Keeper for a Day

Details

• Your day will include hands-on activities working directly with the animals such as preparing their meals, cleaning enclosures, conducting training exercises and providing them with enrichment items to stimulate them both mentally and physically.

• Spend the day assisting the keepers that care for the ambassador animals from the Zoo's Get Close animal programs and the Professor Wylde Animal Show.

• This exciting program runs year-round. Limited dates available.

• Program length will be five hours from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• The minimum age for the program is 12 years old.

• Closed-toe shoes are mandatory. ​

Documents

• Waiver Packet (both child and adult)

Dates/Times

This exciting program runs year-round on Wednesdays and Saturdays, excluding holiday weeks.

Program length will be five hours from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Cost

• Members: $275
• Non-Members:  $300

Minors must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or family member to ensure that the minor is never left unattended during the program.

Each program attendee will fully experience and participate in the Keeper for a Day program. By special request, two people from the same family may be able to attend the same date/time. Interested parties should call 216.635.3391.

FAQ

What is the youngest age for a Keeper for a Day participant?

Minimum age is 12 years old to participate. All minors must have a chaperone.

What should I wear?

Closed toed shoes are required due to the nature of the experience of going behind the scenes in animal areas. Weather appropriate, casual clothing is recommended.

After I purchase my program, do I need to do anything before I arrive?

Please email a completed, signed copy of the waiver packet for each attendee to programregistration@clevelandmetroparks.com. Not having your completed waiver forms on file before your arrival will delay the start of your program.

When and where should I arrive for the program?

Guests should arrive at the reception desk in the Reinberger Education Building (the brick building to the left of the Main Entrance to the Zoo) at the designated program start time  - 9:00 a.m.

Does the price include admission to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo?

Program attendees are welcome to walk around the Zoo after the program has concluded. A separate entrance ticket is not required for same-day visits.

Are facial coverings required?

Cleveland Metroparks is continuing to follow guidance from CDC and the State of Ohio for precautions against COVID-19. Based on new guidelines, guests will not be required to wear facial coverings when visiting Cleveland Metroparks and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. We strongly recommend that guests who are unvaccinated continue to wear facial coverings in Cleveland Metroparks' indoor locations and practice social distancing. Guests should not visit Cleveland Metroparks if they are exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19.

Will the program still happen if it is raining or snowing?

This education program will occur rain or shine. It is recommended to wear weather appropriate clothing. During colder months, dressing in layers would be appropriate as there are moments spent both indoors and outdoors during the day.