Keeper Academy
Providing the practical experience to pursue a career with animals
Our Keeper Academy is a course for young people aged 15-17 years old (school years 10, 11 and 12). The course will run over 3 days from 10am to 3pm, including theory sessions on working with different exotic species as well as a number of practical sessions to gain experience with a range of zoo animals, including invertebrates, reptiles, primates and large mammals.
The course is designed for those who wish to pursue a career with animals and require practical experience to enhance their application. Those who wish to become vets, vet nurses, zoo keepers or complete other animal-based studies will benefit from this exciting new course.
Supported at all times by our education team, students will be able to gain insight into working within a zoo and receive a certificate of completion.
This price includes a discount card for the shop and café that can be used on course days. On the last day of the course, there is a graduation where participants will receive their certificate. One free adult admission ticket is available for a friend or family to enter the zoo and attend the graduation.
Dates & Price
Dates: Friday 2nd, Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th August 2024.
Time: 10am - 3.00pm each day.
Price: £260 per child (includes branded t-shirt). A hoody can be purchased at an additional price.
Maximum of 10 children per date. Places are limited and spaces will fill up fast.
What to expect over the 3 days
- 10am - Meet at the Visitor Services Hub for registration.
- Meet the team and the zoo keepers.
- The roles of a modern zoo.
- Theory sessions, learning about the different species.
- Working with a range of species from birds, mammals, primates, reptiles and invertebrates.
- Get stuck in with some of the mucking out and learn what it takes to look after our animals and what they need.
- Preparing and delivering animal diets.
- Lunch break (lunch is not provided, please bring a packed lunch).
- Design and create some animal enrichment.
- Q&A with the keepers.
- Conservation, research and education.
- End of the day and certificates.
Important Information
- Only held on select days, please click on the button below to select a course date.
- Participants must be within the correct school year and age range.
- Includes entry to the zoo for the whole day for the child plus free entry to one adult.
- Guardians are not able to accompany children on the day.
- Children will be supervised by our Education team at all times.
- The programme runs in all weather conditions. We recommend wet weather attire on wet days. Blackpool Zoo reserves the right to cancel the encounter in extreme weather conditions.
- Fitness requirements: Participants will be exploring the zoo each day. For any additional requirements, please enquire with animal.interactions@blackpoolzoo.org.uk prior to booking.
- Clothing requirements: Enclosed flat shoes and sensible clothing suitable for the weather.
- Participants will be required to agree to the programme rules, and a parent or guardian must complete and return a health and safety form prior to the course. The forms can be found linked to the confirmation emails.
- If there are any severe allergies, medical needs or additional information/support we need to be aware of please contact animal.interactions@blackpoolzoo.org.uk prior to booking.
- For terms and conditions, please see here.
Book Keeper Academy today!