KEEPER FOR A DAY
Come spend your day shadowing and working alongside the keepers of the Animal Habitats. Learn how to interact with the animals, clean up, prepare food and provide enrichments. Observe various training sessions, animal behavior and the inner workings of the animal habitats.
REQUIREMENTS:
Limited to two persons per day. No pets allowed in habitat area. Keepers for a Day must:
- be 12 year of age or older
- be capable of walking up and down steep, rough terrain
- sign a waiver of liability.
EXPECTED DAILY SCHEDULE:
Arrive at 8:00 a.m. Meet the Keepers and go to work! Assist as we let the animals out, feed them, and clean their habitats. You may be asked to lift and carry animal food, tools or other items. Eat lunch with the keepers. Learn about training and providing enrichments. End your exciting work day at 2:00 p.m. (11 a.m. if you’re participating in the three-hour option).
WHAT TO WEAR:
You will get dirty! Please wear appropriate, closed-toe hiking or work boots and no loose jewelry. We will provide you with a work shirt. Coats, jackets, gloves and hats are recommended for cooler weather. Please bring sunscreen.
WEATHER:
Keeper for a Day will continue on schedule regardless of weather conditions. In the event that weather conditions could effect the opening of the habitats, you will be contacted.
The weather on Grandfather Mountain can change at a moment’s notice. Temperatures are commonly 5 to 10 degrees colder than what they are at the bottom of the Mountain in Linville. It is recommended that you dress in layers and be prepared for any weather condition.
LUNCH:
Lunch is provided for full-day participants at the Nature Museum restaurant, Mildred’s Grill, however snacks are not. Please feel free to bring whatever snacks or extra drinks that you need. If you have special dietary needs or just prefer to pack your own lunch you are welcome to do that also.
WHEN OFFERED:
| Month | Days | Time | Number |
| April | 17th, 24th |
8 am to 2 pm (3-hour option: 8 a.m.-11 a.m.) |
limited to two people per day |
| May | 8th, 22nd | 8 am to 2 pm (3-hour option: 8 a.m.-11 a.m.) | limited to two people per day |
| June | 5th, 19th | 8 am to 2 pm (3-hour option: 8 a.m.-11 a.m.) | limited to two people per day |
| July | 3rd, 17th, 31st | 8 am to 2 pm (3-hour option: 8 a.m.-11 a.m.) | limited to two people per day |
| August | 14th, 28th | 8 am to 2 pm (3-hour option: 8 a.m.-11 a.m.) | limited to two people per day |
| September | 11th, 25th | 8 am to 2 pm (3-hour option: 8 a.m.-11 a.m.) | limited to two people per day |
| October | 9th, 23rd | 8 am to 2 pm (3-hour option: 8 a.m.-11 a.m.) | limited to two people per day |
RESERVATIONS:
Keeper for a Day must be booked one week in advance by calling 828-733-8715. Please allow 24 hours for a response.
PRICE:
The cost is $150.00 per participant ($120.00 each for annual pass holders). Admission to the park, a t-shirt and lunch is included.
The three-hour cost is $75 per participant ($60 each for annual pass holders). Admission to the park and a t-shirt is included.
