MURRAY FARM FIELD GUIDE
Close Quarters with a Crest: A Private Porcupine Encounter at Scatter Joy Acres
A focused, 30-minute guided encounter in Murray where guests ages 5 and up meet an African crested porcupine and other animal ambassadors—this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.
Close Quarters with a Crest: A Private Porcupine Encounter at Scatter Joy Acres.
At Scatter Joy Acres in Murray, Nebraska, a private, staff-led encounter puts a select group of visitors face-to-face with an array of animal ambassadors—from porcupines to sloths, kangaroos, otters and more—offering hands-on interaction, feeding opportunities, and an educational, peaceful setting to learn each animal’s story.
The experience is compact—30 minutes in length—and begins at the property at 4107 Waverly Rd, Murray, NE 68409; arrive early to check in so the session can run on schedule.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Private meetings with animal ambassadors
During your private tour you may meet and interact with a curated roster of residents—sloth, kangaroo, porcupine, otter, capybara and bushbaby—plus friendly barnyard animals, all presented in a small-group setting.
Guided with heart
Each private tour is led by an experienced, knowledgeable zookeeper who shares animal stories, ensures guest safety and animal wellbeing, and guides hands-on moments with care.
Barnyard time and practical interaction
Expect barnyard encounters where you can get up close with llamas and goats; feed buckets are available for purchase on site to enhance the experience.
What the day feels like
What the encounter feels like
This is an intimate, staff-led walkthrough: a brief welcome and orientation, a guided route through key spaces, a supervised hands-on window to interact with ambassadors, and a short Q&A and photo moment before departure—designed to be educational, calm, and memorable.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this visit suits—and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The encounter lasts approximately 30 minutes; please arrive 10–15 minutes early to check in and avoid delays.
Meet at Scatter Joy Acres, 4107 Waverly Rd, Murray, NE 68409; follow check-in instructions provided at booking.
Wear closed-toe shoes (no open-toe shoes or Crocs). If you plan to feed barnyard animals, purchase a feed bucket on site (available for $10).
Bookings may be rescheduled up to 24 hours before the tour; changes after that incur a $25 fee. Cancelled bookings are not eligible for refunds.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How old do children need to be to participate?
Children must be at least 5 years old to enter the program; anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult and children ages 5–18 require their own paid admission.
What is the group size for a private encounter?
Group size is limited to six people for each private encounter.
Can I buy feed for the barnyard animals?
Yes—feed buckets are available for purchase on site for $10 per bucket to use during barnyard time.
What are the footwear and safety rules?
No open-toe shoes or Crocs are allowed during the encounter; guides ensure guest safety and animal wellbeing throughout the visit.
What is the cancellation or rescheduling policy?
Bookings can be rescheduled up to 24 hours before the scheduled tour. After that, a $25 rescheduling fee applies. The operator does not offer refunds for cancelled bookings.
Will I be able to see the rest of the property after the encounter?
If you booked general admission in addition to the encounter, you may enjoy the rest of the property on your own after the guided portion concludes.
Could the encounter be canceled due to weather?
Yes—encounters are subject to change or cancellation based on weather conditions.