2026 Junior & Explorer Zookeeping

EARTH Ltd works with Southwick’s Zoo to provide this interactive program which allows children and teens the opportunity to get a behind the scenes look at how animals are cared for here at the zoo and what it takes to be a zookeeper. Junior Zookeepers assist our animal care team with diet preparation, create enrichment, and more!

Available for ages 6-9 and 10-13

Non-Members: $99/child

EARTH Members: $79/child (MEMBERS: the email associated with your membership account is your discount code)

Available for ages 14-17

Non-Members: $149/child

EARTH Members: $129/child (MEMBERS: the email associated with your membership account is your discount code)

Green Machines (Herbivores)

What does a rhino eat? How do you care for a giraffe? What is the softest herbivore in the world? What does a porcupine like to play with? Come learn about our plant-eating pals and help plan their diet, make them some enrichment, and get an up-close experience with some of our favorite herbivores!

Ferocious Beasts (Carnivores)

Meat is on the menu! What does a lion love? What does a coati crave? What does a snake snack on? Learn how we feed our carnivorous critters and help us make them some lunch. You will also learn how the keepers enrich some of our smartest animals by making them enrichment.

Monkeying Around (Primates)

Help us make enrichment for our monkeys! Primates are very intelligent and sociable, learn how much they are like us and how they are different.

Our Feathered Friends (Birds)

Birds are some of the smartest animals in the Animal Kingdom, so what exactly does it take to care for the closest living relatives of the dinosaurs? Why don’t they fly away? How can they talk? What can we tell about a bird by its beak? Break out of your shell and help us care for our fascinating feathered friends.

• Children must be registered online at least 24 hours in advance. Full payment is due at the time of registration.
• If you cannot attend your program, you must call (800-258-9182 ext 208) or email (ZWFydGggfCBlYXJ0aGx0ZCAhIG9yZw==) the EARTH Discovery Center at least 48 hours before the start of the program for a full refund or transfer.
• No-show no-notification will NOT receive a refund or transfer.
• Late arrivals cannot be accommodated. Certain program dates begin before the Zoo opens to the public.
• Each session has a limited number of spots available. The registration page will show the remaining spaces for each date.
• Please read carefully and make sure you are registering your child for the appropriate age group. Each session is for a specific age group. If you register a child for the incorrect age group, your registration will be canceled and refunded.
• We recommend that children wear appropriate footwear, such as sneakers, for walking around the zoo.
• Children should bring a small backpack or other bag to carry a water bottle and snack.
• Pick up and drop off for Junior Zookeeping will be by the picnic tables near the parking lot.
• Please remember that this is a program for children, and parents do not accompany and participate during sessions. Junior Zookeeping includes zoo admission for the participating child, but not for parents/guardians. However, parents are welcome to explore the zoo as a paid guest after the zoo opens at 10:00am.

My child is an EARTH Member. How do I apply the member discount?

EARTH members receive a 15% discount on Junior Zoo Programs. To receive your member discount, when you register, click “enter promotional code”. Your code is the email address connected to your EARTH Membership.

*Must be a current EARTH member at the time of registration to receive the member discount. Discounts cannot be applied retroactively.

Also check out other Nonprofit events in Mendon, Trips & Adventurous Activities in Mendon.