Drusillas Experiences - About Your Day!

Health and Safety

All animals naturally carry a range of microorganisms, some of which can be transmitted to humans where they may cause ill health. The animals also have the potential to cause harm through biting, scratching and their physical presence. Therefore, it is essential that those taking part in Experiences follow closely the instructions given. Behind the scenes at Drusillas there are other work activities being carried out which may present a risk if these guidelines are not followed.

• Cover existing cuts and abrasions on exposed skin with waterproof dressings and the disposable gloves provided.
• Smoking, eating or drinking is only allowed in the designated rest areas.
• Do not eat any of the food intended for the animals.
• Hands should be washed at every opportunity, especially before eating, drinking or smoking and before leaving Drusillas.
• Always use the disposable gloves provided when instructed.
• During the day you should avoid putting you face close to the animals, placing your fingers in your mouth or kissing the animals.
• You should remain in close contact with the Zoo Keeper who you are working with, and not wander off.
• You must not enter an animal enclosure without specific instruction from the Zoo Keeper.
• No jewellery other than ear studs is permitted.
• Long hair should be tied back.
• High-heeled shoes should not be worn. Open-toed shoes should not be worn.
• All participants are ultimately responsible for their own safety and all their personal belongings, including all equipment carried with them.
• Please be advised that any close contact with an animal can present a health and safety risk. Drusillas will mitigate such risk with appropriate measures such as selection of animal and keeper support, however please be advised that injuries can be sustained when participating in animal experiences.
• In the unlikely event that an injury does occur, our staff are well trained to manage the situation and will seek first aid assistance from our qualified first aiders
• Any accident or injury should be reported to the Zoo Keeper immediately so that appropriate action can be taken and first aid provided.
• In the event of an emergency, you should follow the instructions of the Zoo Keeper. If you become separated leave the area by the nearest emergency exit and make your way to the assembly point in the car park.
• The welfare of the animals in our care is our top priority and our expert keepers reserve the right to make adjustments to the experience or postpone should they deem it necessary.

What to wear on the day

• Clothing - Something comfortable, we recommend jeans, t-shirt and a jumper.
• Footwear - Trainers, boots and/or wellington boots. No opened toed shoes please.
• Jewellery - Please keep any jewellery to a minimum. Please do not wear dangling earrings, studs are OK.
• Hair - Please tie long hair back.

About your experience

• You are welcome to spend all day in the Park, and enjoy our other attractions either side of your experience time
• Please meet your Keeper at the Visitor Services Office (located to the right of the main entrance) promptly at the beginning of your experience time. Unfortunately, late arrivals will result in a shorter experience.
• At the start of your experience your Keeper will explain any health and safety rules that apply when working with animals and answer any questions you may have.
• Our Keepers love talking about our animals, so please ask any questions you may have during your experience
• You'll have opportunity to get some great photos of our animals from within their enclosure on the day, so make sure you remember your camera!
• Most of our animals do not enjoy being stroked or touched, and none of our animals like being cuddled or held. Your keeper will guide you on whether it is safe to have contact during your experience.
• All animal encounters take place during our animals' usual feeding times, so being active and approaching for food is routine for them at this time of day. Whilst we always strive to give participants the best experience, all of our encounters are led by our animals who are given free choice to participate. Much like humans, on occasion our animals may not wish to participate or interact.

If you have any questions or require any further details, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01323 874100.