Spend a Full Day as a Junior Keeper at Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary — A Hands‑On Glimpse into Animal Care and Conservation

PRESCOTT ZOO FIELD GUIDE

Spend a Full Day as a Junior Keeper at Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary — A Hands‑On Glimpse into Animal Care and Conservation

A full‑day, supervised program in Prescott that lets 13–15 year olds work alongside an animal keeper to learn daily care routines and conservation practice.

Spend a Full Day as a Junior Keeper at Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary — A Hands‑On Glimpse into Animal Care and Conservation.

Duration
7 hours
Location
Prescott
Operator
Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary
Category
Zoo
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

At Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary in Prescott, Junior Keeper for a Day offers a concentrated, seven‑hour immersion into the rhythms of a working small zoo. Participants spend a full day alongside an animal keeper, observing and assisting with routines that reveal the skills, discipline, and conservation focus required to care for a variety of animals.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE EXPERIENCE

A full day in the keepers' world

This program places participants shoulder‑to‑shoulder with an animal keeper for a seven‑hour day, offering direct exposure to the daily routines of animal care and the hands‑on atmosphere of a working sanctuary.

THE CONSERVATION

Conservation and learning combined

Beyond practical tasks, the day emphasizes understanding what it takes to care for animals and the role such work plays in wildlife conservation.

THE LOGISTICS

Small group, focused supervision

Availability is intentionally limited — only two participant spots are offered per day — ensuring close mentorship from staff and a tightly supervised learning environment.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

The day unfolds as a hands‑on apprenticeship: arrive at the sanctuary, join orientation and safety briefings, then follow a keeper through feeding, habitat checks, and other routine responsibilities — all designed to reveal the dedication and techniques involved in daily animal care.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this program is right for — and who should look elsewhere.

1
Young Teens (13–15)This experience is designed specifically for 13–15 year olds and offers an immersive, age‑targeted introduction to animal care.
2
Families with Teen ParticipantsAn adult companion is required for participating teens, making this suitable for families seeking a supervised, educational day activity.
3
Aspiring Animal‑Care StudentsTeens considering future work in animal care or conservation will gain firsthand exposure to keeper responsibilities and sanctuary operations.
4
Small‑group SeekersWith only two spots offered per day, the program is ideal for those wanting intensive, closely supervised learning rather than a large‑group experience.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Duration & Timing

The program runs for seven hours; plan for a full‑day commitment.

Meeting Point

Participants meet at Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary in Prescott for check‑in and orientation.

What to Bring

Follow Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary's guidance on appropriate clothing and any required items for a day of hands‑on animal care.

Booking & Capacity

Only two participant spots are available per day; confirm bookings in advance and note the adult‑companion requirement for teens.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the Junior Keeper for a Day program?

The program is seven hours long.

Where do participants meet for the program?

Participants meet at Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary in Prescott.

What ages are eligible to participate?

The program is for participants aged 13–15.

Is adult supervision required?

Yes. An adult companion is required for participating teens.

How many participants are accepted each day?

The sanctuary limits the program to two participant spots per day.