If you are aware of Busch Gardens, you are probably aware that it is unique among theme parks for also being a zoological facility; for some, that may be a nice bonus (getting to look at animals on their way to yet another roller coaster); for me, it's the whole attraction, and we treat the park more like a zoo than anything else. And, if you're "in the know" a bit, you might realize that Busch Gardens offers short tours that allow you to get up close to the animals, especially the Giraffes on the Serengetti Safari, but what if I told you that there was an opportunity to get up really close to these magnificent animals, along with several other animals, and shadow a keeper for part of your day? Well, if you're like me, that's going to get you really interested.
On our most recent trip to Tampa, we participated in not one but two of these "Keeper for a Day" experiences: one that focused on Penguins and Reptiles and one that focused on the "hoofstock" that you see on the large grassland exhibit (Giraffe and Rhino). For the Penguin and Reptile day, we arrived at 8:30, well before the park opened, and were taken directly to the reptiles, where we got to go behind the scenes in the reptile house, watching the keepers as they went through their daily routine of caring for the reptiles and learning more about their various needs. From there, we made a quick pitstop at the hornbill exhibit, were we got to learn about the resident Red-Knobbed hornbills who, fingers crossed, might begin nesting soon. Next we arrived at the Aldabra tortoise exhibit, were we learned about these giant reptiles and how they shape the natural environment, while clearing fallen leaves out of the exhibit and preparing some tasty snacks for them to eat that day. After the turtles were taken care of, it was off to penguin point and the African penguins: fish needed to be sorted for the day and fed to the penguins, which we were able to observe (and tally) under the watchful eye of our guide for the day. After everyone was fed, we had an extended training session with one of the members of the colony. Finally, it was back to the reptile house; since it was the first day that Groot, the slender-snouted crocodile was out of torper, we were able to participate in a target training session with him, which was a unique treat. Overall, we spent about half our time with the reptiles, especially the charismatic tortise, and then half the time with penguins, so a fairly even day.
For Giraffes and Rhinos, we again arrived at 8:30 and were carted the edge of the Serengeti habitat (which the keepers call the Velt); it was a wild experience getting to ride through an empty park on a powered vehicle! We started our day with Jodi, the black rhino, who's habitat can be seen from the train, where we helped the keepers set up her yard for the day while she was safely off exhibit: putting out hay to much on and some freshly cut palm fronds. We also cleaned out her midden and got to watch her enjoy our handywork. From there, it was off to the white rhino barn to meet the other chubby unicorns at Busch Gardens, where we got up close to one of the members of the rhino crash. Then we moved on check on the the new Springbock and Loretta the Watusi (neither of whom were on display that day) as well as to meet the Bongos. After that, we had a quick tour of the north side of the velt, where we checked out the other animals who call the Velt home. Then, we were in with the Giraffes, looking in on how the keepers were caring for Cupid, who was behind the scenes that day, and helping clean up her yard. After that was taken care of, we got to get up close with the Nyala as we passed out their food enrichment for the day. Finally, it was back on the Velt where the giraffes, zebras, and elands needed food for the day as well. The giraffes were especially interested in the heads of lettuce we had on offer and were quite happy to see us! And, after a whirlwind morning, our time had ended.
Of course, that's the thing about the Keeper for a Day at Busch Gardens: at some point, it has to end. However, it would be really wonderful if we got to spend the whole day working with the keepers, since morning and afternoon, as we discovered through our conversations, can be quite different!
If you want to go, I highly recommend it, but here are some things to keep in mind:
• This is a "working" experience, so you should expect to be asked to pitch in with some of the daily chores. Of course, if you really want to experience the life of a zoo keeper, you should want to pitch in because it makes for an immersive experience. Of course, if you're unable to help out or if what you really want is to experience the animals up close and personal, that's certainly okay, too, but I strongly recommend trying to pitch in.
• On that note, bring and drink plenty of water; hydration is key in theme parks in the warm weather any way, but more so when you're out working. Also, if you think of it, maybe bring a backpack with a banana or a powerbar or something like that, as you may need it during your pitstops.
• Speaking of pitstops, bathrooms aren't always easily accessible, so be aware of your toileting needs and, if you need a bathroom, speak up!
• Finally, absolutely talk the keeper's ears off! These are individuals who have really interesting stories and really want to share the animals they work with every day with you. So ask them all your questions about the animals, about their careers, about their experiences, about how they do their job. Everyone we met was more than eager to talk to us and we were able to learn so much, probably more than we could ever hope to remember!
Overall, Keeper for a Day is a fantastic experience! You get to enter the park before the gates even open, you get free preferred parking for your visit, and you get up close with a lot of really cool animals that you may not otherwise get to encounter. And, if you're a thrill ride enthusiast, you still have half your day left over to explore the park and ride the rides. Overall, if you're interested in animals and roller coaster, or really even just animals, the experience is certainly worth the cost.