This encounter gives anyone from the age of 6 upwards the chance to meet a huge variety of animals including Lemurs, Meerkats, Reptiles, Hedgehogs and Skunks. The experience is 2 hours long.
Find out more about the animals included on this experience!
Ring-Tailed Lemurs are medium-sized primates native to the forests and scrublands of Madagascar. Recognizable by their striking black-and-white ringed tails, grey bodies, and expressive faces, they are highly social, curious, and full of personality.
These lemurs feed mainly on fruits, leaves, flowers, and bark, using their nimble hands to grasp and explore their food. Living in large social groups called troops, they communicate with a variety of calls, scents, and gestures, displaying complex social behaviors and strong bonds.
At Hoo Zoo, our Ring-Tailed Lemur helps visitors learn about the fascinating behaviors of primates, the diversity of Madagascar’s wildlife, and the importance of conserving tropical forests and scrublands. Observing these intelligent, lively animals up close gives visitors a chance to appreciate their curiosity, social intelligence, and vital role in their ecosystems.
Meerkats are small, highly social mammals native to the deserts and savannas of southern Africa. Recognizable by their upright posture, big eyes, and playful expressions, they are curious, alert, and always on the lookout.
These omnivores feed on insects, small reptiles, fruits, and plants, using their sharp claws and keen senses to dig and forage for food. Meerkats live in tight-knit groups called mobs, where they work together to keep an eye out for predators and share food.
At Hoo Zoo, our Meerkat helps visitors learn about the fascinating social behaviours of small mammals, the importance of teamwork, and how desert ecosystems function. Observing these lively, energetic animals up close gives visitors a chance to appreciate their curiosity, intelligence, and essential role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
The Striped Skunk is a small, nocturnal mammal known for its bold black and white fur and its infamous defensive spray. Found across North America, it is a member of the weasel family and is easily recognizable by its distinctive stripe pattern that runs down its back and tail.
Despite its fearsome reputation, the Striped Skunk is primarily a scavenger and omnivore, feeding on insects, small animals, fruits, and plants. It uses its keen sense of smell to forage for food, and when threatened, it can spray a foul-smelling liquid from its glands as a powerful defense mechanism to ward off predators.
At Hoo Zoo, our Striped Skunk helps visitors learn about the unique behaviours and adaptations of small mammals, the role of scent in animal defence, and how these creatures contribute to controlling insect and rodent populations. Observing this fascinating, quirky animal up close gives visitors a chance to appreciate the diversity of wildlife in their own backyards.
The desert hedgehog is one of the smallest of hedgehogs. It is 5.5 to 11 inches (140 to 280 mm) long and weighs about 10 to 18 ounces (280 to 510 g). The spines (or quills to give their correct name) on its back can be banded with coloring similar to the four-toed hedgehog. It is usually identified by its dark muzzle. If desert hedgehogs are threatened, their muscles go tight and pull the outer layer of skin around the body, making their quills stick out in all directions. The quills tend to be longer than other hedgehogs for better protection against predation. As such it is extremely difficult to catch one.. [credits: Wikipedia]
Argentine Tegus are large, intelligent lizards native to South America, best known for their striking black-and-white patterns and calm, curious nature. They are among the most intelligent reptiles, capable of recognising keepers, learning routines, and even showing problem-solving behaviour.
These powerful reptiles are omnivores, feeding on a varied diet of fruits, vegetables, insects, eggs, and small prey in the wild. Despite their size and strength, Argentine Tegus are often surprisingly gentle when well socialised, making them excellent ambassadors for reptile education.
At Hoo Zoo, our Argentine Tegu helps visitors learn about reptile conservation, responsible care, and the important role reptiles play in healthy ecosystems.
At Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World, we offer an unforgettable Junior Half Day Keeper experience, where kids get to step into the shoes of a zookeeper and meet some incredible animals up close.
Our keepers will be there throughout to help guide you through the experience and answer any questions you may have whilst ensuring you have a fun and safe experience.
Meet a Skunk – Get to know this adorable and misunderstood animal while learning all about their unique defences and personalities.
Desert Hedgehog Encounter - Discover the tiny, spiky wonders of the desert as you meet a curious and charming desert hedgehog.
Reptile Encounter – Depending on the day, meet a selection of reptiles, which may include a Snake, Giant Tortoise, Bosc Monitor, or Argentine Tegu, and learn about their unique traits, behaviours, and conservation.
Lemur Time - Spend time with energetic and social lemurs, watch them leap from branch to branch, and learn all about their rainforest homes.
Meerkat Encounter - Get up close with these curious and ever-watchful meerkats, and see their playful antics up close.
Throughout the experience, Junior Keepers will hand feed, stroke and get up close to all the animals mentioned.
Perfect for Kids Who Love Animals! This hands-on, educational experience is ideal for children who are passionate about wildlife and want to learn what it takes to care for exotic animals.
As our animals welfare is of utmost importance and we are privileged to be able to get so close to these species – we will not force our animals to do anything against their nature and all interaction is done on their terms.
Participants must be able bodied and 6 years or older.
Experiences are taken in groups of 8-10.
Book your VIP experience tickets!
