Gentle Giants: A Close, Calm Encounter with Kangaroos and Capybaras at Scatter Joy Acres, Murray, NE

MURRAY FARM FIELD GUIDE

Gentle Giants: A Close, Calm Encounter with Kangaroos and Capybaras at Scatter Joy Acres, Murray, NE

A private, staff-led hour where small groups meet kangaroos, capybaras and other animal ambassadors while learning about their behavior and care.

Gentle Giants: A Close, Calm Encounter with Kangaroos and Capybaras at Scatter Joy Acres, Murray, NE.

Duration
1 Hour
Location
Murray
Operator
Scatter Joy Acres
Category
Farm
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Set on the gentle acreage of Scatter Joy Acres in Murray, Nebraska, this one-hour, private encounter brings guests into a peaceful, educational setting to meet select animal ambassadors—kangaroo, capybara and others—under the guidance of experienced animal-care staff. The program mixes up-close observation, brief handling or interaction where appropriate, and interpretive stories about behavior, habitat and welfare, all delivered in an intimate group of up to six people.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE ANIMALS

Meet the ambassadors: kangaroos, capybaras and more

Encounter calm, social capybaras and the graceful movements of kangaroos alongside other resident ambassadors such as sloths, porcupines and otters; each visit centers on learning species stories and individual personalities from the care team.

THE FARM

Barnyard time and farm friends

Beyond exotic ambassadors, the acres include barnyard interactions with llamas, goats and other farm animals; feed buckets are available for purchase to enhance close encounters with these residents.

THE GUIDES

Guided with heart by experienced zookeepers

Every private tour is led by a knowledgeable staff member who frames the encounter with animal-care context, safety protocols and conservation-minded interpretation for a meaningful visit.

What the day feels like

What the encounter feels like

The hour moves at a deliberate, unhurried pace: arrive to check in, meet a guide for a concise overview, then walk the property as the keeper introduces animals and their stories. Scheduled hands-on moments or exploration time let guests interact under supervision, followed by a short Q&A and final notes before departure. The small-group format keeps interactions personal and focused on animal wellbeing.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this encounter suits—and who should look elsewhere.

1
Families with young childrenGood fit for families with children aged 5 and up who can follow guidelines; minors must be accompanied by a paying adult and each child requires paid admission.
2
Animal lovers and learnersIdeal for visitors seeking a calm, educational, up-close experience led by trained staff that emphasizes animal behavior, habitat and care.
3
Small groups and private bookingsDesigned for intimate groups—maximum six participants—which keeps interactions personal but means large parties should book multiple sessions or split into groups.
4
Visitors with specific footwear or mobility needsNot suitable for guests who plan to wear open-toe shoes or Crocs, which are prohibited; participants should be able to follow staff safety instructions during the guided walkthrough and interaction.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Wear closed-toe shoes (no open-toe shoes or Crocs). Feed buckets for barnyard animals are available for purchase on-site ($10 per bucket).

Logistics & Booking

Arrive 10–15 minutes early to check in. Bookings can be rescheduled up to 24 hours before the tour; after that a $25 rescheduling fee applies. There are no refunds for cancelled bookings.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the encounter?

The private encounter lasts one hour.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meeting location is 4107 Waverly Rd, Murray, NE 68409; please arrive 10–15 minutes early to check in.

Is there an age minimum?

Children must be at least 5 years old to participate; anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult and all children ages 5–18 require their own paid admission.

How many people can participate?

Group size is limited to six people per encounter.

What is the footwear policy?

No open-toe shoes or Crocs are permitted for participants.

What is the rescheduling and refund policy?

Bookings can be rescheduled up to 24 hours before your scheduled tour; rescheduling after that incurs a $25 fee. The operator does not offer refunds for cancelled bookings.

Can I explore the rest of the property after the encounter?

Yes — after the guided program you may enjoy the rest of the zoo on your own.