Is this suitable for teenagers who love animals?

Yes. The program is designed specifically for 12–18 year-olds with an interest in wildlife and hands-on care.

What time and where do we check in?

Check-in is at 10:00 AM at Reptile Encounters HQ, 2 Leslie Ct, Burwood VIC 3125.

Can participants handle large animals?

No. Larger species like crocodiles and monitor lizards are handled by staff during demonstrations; participants handle smaller reptiles and birds under supervision.

What if I need to cancel?

The operator offers online free cancellation or rebooking; if you need to change plans contact the organizer as soon as possible.

Are lunch and snacks provided?

No. Bring a morning snack, lunch and a drink bottle as listed in the what-to-bring notes.

Is the program wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility options are not listed in the description—contact the organizer directly to confirm accommodations before booking.

Zookeeper for a Day: Teens' Hands-On Reptile Adventure in Burwood

Adventure Brief

Step behind the public enclosures and into the keeper's world: teens aged 12–18 get hands-on with reptiles, birds and small mammals at Reptile Encounters HQ in Burwood. Learn husbandry, conservation basics and earn a certificate—perfect for animal-loving teens during school holidays.

5–6 hours

easy

From A$348.00

Reptile Encounters – Zookeeper for a Day places teenagers behind the scenes at Reptile Encounters HQ, 2 Leslie Ct, Burwood VIC 3125, a working wildlife education facility in Melbourne's eastern suburbs. Designed for 12-18 year-olds, the five-and-a-half-hour program folds conservation lessons into practical zookeeping tasks: feeding routines, enclosure cleaning, enrichment creation, and supervised handling of smaller animals. Participants also watch scheduled feedings and demonstrations for larger species such as monitor lizards and crocodiles, then receive a certificate and behind-the-scenes photos to mark the day.

The scene shifts between indoor holding bays, outdoor yards and demonstration arenas. Key features include reptile racks and terrariums, an open viewing area for bird and small mammal presentations, and a secure preparation zone where staff demonstrate husbandry techniques. The program highlights a wide range of Australian fauna—snakes, blue-tongue skinks, goannas, cockatoos and other native birds—showing the structural variety of scales, skins and beaks adapted to temperate Victorian ranges. While this is a controlled setting rather than wild habitat, the collection offers a concise primer on local species and broader Australian reptile evolution.

What makes this experience stand out is its mix of hands-on responsibility and education within a small cohort (maximum ten teens). That intimacy means direct mentorship from experienced keepers, immediate feedback on safe animal handling, and meaningful participation in daily care tasks rather than passive observation. For families visiting Melbourne who want an active, educational afternoon away from city museums and shopping, the program provides a tactile, memorable alternative.

Safety and learning are front and centre: orientation and clear guidelines precede any contact with animals, and larger species are handled only by staff during demonstrations. The schedule begins with a safety briefing, moves through classroom-style conservation talks, observation of live feedings, practical husbandry sessions, and wraps with certificates and photos. Bring closed-toe shoes, clothes you can wash, a drink bottle and questions—curiosity is the day’s currency.

This offering contributes to local conservation education by nurturing young stewards who understand captive care, animal welfare and habitat needs. It’s an ideal choice for aspiring wildlife professionals, animal lovers seeking responsibility, or teen groups wanting an immersive school-holiday activity that teaches as much as it thrills. Check-in is at 10:00 AM at the Burwood headquarters, and the group size is capped at ten to keep sessions hands-on and safe. The itinerary includes an orientation, classroom-style conservation modules, live demonstrations of crocodile or monitor lizard feedings conducted by staff, then supervised handling of smaller reptiles and birds. Participants leave with a certificate of participation and photos from the behind-the-scenes tour. Families should note the operator offers online free cancellation or rebooking; accessibility options are not listed, so contact the organizer before booking. Wear sturdy closed-toe footwear recommended.

About Reptile Encounters

Reptile Encounters is a Burwood, VIC-based wildlife education provider specializing in hands-on reptile and native animal experiences. The organisation offers a range of guided sessions including HQ Tours, school incursions, kids parties, corporate events and specialised zookeeper programs for youth. The Zookeeper for a Day programs (7–11 years and 12–18 years) allow participants to handle, feed and care for Australian reptiles, birds and mammals while learning practical husbandry and conservation principles. The Pathways Zookeeper Program (NDIS 14+) delivers a sensory-friendly, supportive environment designed for autistic participants and others who benefit from adapted learning. HQ Tours provide one-hour guided encounters to meet snakes, crocodiles and parrots with opportunities to hold selected animals and learn species-specific facts. Corporate Events and Stage Shows bring live reptile presentations to workplaces and functions to engage teams and guests. School Incursions deliver curriculum-aligned, hands-on lessons about ecosystems, adaptations and classification. Kids Parties combine education with entertainment through interactive animal handling and Q&A that can be customised. Staff at Reptile Encounters follow established welfare and safety practices to ensure animal care and participant well-being, and sessions include instructional briefings and supervised handling. Bookings are available for individual visitors, groups, schools and corporate clients. Reptile Encounters operates from Burwood, VIC and focuses on authentic, educational wildlife experiences that connect people with native Australian animals while promoting conservation awareness.

The Zookeeper for a Day (12–18 years) includes feeding reptiles and birds and offers a certificate on completion to recognise participation. Participants receive guided instruction and supervised animal interactions every session.