What ages are eligible for the Junior Zookeeper Program?

The program is designed for children and teens ages 8 to 16.

Are parents allowed to stay during the sessions?

Parents can observe the sessions from designated areas but are not permitted to participate in the hands-on activities.

Is previous animal experience necessary?

No prior experience is required; all skills are taught during the program.

What animals will participants work with?

Participants may work with reptiles, birds, amphibians, and small mammals native to the region.

How can I register for a session?

You can book your spot online through the Scales and Tails Utah website or via their FareHarbor booking link.

What happens if it rains during the program?

Most sessions continue with indoor activities and animal care; in severe weather, rescheduling options are available.

Junior Zookeeper Program in Kearns, Utah

The Junior Zookeeper Program in Kearns, Utah, offered by Scales and Tails Utah, is a unique adventure designed for children and teens with a passion for animals. Participants gain hands-on experience caring for a variety of creatures, including feeding, cleaning, and handling reptiles, birds, and small mammals. The program emphasizes practical skills such as reptile husbandry and basic veterinary care, giving young animal lovers a chance to step into the role of a zookeeper. Each session introduces new challenges and opportunities to build confidence and knowledge about animal behavior and care. The experience is perfect for kids who dream of working with wildlife or vets and want an educational yet fun outdoor adventure. Set in the picturesque setting of Kearns, near Salt Lake City, the program benefits from the region’s moderate climate and scenic surroundings, making every class rewarding and memorable. Parents can be assured their children are in expert hands as they explore the responsibilities and joys of zookeeping through guided, supervised activities.

About Scales and Tails Utah

Scales and Tails Utah is a reptile and animal experience provider based in Kearns, Utah. The business offers hands-on encounters, private tours, educational programs, party packages, and animal rental services for film and events. Trained animal care professionals lead each experience, emphasizing safety, animal welfare, and education for participants of varying ages and interests.

Programs include VIP tours, VIP zookeeper experiences, teen and junior zookeeper classes, themed party room packages, and monthly community events such as Scales & Ales. Scales and Tails Utah also provides animal rental and animal wrangler services for film, photography, and commercials, supporting creative productions with trained animal ambassadors under supervised conditions.

Special events have included public demonstrations and milestone activities, such as Darthgator’s scheduled retirement demonstration on May 11th led by an expert handler. Party packages range from science-themed collaborations with Mad Science® to all-inclusive mega party options that combine decor, food coordination, and animal ambassador visits.

Scales and Tails Utah structures experiences to deliver hands-on learning about reptile care, feeding, enclosure maintenance, and species behavior while maintaining controlled environments and professional oversight. Activities are described with clear age guidance when applicable, and many VIP offerings allow small private groups for focused interaction.

Families, hobbyists, filmmakers, and educators can find booking options suitable for birthday parties, group outings, educational enrichment, and production needs. Scales and Tails Utah presents accessible, educational, and memorable reptile experiences in Kearns, Utah. Reservations and detailed booking information are available through Scales and Tails Utah's official contact channels for inquiries now.