CLONROCHE ATTRACTION FIELD GUIDE
Four Hours as a Junior Keeper: Meerkats, Ponies and Quad Rides at Secret Valley Wildlife Park
A hands-on, four-hour program for kids aged 9–15 at Secret Valley Wildlife Park in Coolnacon that teaches animal care through keeper-led feeding, grooming and enrichment activities.
Four Hours as a Junior Keeper: Meerkats, Ponies and Quad Rides at Secret Valley Wildlife Park.
Set at Secret Valley Wildlife Park in Coolnacon (Clonroche, Co. Wexford), the Junior Keeper Experience is a concentrated, four‑hour immersion that puts young participants shoulder‑to‑shoulder with the park’s keepers. Designed for children aged 9–15, the program moves from practical animal care—preparing food and enrichment—to direct handling and feeding (including meerkats) and grooming ponies, all under staff supervision.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Hands‑on keeper mentorship
Participants work alongside dedicated keepers, learning daily routines and assisting with feeding and enrichment to understand animal care up close.
Feed meerkats and groom friendly ponies
The day includes animal handling and meet‑and‑greet moments—feeding playful meerkats and grooming ponies are core parts of the experience.
Certificate, photos, lunch and a quad ride
Beyond animal care skills, each participant receives a certificate, has photo opportunities, enjoys lunch included in the program and gets a ride on a quad as part of the day.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
Over four hours, the Junior Keeper Experience unfolds as a compact, practical apprenticeship: check‑in at the park, then hands‑on tasks—preparing food, making enrichment items, supervised animal handling and grooming—interspersed with photo opportunities, a lunch break and a certificate presentation at the end.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this experience suits—and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The Junior Keeper Experience runs for four hours.
Wear fully enclosed footwear (no sandals, flip‑flops or high heels). If it’s wet, bring wellies.
Meet at the entrance hut at Secret Valley Wildlife Park to check in before the program begins.
The program includes park entrance, keeper‑led activities, animal handling sessions, lunch, photo opportunities, a certificate and a quad ride.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the Junior Keeper Experience last?
The program lasts four hours.
What ages can take part?
The experience is designed for children aged 9–15.
Where do we meet for the activity?
Participants meet at the entrance hut at Secret Valley Wildlife Park to check in.
Are there footwear requirements?
Yes—participants must wear fully enclosed footwear; please do not wear sandals, flip‑flops or high heels. Wear wellies if it is a wet day.
Is the park wheelchair accessible?
Yes—the park is wheelchair accessible, although you may experience rough terrain in parts.
Can participants interact with primates?
No—there is no interaction with any primates as part of the experience.
Is lunch provided?
Yes—lunch is included in the Junior Keeper Experience.