What is the minimum age for participants?

Children must be at least 5 years old to participate; under-18s require a paying adult.

How large are the groups?

Group size is limited to six people to keep encounters personal and minimize animal stress.

Where do I meet the group?

Check-in is at 4107 Waverly Rd Murray, NE 68409; arrive 15 minutes early for orientation.

Can I feed the animals?

Feed buckets are available for purchase onsite for $10 and may be used with zookeeper guidance in designated areas.

Are encounters weather-dependent?

Yes. Encounters may change or be canceled based on weather to protect animal welfare; you will be notified if a schedule change is necessary.

Private Animal Encounters at Scatter Joy Acres: Otter, Capybara, Kangaroo

Q: What is the cancellation or rescheduling policy?

Bookings can be canceled or rescheduled up to three days from purchase without penalty; a $25 rescheduling fee applies after that, and there are no refunds for cancellations beyond the policy provided.

At Scatter Joy Acres in Murray, Nebraska, the "Playtime Trio" Encounter (Otter/Capybara/Kangaroo) is a private, 1.5-hour animal session that blends hands-on interaction with keeper-led education. Meeting at 4107 Waverly Rd Murray, NE 68409, your small group (maximum six people) moves through farm pens and ambassador enclosures under the guidance of trained zookeepers who prioritize animal welfare and guest safety. Children five and older are welcome; under-18s must be accompanied by a paying adult.

This experience stands out in the Great Plains because it pairs approachable farm animals—llamas, goats, and barnyard friends—with a rotating cast of exotic ambassadors: sloth, otter, capybara, bushbaby, porcupine, and kangaroo. The result feels part petting zoo, part natural history lesson: you might offer a goat a handful of feed, then sit quietly while a keeper explains a capybara’s social behavior or an otter’s aquatic adaptations. Feed buckets are available onsite for purchase ($10 per bucket).

The acres sit amid southeastern Nebraska’s working fields and shelterbelts; flat prairie and cottonwood-lined ditches provide a calm, low-stress backdrop that helps animals remain relaxed during encounters. Every interaction is scheduled and keeper-supervised, and guest access to off-program enclosures is restricted to protect both people and animals. Expect clear instruction, hands-on moments, and time to ask practical questions about husbandry, enrichment, and species-specific needs.

Practical details: bookings are private to your party, last 1.5 hours, and require closed-toe shoes (no Crocs). Programs are weather-dependent and can be rescheduled up to three days from purchase without penalty; a $25 rescheduling fee applies after that. All participants must be paying guests, and group size caps preserve a personal atmosphere while minimizing animal stress.

Why book this visit? For families and animal-curious travelers driving the Lincoln–Omaha corridor, Scatter Joy Acres offers a rare, ethical encounter with animals most Midwestern facilities do not host. It’s an intimate, educational stop that pairs well with a day exploring Cass County’s small towns and agricultural landscapes. If you value animal welfare, close observation, and meaningful interpretation, this guided encounter delivers a memorable, grounded experience.

Guides take time to explain each animal’s natural history and the conservation messages behind ambassador programs, from wetland importance for otters to social structures in capybara groups. The pace is unhurried; keepers demonstrate safe handling, enrichment techniques, and feeding protocols while inviting questions that deepen appreciation for species biology. This is a good option for birthday groups, homeschool outings, or adult groups who want an up-close, low-impact experience; note that space is limited and advanced booking is recommended. Check the meeting address on your reservation and arrive 15 minutes early to complete orientation. Scatter Joy Acres does not permit open-toe footwear and asks all visitors to follow keeper instructions to ensure a safe visit.