What is the minimum age to join this encounter?

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

How large are the groups?

Group size is limited to six people to ensure quality keeper interaction and animal welfare.

Where do I check in for the experience?

The meeting point is 4107 Waverly Rd, Murray, NE 68409—arrive 10–15 minutes early to check in at the office.

What is the cancellation or rescheduling policy?

Bookings can be canceled or rescheduled up to three days from purchase without fee; after that a $25 rescheduling fee applies. Encounters may change or cancel for weather.

Can I bring a non-participating spectator?

Everyone who enters the programs must be a paying participant—spectators are not permitted inside private encounter sessions.

Are interactions guaranteed with every animal listed?

Interactions depend on animal welfare and temperament; keepers will advise if an animal should not be handled that day.

Slow & Steady Encounter: Private Sloth & Porcupine Experience in Murray NE

Scatter Joy Acres’ "Slow & Steady" Encounter (Porcupine/Sloth) in Murray, Nebraska, is a one-hour private animal experience designed for small groups that foregrounds education and animal welfare. Located at 4107 Waverly Rd, the program brings together slow-motion charm and lively curiosity: you’ll meet sloths whose deliberate movements reveal surprising strength, porcupines that test your respect for quills, playful otters, gentle capybaras, a nocturnal bushbaby, and the occasional kangaroo. The setting blends a compact board-and-pen zoo layout with farm paddocks where llamas and goats greet visitors—an intimate, approachable alternative to large institutions. What makes this encounter stand out in the region is its emphasis on ambassador animals and keeper-led interpretation. Sessions are limited to six guests and guided by trained zookeepers who explain species-specific behavior, conservation contexts, and the care routines that keep these animals healthy. Rather than a quick photo stop, this is a guided learning moment: handlers model safe interactions, and you get controlled, meaningful contact with select residents under staff supervision. The tour is designed to be accessible: children five and older can participate (minors require a paying adult), and the one-hour format fits into a day trip from nearby Omaha or Lincoln. Practical policies are clear—no open-toe shoes or Crocs, bookings subject to weather, and a three-day window for free rescheduling—so families and planners can prepare. Feed buckets for barnyard friends are available for purchase, adding a tactile farm experience after the ambassador session. Beyond the animals, Scatter Joy Acres contributes to outdoor recreation in southeastern Nebraska by offering a hands-on wildlife literacy option that complements nearby natural areas and trails. It’s not a wilderness excursion, but it’s a valuable stop for travelers who want close animal encounters without compromising safety or animal welfare. Small-group access makes every guest feel seen; knowledgeable staff make every question count. If you care about conservation storytelling, want reliable opportunities to photograph unusual species up close, or are traveling with young naturalists, this encounter is worth booking. Bring closed-toe shoes, prepare for a relaxed pace, and expect a balanced mix of education, connection, and low-key fun at a local facility that prioritizes animal care and visitor experience. Booking is done online through the experience's reservation system; because groups are capped at six, slots fill quickly on weekends and holiday periods. The encounter also makes an unusual, memorable gift for families or educators looking for curriculum-aligned animal demonstrations. Expect gentle handling only—zookeepers will decline interactions that stress an ambassador—and staff can suggest follow-up activities around Murray, such as local parks and riverfront walks. Tip: arrive 10–15 minutes early to check in at the office and wear neutral-colored clothing to avoid startling curious animals during close encounters. Reserve early; this program sells out.