Capybara Encounter 

Please read these terms carefully before booking any animal experience or encounter at Drayton Manor Zoo. By booking, participants agree to comply with all rules, instructions, and safety measures provided by Drayton Manor staff.

• All experiences must be booked in advance. Full payment is required at the time of booking.
• Bookings are non-transferable and non-refundable, except in cases where Drayton Manor cancels the experience.
• Park admission is not included in the price of any experience or encounter and must be purchased separately.
• This encounter is for guests aged 8 and above.
• Only four guests per experience may participate.
• Children aged 16 and below must be accompanied by a paying adult.
• Participants must be able to follow instructions carefully. Age restrictions are based on risk assessments and required competency for the activity.
• All experiences begin with a health and safety briefing, covering the activities involved, control measures such as glove use for biosecurity, and any other safety information.
• Keepers remain present at all times, ensuring participants are never left unattended in animal areas.
• Guest numbers are limited to allow appropriate supervision and maintain safety for all participants.
• Protective clothing or equipment provided must be worn as instructed.
• Participants must follow all instructions given by Drayton Manor keepers to ensure safety and animal welfare.
• Drayton Manor reserves the right to refuse participation to anyone who may pose a risk to themselves, staff, or the animals.
• All interactions with animals are strictly supervised.
• Animals may choose not to participate and cannot be forced.
• Any behaviour deemed unsafe or stressful to the animals may result in immediate termination of the encounter.
• To ensure animal health and welfare, experiences are scheduled around staff availability and animal rest periods in accordance with zoo standards and legislation.
• Only one experience per day is available for booking with each species to guarantee rest and enrichment.
• Participants are strictly prohibited from bringing food, drinks, or personal items into enclosures.
• Participants take part at their own risk and must comply with all instructions for a safe experience.
• Participants with medical conditions, allergies, or mobility issues should consult Drayton Manor before booking.
• For health, safety, and biosecurity reasons, all participants must comply with the following clothing requirements:
  • Closed-toe footwear must be worn at all times
  • Participants will be required to use foot dips, which involve placing footwear into disinfectant baths
  • Trousers must be worn
  • Clothing must be weather-appropriate, as parts of the experience may take place outdoors
• Disposable gloves must be worn when handling food. Gloves will be provided as part of the experience, latex and nitrile gloves are available upon request.
• Participants will be required to handle live food items, including but not limited to mealworms and locusts, for feeding purposes.
• Personal photography is allowed from designated areas only.
• Drayton Manor may take official photos during the encounter for promotional purposes.
• All experiences will conclude with the choice of a magnet or keyring photograph of the animal encountered.
• This experience is not wheelchair accessible. Participants must be able-bodied and capable of walking independently between the kitchen and animal enclosures. All enclosures require the use of stairs or steps. Some behind-the-scenes areas may involve tight or enclosed spaces, including double-door entry systems. By booking this experience, participants confirm they are physically able to safely access all required areas.
• Drayton Manor accepts no liability for personal injury, loss, or damage to belongings during the encounter, except where required by law.
• Drayton Manor reserves the right to cancel or reschedule encounters due to animal welfare, staff availability, or unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, a full refund or alternative date will be offered.
• Terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.