What is the minimum age to participate?

Children must be at least 5 years old to join this encounter; those under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

How many people can join a private encounter?

Group size is limited to six people to minimize stress for the animals and ensure individualized attention.

Are feed buckets included?

Barnyard feed buckets are available for purchase onsite ($10), but other feedings are managed by staff and vary by species.

Can I bring my own food or treats for the animals?

No—feeding is controlled by keepers to protect animal diets and welfare; the facility provides approved feed options where appropriate.

What should we wear and bring?

Wear closed-toe shoes, dress for the weather, bring a camera (no flash), and be prepared to follow keeper instructions for safety.

Private Otter & Kangaroo Encounter at Scatter Joy Acres in Murray, NE

Q: What is the cancellation policy?

The program follows a 24-hour cancellation policy. Bookings can be changed or canceled within three days of purchase without fee; after that, a $25 rescheduling fee applies and refunds are not offered for late cancellations.

At Scatter Joy Acres in Murray, Nebraska, the “Playful Pairs” Encounter (Otter/Kangaroo) offers a private, keeper-led, one-hour experience that brings guests face-to-face with charismatic animal ambassadors. Located at 4107 Waverly Rd, Murray, NE 68409, the program is designed for visitors aged five and up, with groups capped at six people so interactions remain calm and supervised. Every participant must purchase a ticket, and children under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Guides are trained zookeepers who steer each interaction to prioritize animal welfare while sharing natural history, behavioral insights, and conservation context. Expect direct time with otters and kangaroos, with additional opportunities to see sloths, capybaras, bushbabies, porcupines, and the barnyard crew—llamas and goats included. Barnyard feed buckets are available for purchase onsite ($10), enabling tactile moments with domesticated residents under staff direction.

The encounter unfolds in purpose-designed areas maintained to reduce stress and showcase enrichment techniques. Keepers explain diets, social behavior, and enrichment practices as part of a structured educational narrative rather than free-form petting. Encounters are subject to weather and may be canceled or changed if conditions impair animal welfare or guest safety.

Practical policies are straightforward: no open-toe shoes or Crocs; everyone entering the program must be a paying participant; and bookings follow a 24-hour cancellation policy. Reservations can be canceled or rescheduled within three days of purchase without fee; after that a $25 rescheduling fee applies and refunds are not offered for late cancellations.

Why book this specific program? Scatter Joy Acres combines a small-facility, farm-like atmosphere with an ambassador program that emphasizes individualized storytelling and close observation. The rural setting around Murray reduces crowd pressure and allows keepers to focus on meaningful interpretation and authentic animal behaviors. For families, educators, and photographers, the private one-hour format delivers better opportunities for learning, questions, and photos than larger, busier facilities.

Who should go: families with children five and older, wildlife educators, animal-curious travelers, and photographers seeking candid, staff-supervised portraits. After your hour-long encounter you are welcome to explore other areas of the property during zoo hours, extending your visit into a relaxed, educational day.

Scatter Joy Acres’ “Playful Pairs” is more than a novelty; it’s a small-group, keeper-guided education session that foregrounds animal comfort, accurate information, and long-term stewardship while delivering memorable, responsibly managed contact with otters, kangaroos, and an eclectic cast of animal ambassadors.