Keeper for a Day/Junior Keeper

Book This Unique Experience

Online Registration Click HERE!

OR Call 928.778.4242

Keeper for a Day

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a Zoo Keeper? You can find out with Keeper for a Day at Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary! This unique, hands-on program allows adults to experience what day to day life is like for a zoo keeper. Spend the day alongside an HPZS keeper and you will prepare animal diets, help clean enclosures, feed the animals and assist with animal training. If you are an animal lover, Keeper for a Day is the exciting, behind-the-scenes experience you've been looking for!

FAQ's - Keeper for a Day

What does Keeper for a Day include?

Keeper for a Day includes behinds the scenes access accompanied by an HPZS keeper, a t-shirt and souvenir.

What do I need to bring?

Please dress appropriately for the weather but be prepared to get dirty. Closed-toed shoes are required to access the animal areas. Bring a water bottle, a snack, sack lunch and camera to document your day. A hat and sun block is recommended as participants will spend most of their time outside.

What time does the program run?

Keeper for a Day runs from 9:00am to 4:00pm.

How many people may participate?

Due to space restrictions, this program is restricted to two participants per day.

How old do I have to be to participate?

You must be at least 16 years old to participate. If you are age 13-15, please see our Junior Keeper program.

How much does it cost?

$200 per person (Includes T-shirt, Water Bottle & Name tag)

How do I sign up?

Please register for this program at least two weeks before you plan to attend. Full payments are due at the time of registration.

Online Registration Click HERE!

OR Call 928.778.4242

Junior Keeper

Are you under 18, but want to know more about what it takes to be a Zoo Keeper? Then the Junior Keeper Program is for you! Junior Keeper is similar to the Keeper for a Day program with a few exceptions.

FAQ's - Junior Keeper for a Day

What time does the program run?

Keeper for a Day runs from 9am to 4pm.

How old do I have to be to participate?

You must be between 13 and 15 to participate. Participants under age 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

How much does it cost?

Child age 13-15 (plus accompanying adult) - $180

How do I sign up?

Please register for this program at least two weeks before you plan to attend. Full payments are due at the time of registration.

Online Registration Click HERE!

OR Call 928.778.4242

About Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary

About the Sanctuary
Facilities
Recreation
Job Openings

Situated on ten acres north of Prescott and overlooking Willow Lake, the sanctuary has many opportunities for visitors including a covered picnic pavilion; a children’s playground; interactive animal experiences; and large, naturally landscaped enclosures for the animals with paths that allow visitors the opportunity to get an up-close and personal view of them. One of the most interesting exhibits, and one which is unique to the Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary, is the Tarantula Grotto.

This building has a distinctive cave-like feel, and houses different spiders from all over the world. This is one of the largest public displays of spiders in the country. We also have a Reptile House, which is home to countless species including a 13 ft. Burmese Python; gila monster; geckos; skinks; iguanas and monitor lizards.

Other members of the Sanctuary’s collection include an American Black Bear who came to the sanctuary as a cub when his mother was hit by a car; a gray fox who was rescued as a youngster from the Phoenix area where she found alone and half drowned near a pool; and a mountain lion who was confiscated through a joint effort between HPZS and AZ Game and Fish, after she was found being kept illegally as a pet in Arizona.

Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary also has a prestigious role as participant in the American Zoo and Aquarium Association’s Species Survival Plan for the critically endangered Mexican Gray Wolf, one of the most endangered large mammals in the world. After a 20-year absence in the wild, this animal is being reintroduced to its former range following a successful captive breeding program. The sanctuary is a holding facility for wolves not currently ready for release.

This non-profit organization relies heavily on a large body of devoted volunteers to keep the sanctuary running. Volunteer opportunities include: assisting with landscaping and construction projects, helping in the animal care department, working in the gift shop, and participating in the docent and educational outreach programs. The sanctuary hosts a number of special events throughout the year, such as Zoofest, Eggstravaganza, Boo at the Zoo, moonlight events and Zoo Camp for kids.

The Sanctuary’s motto is “Conservation through Education,” and it is a mission that this facility services with pride. As many of the wild places of the planet are disappearing and zoos become the last sanctuary for much of the world’s wildlife, Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary offers a home for animals who have no other. This sanctuary is working to give something back – helping to restore some balance and trying to tip back the scales for animals who have lost so much. Through educating the public, Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary hopes to help ensure the sustained existence of wildlife species throughout the world.

Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) that relies on community support. HPZS is open every day of the year and located off of Willow Creek Road across from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, at 1403 Heritage Park Road in Prescott. Admission prices are very reasonable. Animal adoption and membership opportunities are available.

For more information on the sanctuary and how you can become involved, call 928.778.4242.
Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary boasts large, naturally-landscaped enclosures for the animals and walking paths to allow visitors the opportunity to get an up-close and personal view. As animal well-being is the highest priority at HPZS, much of the space animals have available is "off display" and not visible to visitors. This ensures that animals have the ability to take themselves out of view at their choosing, leading to a low stress life style.

TARANTULA GROTTO

The Tarantula Grotto has a distinct cave-like feel, and houses 11 different spiders and other invertebrates from all over the world. We boast one of the largest collections of tarantulas in the entire Southwest region.

RATTLESNAKE JAKE'S JUNGLE SPLASH

The splash pad is open for fun throughout the summer between the hours of 10 and 4 daily (weather permitting). Bring your swim suits and get ready for some wild water fun! The experience is free so don’t sweat the summer - head on over and have some fun!

KIWANIS KORNER

Made possible by the Prescott Kiwanis Club, the Kiwanis Korner animal encounter area opened in April 2011. Kiwanis Animal Encounter Area is a space where children and adults alike can brush and pet goats and learn a little about what it takes to care for livestock.

RENTAL SPACE

Several areas of the facility are available for general use by visitors, but can also be reserved for private functions like weddings, family and corporate picnics, birthday parties, and reunions.

Options exist for all group types and sizes. For small groups, consider the Pronghorn Deck. Medium groups may enjoy the Pence Pavilion. The largest groups may rent the Event Center.

Even the Kiwanis Korner Ramada may be rented, by special reservation. For more information visit Group Rentals or call our Event Coordinator at 928.778.4242, ext 17.
Enjoy the Day

Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary can be a full-day experience for the whole family! Bring a lunch and enjoy it at one of the many picnic tables throughout the park; come for a special event; shop in the gift shop with your new member discount; rent a space for your private group and enjoy a party you will never forget.

Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary offers unique animals on display, top-notch education, and much more. There are several ways to enjoy the sanctuary with the cost of standard admission.

The Animals

Of course, the heart of the sanctuary are the animals. Over 150 rescued animals, exotic and domestic, from every continent except Antarctica, can be seen on these 10 acres. Each animal has a story to tell and is displayed in a way to allow a unique, personal experience to each visitor. For more on the animals, click here.

Playgrounds

Two playgrounds are located in the sanctuary. Near the main entrance is the jungle gym. This structure has slides, swings, and plenty of space for climbing.

The second playground is in the Kiwanis Korner and geared to a younger crowd.

Rattlesnake Jake's jungle splash pad

This water feature operates throughout the summer between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm daily (weather permitting). Bring your swim suits and get ready for some wild water fun! The experience is free, so don't sweat the summer!
Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary Job Openings -
Interested candidates must apply with resume and cover letter to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . (Please no phone calls or Walk-ins)

If you're interested in getting involved with the organization in other capacities, click the links to the right to find more information on Volunteering or becoming a Docent.