be paired with a zookeeper. Participants will help zookeepers with daily care of the animals they are assigned to work with that week. This includes cleaning, feeding, observations and preparing enrichments.

What animals do participants get a chance to work with?

Participants will mainly work alongside zookeepers caring for birds, reptiles and some select mammals. We also have an opportunity to work in our Commissary and help make diets.

*Animals such as cats, primates and otters are unavailable for participants due to their danger potential.

Can I request what animals I work with?

We cannot guarantee which animals participants work with. The zoo environment is very dynamic and unpredictable. The animals’ welfare is always our priority. Animal areas are chosen based on their health and temperament that day. If a participant has signed up for the program multiple times, we try to vary which animals they work with.

Are parents allowed or required to sign up for the program as well?

At this time, Zookeeper for a Day is limited to 1 person per day, so parents are not able to participate in the program. Parents cannot work alongside their children because the animals could become stressed, potentially causing harm to themselves or others if there are too many people in their habitats. 

Can I take pictures of my child during the program?

After we open at 9 a.m., parents may purchase a ticket to come into the zoo. As long as the pictures are taken from the guest trails, you may take pictures of your child. Note that not all of the areas are accessible or visible from the trails. Participants may not take photos during their experience. 

Will the program be cancelled if there is inclement weather?

Our zookeepers work in most conditions, rain or shine. If the weather forecast indicates dangerous weather conditions, we will reach out to reschedule.

What do I do if I need to cancel my reservation?

Please email or call our Zoo receptionist at 352-395-5633 or email zoo@sfcollege.edu if you have to cancel your reservation. We appreciate as much advanced notice as possible.

Are masks required to participate?

For the safety of our animals and zookeepers, some areas of the zoo may require participants to wear a mask or double mask. You may bring your own mask. Disposable masks are available for free at the ticket window, and adult cloth masks are available for purchase. 

Registration Form - Zookeeper for a Day

Preferred Dates

Must choose three different dates. Please refrain from requesting dates more than 3 months in advance.

 
 
 

Thank you for your submission! You should receive a response from the scheduling staff within 72 hours. If you have not received a response after three business days, please call 352-395-5633 for assistance. If you are a potential student and have questions about the program, please email ZooAdvisor@sfcollege.edu.

SF Teaching Zoo Staff

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