Keeper for a Day
Curious what it takes to be an animal keeper? Join our animal keepers as they provide the daily cleaning, care and dietary needs of our animals. You will learn about what it takes to care for all the animals at the park. All participants receive a water bottle, park bag and photo with an animal ambassador.
Pricing
Price per Person: $150
Chaperoning adult for ages 6-12 is FREE. Maximum 2 guests. Either two paying participants or a participant and adult chaperone.
Scheduling
Keeper for a Day is available on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday only from 9 am to Noon. Space is limited. Our Educators will work with you to reserve an exact date that fits your schedule. Please allow a minimum of 2 weeks notice. For more information or to schedule, call us at (309) 676-0998 ext. 312 or email programming@wildlifeprairie.org.
Gift a Wildly Unforgettable Adventure
Buy a Wildlife Prairie Park gift card for a special someone to use when booking their Keeper for a Day.
Ages
This program is for anyone ages 6 and older. All participants ages 6 to 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Animal Routes
Animal Ambassadors: Reptile collection, skunk, rabbits, and birds of prey (ages 6+)
Carnivores & Herds: Bison, elk, otters, black bear, farm animals and more (ages 9+)
Program Agendas
Animal Ambassador Keeper
Ages 6 to 12 must be accompanied by an adult
9 to 9:15 am: Arrival at the Park and meet with your keeper at Forest Hall. Animal keeper will provide a tour of the area and cover safety rules for the day.
9:15 to 9:30 am: Opening animal care for the owls and bunnies in the main classroom
9:30 to 10:15 am: Animal care for the chickens outside and our pig “Rooster”
10:15 to 10:30 am: Break for the keepers
10:30 to 11:30 am: Animal care of reptile and amphibian collection (snakes, turtles, toads, salamanders)
11:30 am to Noon: Behind the scenes tour or Merrill Woods and photo opportunity with an animal ambassador
Large Carnivore & Herd Keeper
Ages 9+
9 to 9:15 am: Arrival at the Park and meet with your keeper at Animal Kitchen. Animal keeper will provide a tour of the area and cover safety rules for the day
9:15 to 10:15 am: Opening animal care in the pioneer and Walden Pond loop (farm animals, swans, crane, river otters and Molly the black bear)
10:15 to 10:30 am: Break for the keepers
10:30 to 11:30 am: Assisting the keepers feed the bison and elk herd
11:30 am to Noon: Behind the scenes tour of Forest Hall animals and photo opportunity with an animal ambassador