What ages can participate?

The program is designed for children aged 7–11, as listed in the activity details.

What time do we check in?

Check-in is at 10:00 AM at Reptile Encounters HQ, 2 Leslie Ct, Burwood VIC 3125.

How long is the program?

The experience runs about 5½ hours (listed as 5 hours 30 minutes), combining shows, hands-on tasks and breaks.

Is food or drink included?

Food and drinks are not included; participants should bring a morning snack, a packed lunch and a refillable water bottle.

What happens if the organizer cancels or I can’t attend?

If the organiser cancels, a full refund is offered; refund requests due to participant absence should be made at least seven days before the class.

How big are groups and can parents stay?

Group size is capped at ten children to ensure supervision; parental observation policies can be confirmed with the organizer at booking.

Be a Zookeeper for a Day at Reptile Encounters in Burwood

Adventure Brief

Turn curious kids into temporary keepers at Reptile Encounters HQ in Burwood—an immersive 5½-hour school-holiday program that mixes hands-on animal care with conservation lessons. Ideal for children aged 7–11, the day includes behind-the-scenes access, supervised handling, and a participation certificate.

5–6 hours

easy

From A$348.00

Reptile Encounters – Zookeeper for a day is a hands-on wildlife education program at Reptile Encounters HQ, 2 Leslie Ct, Burwood VIC 3125. Designed for children aged 7–11, this 5½-hour school-holiday experience turns curious kids into temporary keepers, feeding and caring for Australia’s reptiles, birds and small mammals under staff supervision. The day begins with a 10:00 AM check-in and safety briefing before participants observe live feedings and animal shows. Highlights include behind-the-scenes access to enclosures holding monitor lizards and crocodiles, supervised handling of smaller reptiles and birds, and practical husbandry tasks such as meal prep, enclosure cleaning basics and enrichment activities. The program balances excitement with responsible care: students learn habitat needs, dietary specifics and conservation issues that affect native species. What makes this program stand out in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs is its focus on active learning and direct responsibility. Instead of passive viewing, children take part in real zookeeping tasks with a maximum group size of ten, so instructors can offer individual attention and ensure safety. Participants leave with a certificate, behind-the-scenes photos and practical knowledge — a memorable mix of confidence-building and wildlife stewardship. Reptile Encounters highlights species typical to Australian wildlife education: monitor lizards (goannas), crocodiles used in demonstrations, a range of smaller snakes and skinks, and native birds that show how diverse local fauna can be. The facility operates like a small educational zoo, concentrated on native taxa rather than broad exhibit halls, which makes it a unique complement to outdoor parks and reserves near Burwood. Practical details that matter: wear closed-in, non-slip shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty; bring a morning snack, packed lunch and a refillable water bottle; sunscreen and hat in warm months. The program runs roughly 5–6 hours and is suitable for children who can stand, follow instructions and handle close contact with animals. No technical skills are required, but curiosity and respect for wildlife are essential. This experience is a good fit for families seeking an active, educational outing during school holidays, for children interested in biology, or for anyone who wants a dry-land wildlife adventure without leaving the Melbourne metro area. Beyond the fun, the program reinforces conservation messages and practical animal care — a small but effective way to connect young people with Australia’s unique wildlife. Located minutes from suburban trails and reserves, the program is a practical on-ramp to outdoor naturalist skills: observation, species identification and ethical interaction. For Burwood visitors who spend time at Blackburn Lake Sanctuary or Gardiners Creek Trail, this accessible extension explains animals encountered outdoors. Staff emphasize welfare and basic rehabilitation, and many participants find pathways into volunteer programs, school science projects or future study in ecology and wildlife care locally.

About Reptile Encounters

Reptile Encounters is a Burwood, VIC-based wildlife education provider specializing in hands-on reptile and native animal experiences. The organisation offers a range of guided sessions including HQ Tours, school incursions, kids parties, corporate events and specialised zookeeper programs for youth. The Zookeeper for a Day programs (7–11 years and 12–18 years) allow participants to handle, feed and care for Australian reptiles, birds and mammals while learning practical husbandry and conservation principles. The Pathways Zookeeper Program (NDIS 14+) delivers a sensory-friendly, supportive environment designed for autistic participants and others who benefit from adapted learning. HQ Tours provide one-hour guided encounters to meet snakes, crocodiles and parrots with opportunities to hold selected animals and learn species-specific facts. Corporate Events and Stage Shows bring live reptile presentations to workplaces and functions to engage teams and guests. School Incursions deliver curriculum-aligned, hands-on lessons about ecosystems, adaptations and classification. Kids Parties combine education with entertainment through interactive animal handling and Q&A that can be customised. Staff at Reptile Encounters follow established welfare and safety practices to ensure animal care and participant well-being, and sessions include instructional briefings and supervised handling. Bookings are available for individual visitors, groups, schools and corporate clients. Reptile Encounters operates from Burwood, VIC and focuses on authentic, educational wildlife experiences that connect people with native Australian animals while promoting conservation awareness.

The Zookeeper for a Day (12–18 years) includes feeding reptiles and birds and offers a certificate on completion to recognise participation. Participants receive guided instruction and supervised animal interactions every session.