MURRAY FARM FIELD GUIDE
Water & Woodland Encounter — Otter & Porcupine at Scatter Joy Acres, Murray
A private, one-hour guided encounter (ages 5+, groups up to six) that brings guests face-to-face with an otter and a porcupine while illuminating their behaviors, habitats, and adaptations.
Water & Woodland Encounter — Otter & Porcupine at Scatter Joy Acres, Murray.
At Scatter Joy Acres in Murray, Nebraska, a short, focused encounter places visitors in a peaceful farm-and-exotics setting to meet animal ambassadors up close. The experience is guided and educational, introducing guests to a rotating roster of residents — from otters and porcupines to sloths, kangaroos, capybaras, and more — while emphasizing care, conservation, and the animals’ natural behaviors.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Close-up encounters with otters and porcupines
This program centers on a private, up-close meeting with an otter and a porcupine where guides explain each animal’s behaviors, habitats, and unique adaptations. Guests are encouraged to observe play, problem-solving, and the porcupine’s distinctive quills while learning from experienced animal-care staff.
Barnyard time and friendly farm animals
Beyond the featured encounter, the Acres offers opportunities to meet farm residents such as llamas and goats; feed buckets are available on-site for barnyard interactions.
Guided with heart by trained zookeepers
Every tour is led by knowledgeable, experienced staff who share stories about the animals, ensure guest safety and animal wellbeing, and answer questions throughout the visit.
What the day feels like
What the encounter feels like
The hour unfolds as an intimate, staff-led walkthrough of the property: a brief check-in, a welcome and overview, a guided tour highlighting key areas and stories, a hands-on encounter and exploration period with the otter and porcupine (and potentially other ambassadors), followed by a Q&A and wrap-up. The pace is informative and personal, designed for small groups to connect with animals and their caregivers in a calm setting.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program suits — and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The encounter lasts one hour; please arrive 10–15 minutes early to check in at the meeting location: 4107 Waverly Rd, Murray, NE 68409.
Dress for a farm setting and wear closed-toe shoes (no open-toe shoes or Crocs). Feed buckets for barnyard animals are available for purchase on-site ($10 per bucket).
Bookings can be rescheduled up to 24 hours before the scheduled tour. Reschedules after that time carry a $25 fee, and the operator does not offer refunds for cancelled bookings. Encounters may be changed or cancelled due to weather.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What animals will we meet during the encounter?
The featured encounter focuses on an otter and a porcupine; guests may also meet other animal ambassadors on the property such as sloths, kangaroos, capybaras, and bushbabies, plus farm animals like llamas and goats.
How long is the encounter?
The program is one hour in duration.
What are the age and supervision requirements?
Children must be at least 5 years old. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult, and all children ages 5–18 require their own paid admission.
How many people are allowed per group?
Group size is limited to six people.
Are there footwear or clothing requirements?
Yes—no open-toe shoes or Crocs are allowed; guests should wear appropriate closed-toe footwear for the farm environment.
Where and when do I check in?
Arrive 10–15 minutes early to check in at 4107 Waverly Rd, Murray, NE 68409.
Can I reschedule or get a refund if my plans change?
You can reschedule up to 24 hours before your scheduled tour. After that, a $25 rescheduling fee applies. The operator does not offer refunds for cancelled bookings.