Adult Ranger for a Day - age 16 up
Junior Ranger for a Day - age 13 to 15
The ultimate experience for anyone who wants to know what it feels like to be a ranger in a wildlife sanctuary.
Bring your camera because there will be many special moments that you will want to keep forever
Have you ever wondered what really goes on 'behind the scenes' in a wildlife sanctuary? Come and spend a day experiencing it for yourself. This is not one of those 'pretend' programs where you pay to be entertained. This is the real thing.
What to expect ~ A typical day
This is a real wildlife sanctuary where anything can happen 'on the day' so it is impossible to tell you exactly what to expect. However, your day is likely to look something like this:
- The day starts at 9:30am and finishes at 4pm.
- You will have breaks during the day.
- After a brief orientation, your ranger will give you an outline of the plan for the day (but remember, it may change).
- You may work with one or more rangers during the day.
- Tell us your favourite animal when you arrive and we will make sure that you get some special time with it.
Your work will include some or all of the following:
- Cleaning the animals' sleeping areas
- Preparing food for the animals
- Changing the 'furnishings' in the enclosures
- Counting and health checking the animals
- Minor repairs to the animals' camps
- Enrichment activities with the animals to make sure they don't get board and frustrated
- Feeding the animals
- Overseeing other visitors interacting with the animals
Dates, Days and Times
- Most days, subject to availability
- Your working day starts at 9:30am
- Your working day concludes at 4pm
- You are welcome to remain in the park until the gates close at 5pm
Minimum ages & team sizes
- Adult "Ranger for a Day" program: Age 16 up
- Junior "Ranger for a Day" program: Age 13 to 15
Exclusive experience (optional)
If you would like an exclusive experience, without other members of the public joining your group, please discuss this with us to see whether it would be possible for the date of your preference and what the charge would be.
What to bring
- Backpack so you can keep your gear with you in the field
- Camera and spare batteries
- Refillable water bottle
- Warm jacket
- Insect repellent
- Sun screen
- Hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- Spare pair of dry socks
- Wet weather gear (this is a real sanctuary, so the animals need us to get on with the job even if it rains)
- Energy bars
- Your lunch, or you can purchase something to eat at the cafe
What to wear
The work is very physical so dress with this in mind
- Hiking boots or supportive running shoes (your feet will get tired)
- Thick hiking socks
- Long comfortable pants that are not too tight to move in
- A comfortable t-shirt or cotton shirt that is long enough to cover your tummy if you have to stretch to reach things
Pricing
Per person - $165 (includes entry price and program)
Booking policy
Booking is essential, and may be made by email () or telephone (02) 4375 1100).
Payment policy
Full payment must be made at the time of booking.
Cancellation policy
All payments are non-refundable. A 100% Cancellation Fee applies.
Rebooking policy
If you give us at least 48 hours notice, you may rebook for another date. A $20 per person rebooking fee will be charged.
All Weather policy
This program goes ahead in almost all weather conditions, so bring your rain jacket and sunscreen. The animals needs us no matter what the weather. In fact, they usually need us more in extreme weather.
In the event of bad weather, please call (02) 4375 1100 after 12 noon on the day before your booking to find out whether the program is going ahead.
If Walkabout Park must cancel the program
It is very unlikely that we will cancel this program. We will only cancel if weather conditions are unsafe, or due to other circumstances that are beyond our control such as an animal emergency.
Whenever possible, if we must cancel we will contact you in advance and give you the option of either rescheduling to another date, or receiving a full refund.
