Beekeeping Experience

Get up close with our resident honey bees and understand one of the world's most important species.
 
Our beekeeping experience is an introduction to the wonderful and fascinating world of bees and beekeeping. You will gain an insight into why bees are so important, what they do and how they do it. First, you will be shown the minimum basic equipment required to commence beekeeping. Then, our beekeeper will cover all health and safety information before participants visit the Zoo’s Apiary, located next to the Snow Leopards. Under the guidance of an experienced beekeeper you will be shown how a hive inspection is conducted and what beekeepers look for when inspecting the bees. During this inspection there will be an opportunity to handle the frames of bees, at the beekeeper’s discretion.
 
Who is this experience for?
 
For those who want to discover if beekeeping is something to consider as a hobby
People who want to learn more about bee life
 
Please note: This experience is not designed to give the attendee the necessary required theory and knowledge necessary for keeping bees. If participants require more information on beginner beekeeping courses, then information can be found via local beekeeping associations who provide such training.
 
What’s included?
 
Induction including Health & Safety briefing
Experience lasts 1.5 - 2 hours at the Zoo Apiary with our experienced beekeepers - depending on the bees!
Hive inspection where you will get the opportunity to hold the all important bee frames, spot honey and bee brood!
Complimentary drink in our Bear Falls Cafe
A sample jar of our Beekeepers honey to take home
Personalised Certificate of Completion of your Beekeeper Experience
Weekends and some weekdays from May - October when the colonies are active. These experiences are weather dependent and the weather must be fair for the encounter to take place. In the event of bad weather, the Zoo will contact you on the day to rearrange.
 
Members and Adopters receive 10% off the encounter price. Please get in touch to arrange your discount.
 
The encounter is available for adults and children over the age of 10 years old; however children between the ages of 10 and 16 years must be accompanied by a spectating parent or guardian paying normal zoo admission (1 adult per 1 child).
 
We regret that this encounter is currently not suitable for wheelchair users.
 
Pre-booking encounters is required. You will receive an email after your purchase with the next-steps of the pre-booking process.
 
Once you have purchased an Encounter Voucher from our online shop, you will be sent an online voucher with an email to contact us to arrange a date to do your experience here at the Zoo.
 
Terms and Conditions
 
Age of Participant
 
If under 17, participant must be accompanied by an adult into the zoo and this adult must be present at the Health and Safety briefing alongside the child to complete the Liability Disclaimer.
 
Voucher Expiration
 
The voucher is valid for 12 months from the purchase date and they MUST PRE-BOOK their encounter.
 
PPE
 
Participants must wear suitable footwear on the day, no open-toed shoes or heels/sandals.
 
Cancellations
 
We reserve the right to cancel encounters at short notice due to animal welfare issues. Poor weather - if the weather is unsuitable for the encounter on the day, then the zoo will decide to reschedule. No reimbursement will be made for any travel expenses. We will try our best to give as much notice as possible.
 
Vouchers
 
Are non-transferable and non-refundable.
 
Discount
 
Members and adopters receive 10% off the encounter.
 
FAQ
 
Participants will be given a Health and Safety briefing and be required to complete the Liability Disclaimer
Participants of the encounter have entry to the Zoo included
Participants also receive a gift voucher for a drink from Bear Falls Cafe located on site
There are a maximum number of 3 guests on any encounter
We respect our animals and this encounter does not involve handling or touching the animals in any way
Additional friends/family will be able to spectate during parts of this experience - they must pay admission to the Zoo