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Three things I learnt as a Zoo Keeper for a day

The Keeper for a Day program at Taronga Zoo Sydney
We spent a day as a Zoo Keeper at Taronga Zoo in Sydney. Photo: Yahoo Lifestyle

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a Zoo Keeper at Taronga Zoo Sydney?

Thanks to the famous zoo’s Keeper for a Day program we had the chance to find out - and it was an extremely fun and eye-opening experience.

The program allows people to get behind the scenes of the daily lives of the keepers, including visiting places not seen by the general public, as well as a once-in-a-life-time opportunity to get up close and personal to some of the animals.

Check out the video below to see what we got up to.

Three things I learnt as a zoo keeper for a day

  1. The relationship between the keepers and their animals is so strong and beautiful to see. Marine Mammal Keeper Jose Altuna for example has been working with Marlie the Australian sea lion for a decade.

  2. Animals don’t actually like or respond to the squeaking noises most people make when trying to get their attention. Taronga Institute of Science and Learning Keeper Grace Black told me that important piece of information while we were feeding the Quokkas.

  3. Taronga Zoo is a not-for-profit organisation. Meaning everything you spend on entry tickets, and the money on this program, goes back into the zoo’s conservation work and wildlife protection initiatives. This still surprises many people, including me.

Taronga Zoo Keeper for a Day host Lesley Small
Thank you to my Keeper for a Day host Lesley Small. Photo: Yahoo Lifestyle

What: Zoo Adventures (adults)

When: Every Wednesday and Saturday

Price: $350

More info here.

Yahoo Lifestyle was a guest of Taronga Zoo.

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