Bristol: Crocodile Keeper for a Day Experience

If you’ve ever dreamed of handling crocodiles and getting a behind-the-scenes look at these incredible creatures, the Crocodile Keeper for a Day Experience in Gloucestershire might be just what you’re after. This 5-hour adventure, offered by Crocs R us, promises a close-up encounter with various crocodile species, including feeding, handling, and even the chance to swim with them (season permitting).

What we love about this experience is how it combines educational content with genuinely interactive moments — think feeding crocodiles, sorting their enclosures, and, for the adventurous, taking a photo with a live croc in hand. One possible consideration is the physical nature of the tour, which involves handling and maintenance tasks, so it’s best suited for those comfortable around reptiles and with a reasonable level of mobility. This experience appeals most to wildlife lovers, reptile enthusiasts, and those eager to do something truly unique during their trip to the UK.

Key Points

• Close Encounters: Get face-to-face with crocodiles and other reptiles, creating memorable moments.
• Educational Focus: Learn about different species’ behaviors and characteristics.
• Interactive Activities: Feed crocodiles, help maintain enclosures, and handle the animals.
• Photo Opportunity: Take home a printed photo with a crocodile—an unusual souvenir.
• Seasonal Swimming: The chance to swim with crocodiles in season adds an extra thrill.
• Limited Group Size: Small groups (max 2 participants) ensure personalized attention.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Crocodile Keeper for a Day Experience

This experience isn’t your typical zoo visit. It’s a hands-on, behind-the-scenes look at the lives of crocodiles and other reptiles at Crocs R us in Gloucestershire. The day is structured around interaction and education, with a focus on safety and respect for these powerful animals.

Starting at the Croc Cafe, you’ll be welcomed and briefed by your guide, who will be an English-speaking expert. The day unfolds over approximately 5 hours, with a flexible start time (check availability). Your journey is designed to be immersive, giving you the chance to handle crocodiles, assist with their feeding, and even help with enclosure maintenance.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Croc Cafe
Your adventure begins here, where you’ll meet your guide and receive safety instructions. This initial briefing sets the tone, emphasizing that while crocodiles are fascinating, they are still dangerous animals that require respect and caution.

Stop 2: Photo Stop (2 hours)
The core of your experience involves getting up close with the animals. You’ll handle crocodiles of various species, observing their different behaviors firsthand. The feeding sessions are particularly compelling, revealing mood swings and personalities—some crocodiles might be more docile, while others show more attitude. During this time, you’ll also help sort and move enclosures, gaining insight into daily care routines.

Special note: many travelers mention the “interactive and surprising” nature of the crocodiles, with one reviewer noting how “they are much more engaged and expressive than I expected.”

Seasonal Activities: If visiting during the right season, you’ll have the opportunity to swim with the crocodiles, a rare and adventurous feature. For those out of season, this part is skipped, but the handling and feeding still provide plenty of excitement.

Photo Opportunity: A highlight is the chance to take a professional photo with a crocodile, printed and packaged into a handy photo wallet as a souvenir. This offers a fun, tangible memory of your day.

Return to Croc Cafe: After your hands-on time, you’ll head back to the cafe, where you can relax and reflect on your experience. The tour ends where it began, with options to purchase additional photos or memorabilia.

What Makes This Experience Special?

The most notable aspect of this tour is its level of interaction. Unlike conventional zoo visits, the small group size (limited to only 2 participants) ensures you receive individual attention, curating a personalized experience. The guide, whose name is often found in reviews, seems enthusiastic and knowledgeable, making complex behaviors understandable and engaging.

We particularly appreciate how the experience balances education and adventure. You’ll learn about the different species of crocodiles and their unique personalities, which is both surprising and entertaining. For example, some crocodiles are described as “mood swing” animals, making the feeding and handling moments more dynamic.

The lunch at the Croc Cafe is a relaxed break, offering a chance to discuss what you’ve seen and ask questions. It’s a simple but thoughtful inclusion that makes the whole day feel more complete.

Practical Details and Considerations

Pricing: At $269.39 per person, this isn’t your typical budget activity, but considering the exclusivity, hands-on nature, and photo souvenir, it’s a fair value for reptile enthusiasts. The price covers everything from feeding and handling to maintaining enclosures and the lunch break.

Duration and Timing: The entire experience lasts around 5 hours, with available start times that you should check beforehand. This flexibility helps fit it into most travel plans.

Group Size: The small group limit (max 2) makes the experience more intimate and safer, especially since crocodiles are powerful animals. This also means booking early is recommended.

What to Bring: Pack essentials like a hat, sunscreen, water, comfortable clothes, and closed-toe shoes. Remember, strict rules prohibit bringing large bags, jewelry, or electronic devices that could distract or disturb the animals.

Restrictions: The tour is not suitable for children under 9, pregnant women, or travelers with certain health issues like back problems, claustrophobia, or respiratory issues. It’s also not recommended for wheelchair users or those with animal allergies.

Cancellation Policy: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving flexibility if your plans change unexpectedly.

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What’s Not Included

Swimming with crocodiles is season-dependent and not available out of season, so if that’s a priority, check the schedule beforehand. The tour covers all other activities, but extra souvenirs or photographs beyond the included print are at your expense.

Final Thoughts

This Crocodile Keeper for a Day experience offers an unusual, memorable way to learn about and interact with some of the world’s most intriguing reptiles. It’s perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, reptile lovers, or anyone seeking an extraordinary activity that breaks the normal sightseeing mold. The combination of education, hands-on handling, and the chance to take home a unique photo makes it a compelling choice.

While it’s not a casual outing—given the physical demands and safety considerations—it rewards those who enjoy close animal encounters and are comfortable around reptiles. The small group size, expert guidance, and interactive nature create a highly personalized experience that’s both fun and informative.

If you’re after a distinctive activity that offers genuine insight and memorable moments, this crocodile experience in Gloucestershire is well worth considering.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 9 years old due to safety and handling requirements.

Can I swim with the crocodiles?
Yes, if you visit during the season when swimming is available, you can swim with them. Out-of-season, this activity isn’t offered.

What should I bring with me?
Bring a hat, camera, sunscreen, water, comfortable clothes, and closed-toe shoes. Large bags and jewelry aren’t allowed.

Is the experience physically demanding?
Somewhat, as you’ll be handling and assisting with enclosure tasks. It’s best suited for those with good mobility and comfort around reptiles.

How many people are in the group?
The small group limit is just 2 participants, providing an intimate and focused experience.

What’s included in the price?
Feeding and handling crocodiles, maintenance tasks, the photo with a crocodile, and lunch at the Croc Cafe.

Are there any restrictions?
Yes, it’s not suitable for pregnant women, those with certain health issues, or individuals with animal allergies.

How do I book?
Reserve your spot through the provided link, with flexible options to pay later and cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

Can I take additional photos?
Extra prints and souvenirs are available for purchase, but the included photo is the main souvenir.

To sum it up, if your idea of a memorable adventure involves getting up close with some of nature’s most formidable creatures, this crocodile experience offers a rare blend of fun, education, and genuine interaction. Just be prepared for a physically engaging day and, of course, a few surprises from your scaly companions.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby