Experiences and Encounters

Encounters

Experience unforgettable animal encounters at Reaseheath Zoo! Get up close and personal with some of the world’s most amazing creatures and go behind the scenes with our expert zookeepers. Suitable for aged 6 years plus, except for our Tapir encounter which is for those aged 12 years plus. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult spectator.

Choose from a wide range of incredible animals including:

  • Meerkats
  • Ring-tailed Lemurs
  • Capybara
  • Porcupines 
  • Reptiles
  • Sulcata Tortoises
  • Marmosets and Tamarins
  • Farmyard friends (Could include goats, sheep, alpaca or chickens)
  • Small furries (Could include rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets or rodents)
  • Lowland Tapir *over 12s only
  • Bugs

Our animal encounters last 30 minutes on a one-to-one basis, giving you plenty of time to interact and even feed or groom your chosen animal.

With every booking you’ll receive admission to the zoo, a talk from an experienced zookeeper, and one free spectator. Plus, book two weeks in advance and receive an optional voucher pack! 

Please note that our animal’s well-being is our top priority, so it’s entirely up to them whether they wish to participate in the encounter. But with tasty treats at the ready, it’s hard for them to resist! Book now for an unforgettable animal encounter at Reaseheath Zoo.

Prices and upcoming dates:

Prices

  • £35 for 1 person 
  • £65 for 2 people 
  • £100 for 3 people 
  • £130 for 4 people 


Upcoming dates:

Once you purchase your encounter, you will receive an automatic email with a link to our booking calendar so you can choose your preferred date and time. If you have a specific date in mind and wish to check availability before you book, please email zoo@reaseheath.ac.uk with your enquiry.

Please note: our encounters are currently booking up roughly 3-4 weeks in advance, so if you’re planning to book for a special occasion please arrange this in plenty of time to avoid disappointment. 

By booking this experience you agree to our terms and conditions here.

Keeper for a day

Keeper for a Day at Reaseheath Mini Zoo is an incredible opportunity for you to get hands-on experience in what it’s like to be a zookeeper.

Throughout the day, you’ll have the chance to work on different sections of the zoo, each with their unique set of animals. You might find yourself caring for and feeding our friendly goats, observing and interacting with our curious meerkats, or handling and caring for our fluffy rabbits. You’ll also get to experience the thrill of working with snakes and the adventure of caring for our lively lemurs.

We have a team of experienced and passionate keepers who are excited to share their knowledge with you and guide you through the day. You’ll learn about the animals, their habitats, and the care they need to thrive. You’ll also get to ask plenty of questions and gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to be a zookeeper.

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and jump right in!

  • Keeper for a day experience runs from 10am-2.30pm
  • Animals on experience vary
  • We book a maximum of three participants onto each session. 
  • Minimum age for children is 8 years old 
  • One free spectator is allowed per booking and under 18s must be accompanied by an adult (included in the price). Additional spectators are required to pay normal zoo entry 
  • Spectators will not be able to take part in the activities or enter enclosures, if you wish to take part together, please see pricing below 

Prices and upcoming dates:

Prices
  • Junior – £110 
  • Adult – £140 
 
Upcoming dates: 
  • 4th/5th May
  • 11th May
  • 1st/2nd June
  • 9th June
  • 6th/7th July
  • 13th/14th July
  • 3rd/4th August
  • 10th/11th August
 

If you would like to share your experience with a friend or family member, add a second (or third) person to your booking for a discounted rate of £90 for Junior and £120 for Adult Keeper for a Day experiences. 

Got a question? Email us at zoo@reaseheath.ac.uk. 

By booking this experience you agree to our terms and conditions here.