Behind the scenes
JUNIOR ZOOKEEPER
A CHANCE TO GET CLOSER
Jr. Zookeeper for a Day!
Become our youngest Keeper for the day!
Join us for an unforgettable day and learn what it takes to be a zookeeper! Assist with feeding and exhibit maintenance and learn how our keepers evaluate the health and well-being of their animals. New this year, you’ll also get to discover how our zoo works to protect wild species and preserve natural habitats.
To thank you for your hard work, you'll receive a personalized certificate commemorating your day as an honorary zookeeper and a special gift to cherish the memories.
your adventure
Junior Zookeeper Experience
Cost $129.95 + HST per person (max 3 participants)
MORNING
Healthy Environments
Help our wildlife experts! Our zoo is home to a variety of exotic species, but it also serves as a natural ecosystem for many native species too. Learn how we assess the environmental quality of our ponds and wetlands and participate in sampling, measuring, and recording information.
Eating Healthy: Giraffes
Go behind the scenes with our giraffe keeper to discover what it takes to care for our tallest residents. Learn about animal nutrition, explore their daily care routines, and offer our giraffes some healthy snacks.
Observing Animal Behaviour: Otters
Spend some time with our playful river otters and learn how zookeepers use systematic observation to monitor animal behaviour. Scatter a food-based enrichment in the exhibit and record the behaviors you see.
Building Enrichments: White Lions
Apply what you’ve learned about animal behavior by designing your own enrichment for our white lions. Work with our keepers to place your enrichment in the exhibit and learn how these tools encourage animals to engage in natural behaviors.
LUNCH
Enjoy lunch at the Jolly Giraffe Sweets & Eats, located within Safari Niagara at the Giraffe Exhibit.
AFTERNOON
Papa Steve's Family Farm
Time to apply everything you’ve learned and help with daily keeper duties! Feed, water, clean and care for some of our most friendly animals. Create an enrichment and fill out a daily observation sheet as part of your experience.
PLEASE NOTE
- Experiences run 4 hours
- Maximum program capacity is 3 children per tour day. No additional guests
- Participants must be 10 to 17 years of age at time of experience
- Space is limited and reservations are required to avoid disappointment
- Payment is due upon booking
- Seven (7) day cancellation policy – if a tour is cancelled within seven (7) days of reservation date a refund will NOT be given
- Tours run rain or shine - ensure your child dresses accordingly
- Safari Niagara reserves the right to change an experience due to circumstances out of our control such as an animal’s health, exhibit maintenance, etc
- Participant admission to Safari Niagara is included in Jr Zookeeper cost
- Parents are to wait with their child(ren) until 10 a.m. when the Animal Care staff member arrives
WILDLIFE AWAITS YOU
A Zookeeper is an animal care specialist who cares for animals in places like Zoos, Aquariums, or Wildlife Parks. Many of the skills you’ll begin to learn as a Junior Zookeeper, such as animal care, observation, habitat maintenance, and environmental monitoring, are foundational for a wide range of green careers in conservation, ecology, and wildlife management.
Embark on a captivating journey of connection and wonder as you get to know the animals at Safari Niagara and discover how caring for animals is connected to caring for the environment.
Have question? Feel free to get in touch or visit our FAQ's!
BOOK YOUR ADVENTURE
Reservations are required
Availability
Cost
Daily Between June 9 – Sept 1
10:00AM – 2:00PM
$129.95 + HST
- Includes admission to Safari Niagara
- Lunch
- Official Keeper for a Day Certificate
- Safari Niagara hat
All guests are to check in at Guest Services (entrance of the park) for their Behind The Scenes Experience at least 1 hour before their booked time.
All Behind The Scenes Experiences will start at exactly the time stated and can not be delayed. Participants must arrive before 10am.
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