• animal experience

    THE ANIMALS AT AUCHINGARRICH

    Animal Experiences

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  • Zoo Keeper Experience

    Zoo Keeper Experience

    Zoo Keeper Experience

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Immerse Yourself in Unforgettable Animal Experiences at Auchingarrich Wildlife Park


Discover Our Animal Experience & Zoo Keeper Experience

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a zoo keeper and work with incredible animals? At Auchingarrich Wildlife Park, we offer exclusive Zoo Keeper Experiences that allow you to step into the shoes of our expert keepers and get up close with our fascinating wildlife. Whether you're looking to fulfil a lifelong dream or give a family member a unique gift, our animal experiences promise an unforgettable adventure.


Zoo Keeper

4 Hour Zoo Keeper Experience

Have you ever wondered what it is like to be a zookeeper? Well look no further! Auchingarrich is now offering animal experiences and zookeeper days. This way you can spend some one on one time with your favourite animal in the park.


We are offering a half day keeper experience. This way you can undertake our keepers’ usual daily routines with the animals and get an insight into the job! This will include all daily jobs from feeding the animals to mucking them out and giving them a groom! This will take place from 12pm – 4pm.



A meerkat is looking up in a yellow frame
A sheep in a pink circle looking at the camera

Animal Experience

30 Minute Animal Experience

For a more focused interaction, we offer 30-minute sessions with some of our most beloved residents:

  • Black & White Ruffed Lemurs
  • Asian Short Claw Otters
  • Wildcats
  • Meerkats
  • Emus & Rheas
  • Parma Wallabies
  • Donkeys
  • Pygmy Goats


During these sessions, you'll have the chance to hand feed the animals, learn about their diets, and enjoy an up-close encounter that few get to experience.


Experience Training


Since we offer animal experiences to the public it is important that the Health and safety of the public the keeper and the animals are considered at all times. This training will help you achieve this.


  • Do I Need To Pre Book?

    We only run one session per day per animal so the session must be pre booked. This allows our keepers time to prepare and give you the best experience. 

  • Booking and Age Restrictions

    To maintain the quality and exclusivity of our experiences, only one session per day per animal is available, and pre-booking is essential. Age restrictions apply:


    • Ages 8+ can enjoy sessions with Lemurs, Emus & Rheas, Wallabies, Donkeys, and Pygmy Goats.
    • Ages 12+ are eligible for experiences with all listed animals.

    Only the person booked for the experience can enter the enclosure, but family members and a supervising adult can watch and take photos from outside.



  • What Happens On Our Animal Experience

    An animal experience allows you to get closer and learn more about your favourite animal. This session last 30 minutes and you will be able to enter the encloser and feed the animal of choice and learn more about them and their diet. 

  • How Many Can Take Part?

    Only the person the experience is booked for can partake in the session. Friends and family can watch from outside the enclosure and take photos.

  • What Is The 'Star'?

    The individual taking part in the experience will be known as a ‘star’. This allows the individual to be identified in the future and receive benefits and promotions. 


  • Feeding And Enrichment Plan

    The zoo keeper will keep a weekly feeding and enrichment plan which the star will be invited to join depending on the day of their visit. This allows the star to gain more knowledge on the animal’s diet.

  • What Our Experience Star Needs To Know?

    On the morning of the experience, the star should avoid wearing strong perfume, aftershave, or deodorant. 


    The star should arrive 30 minutes prior to the experience and check in at the gift shop where they will receive a t-shirt. The t-shirt must be worn so the star is easily identifiable and so the public knows they are partaking in a private experience. 


    The star should wear appropriate footwear. For example, wellingtons or hiking boots and have long trousers on. 



  • Where Should The Star Wait?

    Our star should wait outside the chosen animals’ enclosure next to the animal information sign.


    The star must wash and sanitise their hands before entering any enclosure.


    A keeper will undertake checks to make sure appropriate clothing and footwear are being worn before the experience begins.

  • Key Things The Star Must Remember

    Stars can take cameras in with them as long as the flash is off.


    Stars must enter the enclosure quietly and calmly. 


    Stars must always keep their hands away from the animals and must not reach out to pet them without the keeper’s approval.


    Stars must always listen to the keeper’s instructions.


    If our star becomes nervous or apprehensive, they should slowly and calmly back away from the animal and inform the keeper.


    The star or the keeper can stop the experience at any time for any reason.



  • Additional Perks

    As a 'star,' you'll be invited to join our weekly feeding and enrichment plans, providing deeper insight into the animals' diets and habits. Plus, enjoy future discounts and special promotions as a recognised participant in our animal experiences.

  • Health and Safety

    Your safety and the safety of our animals are our top priorities. All participants must adhere to strict health and safety guidelines, including hand washing and sanitising before entering any enclosure. Our expert keepers will provide detailed instructions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.



  • Contact Us

    For more information or to book your Zoo Keeper Experience, please contact us:


    Embark on a unique experience that combines education, excitement, and exclusive access to the world of zoo keeping. Book your animal experience at Auchingarrich Wildlife Park today and create memories that will last a lifetime!