Because You Live Here!

Junior & Explorer Zookeeping

Junior & Explorer Zookeeping is a one-of-a-kind experience for children interested in learning more about animals and their care! EARTH Ltd works with Southwick’s Zoo to provide this program which allows children the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at how animals are cared for here at the zoo and what it takes to be a zookeeper. Junior Zookeepers assist with diet preparation, create enrichment, and more.

Junior Zoo

 

Time

9:00am-11:30am

(Carnivores) 1:00 – 3:30pm

 

Pricing per session

Non-Members: $99/child
EARTH Ltd. Members: $79/child

Ages

Sessions are available for the following age groups:

6-9 years
10-13 years

Explorer Zoo

 

Time

8:30am-12:30pm

(Carnivores) 12:30 – 4:30pm

 

Pricing per session

Non-Members: $149/child
EARTH Ltd. Members: $129/child

Ages

Sessions are available for the following age groups:

14-16 years

Program Notes

 
  • Children must be registered online at least 24 hours in advance. Full payment is due at the time of registration.
  • If you cannot attend your program, you must call or email the EARTH Discovery Center at least 48 hours before the start of the program for a full refund or transfer.  
  • No-show no-notification will NOT receive a refund or transfer. 
  • Late arrivals cannot be accommodated. This program begins before the Zoo opens to the public.
  • Each session has a limited number of spots available. The registration page will show the remaining spaces for each date.
  • Please read carefully and make sure you are registering your child for the appropriate age group. Each session is for a specific age group. If you register a child for the incorrect age group, your registration will be canceled and refunded.
  • We recommend that children wear appropriate footwear, such as sneakers, for walking around the zoo.
  • Children should bring a small backpack or other bag to carry a water bottle and snack.
  • Pick up and drop off for Junior Zookeeping will be by the picnic tables near the parking lot.
  • Please remember that this is a program for children, and parents do not accompany and participate during sessions. Junior Zookeeping includes zoo admission for the participating child, but not for parents/guardians. However, parents are welcome to explore the zoo as a paid guest after the zoo opens at 10:00am.

Topics

Herbivores

What does a rhino eat? How do you care for a giraffe? What is the softest herbivore in the world? What does a porcupine like to play with? Come learn about our plant-eating pals and help plan their diet, make them some enrichment, and get an up-close and personal hands on experience with some of our favorite herbivores!

Carnivores

Meat is on the menu! What does a lion love? What does a coati crave? What are snake’s favorite foods? Learn how we feed our carnivores and enrich their lives with meat snacks. You will also learn how the keepers entertain some of our smartest animals by making them enrichment.

Primates

Help us make enrichment for the zoo’s monkeys! Primates are very intelligent and sociable like humans, so kids will learn how much they are like us and how they are different. Learn about the important enrichment primates require.

Birds

Birds are some of the smartest animals in the Animal Kingdom, so what exactly does it take to care for the closest living relatives of the dinosaurs? Why don’t they fly away? How do they communicate? Bird’s beaks are essential tools and we will find out what they use them for. Learn lots about our fascinating feathered friends!

Located at Southwick’s Zoo

2 Southwick’s Street

Mendon, MA 01756

1-800-258-9182

 

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