What is the minimum age to participate?

Children must be at least 5 years old; anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

How long is the encounter?

The private Raccoon Encounter lasts approximately 30 minutes and is limited to a group of six.

Can I feed the animals?

Feed buckets are available for purchase on-site ($10); staff will indicate which animals may be fed safely.

Is photography allowed?

Yes—photography is encouraged, but avoid flash and follow keeper directions to prevent disturbing sensitive species.

Closed-toe shoes are required; dress in layers and avoid open-toe shoes or Crocs for safety.

Inside a Private Raccoon Encounter at Scatter Joy Acres — Murray, Nebraska

Scatter Joy Acres sits on 4107 Waverly Rd in Murray, Nebraska, a working small-animal farm and educational zoo where private keeper-led encounters bring exotic and barnyard animals within reach. At Scatter Joy Acres you’ll meet sloths, kangaroos, otters, capybaras, porcupines, and bushbabies alongside llamas, goats and other farm friends. The setting is lowland pasture and timber fringe typical of eastern Nebraska; pens, barns, and shaded viewing platforms create close, controlled sightlines for up-close learning. This 30-minute private Raccoon Encounter is a guided, small-group experience limited to six participants. A keeper leads the session, explaining each ambassador’s backstory, species habits, and conservation needs while maintaining strict welfare protocols: no open-toe shoes, all participants must be paying guests, and supervised contact only. Expect handler demonstrations, opportunity for supervised touch or feeding where appropriate, and time to photograph the animals’ behavior in a calm environment. After the encounter guests are free to explore the rest of the grounds independently. Key features include the exotic animal ambassador roster (sloth, kangaroo, otter, capybara, porcupine, bushbaby), dedicated barnyard pens with llamas and goats, and interpretive keeper stations that center education and animal welfare. The farm’s layout emphasizes low-stress enclosures and hands-on conservation messaging; signage explains each species’ natural range and why ambassadors are important for public education. Scatter Joy Acres operates as a combination educational zoo and rescue-focused farm; programming emphasizes animal care routines and rehabilitation stories. The experience is family-focused — children five and up are welcome, with minors accompanied by adults — making it an easy add-on for travelers staying in nearby Lincoln or Omaha seeking a quiet, animal-forward stop away from crowded tourist attractions. Practical details: the meeting point is 4107 Waverly Rd, Murray, NE 68409; encounter duration is 30 minutes; group size maxes at six; bookings require reservation and are subject to weather. Booking and referral links are provided at the time of purchase. Wear closed-toe shoes, arrive a few minutes early, and bring a camera with a zoom for respectful distance shots. Bookings can be canceled or rescheduled up to three days from purchase; after that a $25 rescheduling fee applies and refunds are not offered for cancellations. Feed buckets are available for purchase on-site ($10), and staff will advise which species may be fed. Events may change due to weather; staff will confirm details at check-in. Photographers should respect keeper guidance and avoid flash around sensitive species. Plan for gentle pace and close animal encounters.