Ways to Give
The Zoo Campaign
ZOO4U
Zoo Camp Scholarships
Foster Feeders
Memorials/Honorariums
Planned Giving
Wish List
Programs/Experiences
Keeper for a Day
VIPaw Tours



The Keeper for a Day program offers a unique once in a lifetime opportunity to work alongside a zookeeper, creating and providing enrichment toys for the animals at the Zoo! For only $250 for Zoo Members ($350 for non-members) you will have the chance to participate in this exclusive behind-the-scenes experience. You'll visit the Zoo for a delicious gourmet lunch with our animal care staff, learning about conservation and the Zoo's future plans. Then, spend two hours with your favorite animals, preparing enrichment and toys for them, and watch the animals enjoy your work! At the end of the day, you will receive a special certificate acknowledging your participation and an exclusive Santa Barbara Zoo shirt.

You can choose from the following animal groups:

  • Mammal 1: Bolivian grey titi monkey/lemur/white-handed gibbon/red panda
  • Mammal 2: Giant anteater/sheep/golden lion tamarin/rabbit/crested porcupine/opossum
  • Mammal 3: Gorilla/giraffe/meerkat/Channel Island fox
  • Cats: African lion/Amur leopard/snow leopard/black-footed cat
  • Birds: Humboldt penguins/Toco toucan/ground hornbill/macaw/East African crowned crane
  • Herps: Alligator/tortoise/Bengal monitor/snakes/frogs/various invertebrates
  • Encounters with animals in each grouping are subject to change without prior notice.

    2009 dates include: January 16, February 20, March 13, April 2, May 28, June 11, July 9, August 6, September 17, October 15, November 12, December 10.

    Our zookeepers provide excellent care for our animals. Now's your chance to get an up-close and personal view of the kind of care we provide.

    Keeper for a Day makes a perfect gift for a loved one. We are happy to provide gift certificates. To register for this program, please fill out the Keeper for a Day application and mail it to: Keeper for a Day c/o Santa Barbara Zoo, 500 Niņos Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. For more information, please contact Alissa Larreta, Development Coordinator, at (805) 962-5339, ext. 111.

    *Please note, you must be 18 years and older and have proof of a negative TB test to participate in this program.

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