Keeper for a Day at National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for children in good general health with basic mobility.
Overview
Step into a zookeeper’s shoes with the National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra’s ‘Primary School Keeper for a Day’ program. Kids in years 3-6 feed animals, clean enclosures, and learn firsthand about wildlife conservation in this unique, interactive experience.
Primary School Keeper for a Day
Designed for kids in Years 3-6 • 3 Hours • Keeper of the Day
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About This Adventure
Experience a day in the life of a zookeeper with hands-on activities like feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, and crafting toys. Designed for children in years 3-6, each unique session promotes conservation awareness and offers an unforgettable adventure at the zoo, ensuring no two days are ever the same!
Encounter a reptile, feed a friendly animal and even chip in to help clean an enclosure while learning about how the zoo runs!
Duration
3 Hours
About
These stand alone three hour sessions allow children to experience life as a zoo keeper. They will be given the opportunity to participate in activities such as cleaning, feeding and making toys for our animals, as well as learning about local and international conservation issues. We aim to include different activities in each session to ensure that no two days at the zoo are exactly the same! You can come to one session or more!
More info
These sessions are for children in years 3-6 at school. A minimum of 3 participants are required for Keeper for a Day to run. Your session may be rescheduled or a voucher issued if the session does not meet minimum numbers.
As we make the health of our animals and guests the highest priority, we ask you do not send your child if they are sick (with any illness). If your child becomes unwell, please contact our reception to organise rebooking.
What to Bring
- Enclosed shoes
- Water Bottle
- Snack or money for a cafe purchase
- Sun protection
- Please wear clothes that are weather appropriate and able to be dirtied!
Adventure Tips
Wear enclosed shoes
Closed-toe shoes are required for safety while feeding and cleaning animal areas.
Bring a water bottle
Stay hydrated during the three-hour session, especially in warmer months.
Dress for mess
Wear clothes that can get dirty; you’ll be working closely with animals and enclosures.
Arrive on time
Sessions run on a strict schedule to maximize hands-on time with animals.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Southern hairy-nosed wombat
- Venomous snakes cared for in the reptile house
History
Established as Australia’s only combined zoo and aquarium, this facility focuses on education and conservation unique to the Canberra region.
Conservation
The zoo actively supports endangered species recovery programs and promotes sustainable wildlife care practices.
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Adventure Hotspots in Canberra
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Closed-toe shoes
Protects feet during animal feeding and enclosure cleaning.
Water bottle
Keeps participants hydrated, especially during warm weather.
summer specific
Weather-appropriate clothing
Comfortable clothes that can get dirty and suit the season’s conditions.
all specific
Sun hat and sunscreen
Provides protection from sun exposure during outdoor activities.
spring|summer|fall specific