MURRAY FARM FIELD GUIDE
Up Close with Night’s Little Leapers: A Bushbaby Encounter at Scatter Joy Acres
A 30-minute, small-group guided encounter at Scatter Joy Acres in Murray where visitors age 5 and up meet bushbabies and other animal ambassadors in a calm, educational setting.
Up Close with Night’s Little Leapers: A Bushbaby Encounter at Scatter Joy Acres.
Adventure brief
Up Close with Night’s Little Leapers: A Bushbaby Encounter at Scatter Joy Acres
On a working farm outside Murray, Nebraska, Scatter Joy Acres pares a zoo visit down to an intimate, educational encounter: a half-hour session that brings you into the world of bushbabies—little, nocturnal primates known for their huge eyes and extraordinary jumping—alongside other exotic and farm animal ambassadors. The experience is guided, small-group, and designed to be both informative and quietly immersive, a pocket of calm where animal stories and hands-on moments replace the bustle of larger facilities.
Scatter Joy Acres in Murray, Nebraska offers a concentrated, hands-on animal encounter that feels like a private backstage pass to a small, well-run educational zoo. Located at 4107 Waverly Rd Murray, NE 68409, the Bushbaby Encounter is a 30-minute, keeper-guided session designed for groups up to six and for guests aged five and older. In a short span you’ll meet exotic animal ambassadors—sloth, kangaroo, otter, capybara, bushbaby and porcupine—then wander the farmyard to visit llamas, goats and other barn friends. Guides at Scatter Joy Acres focus on welfare, education, and direct connection; each session is private so your group gets a personalized introduction to animal behavior, diet, and conservation. Expect close-up moments for photos, keeper stories about each ambassador, and the chance to purchase feed buckets for barn interactions. The experience balances safety and intimacy—no open-toe shoes or Crocs are allowed, and all participants must be paying guests. Encounters can be altered or canceled due to weather, and bookings follow the venue’s rescheduling rules: changes are allowed up to three days from purchase, after which a $25 rescheduling fee applies; refunds are not offered for canceled bookings. Though brief, the program is rich with variety: you might watch a sloth’s deliberate reach, hear the curious click of a bushbaby, or watch an otter at play. The exotic ambassadors are presented as teaching animals rather than exhibit curiosities, and zookeepers emphasize species needs and natural histories. After your private session you can continue exploring the Acres’ farm areas at your own pace, meeting llamas, goats, and other barnyard residents. Small-group encounters make this an excellent choice for families, educators, and photographers seeking intimate wildlife moments without the crowds of a larger zoo. Practical bits: sessions last roughly thirty minutes, are limited to six people, and require participants to be at least five years old—if under 18, bring a paying adult. The meeting point at 4107 Waverly Rd Murray, NE 68409 is the check-in for your keeper, who will guide you through animal handling and interpretation. Whether you’re gifting an encounter or planning a short educational field trip, this compact, personable program is an efficient way to build lasting memories and a deeper respect for animals native and exotic alike. Visitors should note feed buckets are available for purchase on site for barn interactions ($10 each), and all participants are required to pay to enter programs. The venue’s small group cap means bookings fill fast on weekends and school holidays—reserve in advance through the provided referral link to secure your preferred time. Scatter Joy Acres presents an accessible, high-value wildlife education option in southeast Nebraska, pairing up-close animal moments with thoughtful keeper narration to make every minute of your short visit count.
Route Schematic
Itinerary Schematic
A tightly organized sequence from check-in to departure keeps the 30-minute session focused and relaxed.
Arrival & Check-In
Arrive early to check in and settle before the encounter begins; staff complete registration and orient your group to the space.
Welcome & Overview
Meet your guide for an introduction to the program, expectations, and safety notes for interacting with the animals.
Guided Tour
A walkthrough highlighting key areas, animal ambassadors, and the stories behind their care and conservation.
Hands-On Experience / Exploration Time
Participate in scheduled activities and have focused time to observe and engage with the bushbabies and other ambassadors under staff supervision.
Q&A, Wrap-Up & Departure
A short question-and-answer session followed by final notes and photos before you leave, with staff guidance on next steps and additional exhibits if you have general admission.
This is a guided, small-group program with participant rules and safety protocols: children must be at least 5 years old and those under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult; group size is limited to six. Encounters can change or be cancelled for weather and other operational reasons, and footwear rules apply for safety.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A peaceful farm escape
Scatter Joy Acres offers open space and fresh air, an intentionally slow-paced atmosphere where visitors can step away from daily distractions and be present with the animals and the landscape.
Personal, small-group encounters
Visits are limited to small groups so interactions feel intentional and unhurried, allowing meaningful, guided time with animal ambassadors under the care team’s supervision.
Close and memorable animal connections
Participants repeatedly cite the genuine, heartwarming moments with the animals as the most memorable part—interactions designed to educate while creating lasting impressions.
What the day feels like
What the encounter feels like
The encounter unfolds as a concise, guided exploration: a brief welcome and orientation, a guided walkthrough of key areas and ambassadors, then scheduled hands-on activities and exploration time focused on the bushbabies and other ambassadors. The pace is deliberate—short, informative segments that let guests observe quick movements, curious behaviors, and hear the distinctive calls of these small primates while the care team explains their natural history and adaptations.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this visit suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Wear closed-toe shoes—open-toe footwear and Crocs are not permitted.
For safety around animals and enclosures, the operator requires closed-toe shoes; please avoid open-toe shoes or Crocs.
Everyone who enters the programs must be a paying participant; plan for each person to purchase the required admission.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Bushbaby Encounter?
The encounter runs approximately 30 minutes.
Where do I meet for the program?
Meet at Scatter Joy Acres; the location is 4107 Waverly Rd, Murray, NE 68409.
Is there a minimum age to participate?
Yes—children must be at least 5 years old. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult, and children ages 5–18 require their own paid admission.
How many people can join an encounter?
Group size is limited to six people per encounter.
What is the operator’s cancellation or rescheduling policy?
Bookings can be rescheduled up to 24 hours before your scheduled tour; after that, a $25 rescheduling fee applies. The operator does not offer refunds for cancelled bookings, and encounters are subject to change or cancellation based on weather conditions.
Are there footwear or other requirements?
Closed-toe shoes are required; open-toe shoes and Crocs are not permitted.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-14T12:08:35.172Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.