Behind the Scenes Experiences
Please note: ALL in-person Behind the Scenes Experiences are suspended until further notice due to COVID-19 precautions. CLICK HERE to learn about VIRTUAL animal experiences.
Get up close with some of your favorite Reid Park Zoo residents by booking one of these exclusive, private experiences just for your family or small group of 10 or less people.
There are two options to choose from:
- 30 minute Animal Encounter, with a focus on interacting with amazing animals
- 60 minute Behind the Scenes Experience, with a focus about animal care at the Zoo
Please select from the following experiences, prices and group size vary based on selection. All experiences must be booked at least 3 days ahead of your visit. Tours are booked based on availability. You will receive a confirmation within 24 hours of your request. Payment must be made at the time of confirmation, refunds will not be provided if you cancel within 24 hours of the program start time.
Please note: animal care staff reserves the right to modify experience based on animal needs.
YAHOO and AOL USERS: Please email us directly to request your program at [email protected]. This form will not function properly from Yahoo and AOL email accounts. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Rhino Encounter - 30 minute experience
Education staff invite you on this special behind the scenes tour to learn about all that goes into caring for these mighty animals, as well as how we can work together to protect them in the wild. This experience provides an opportunity to see the rhino closer than during a regular visit, and may even allow the chance to help with training.
Age:
All participants must be 5 or older and at least one adult must attend.
Availability:
Every day of the week with a reservation.
Price:
$30 per person, minimum of 2 people, maximum of 10 people
What is a tamandua, you ask? Come find out on a special behind the scenes tour to meet these amazing, unique animals. During this special close encounter, you will have a chance to watch a training session and discover first-hand what a tamandua enjoys as a treat at the Zoo.
Age:
All participants must be 5 or older and at least one adult must attend.
Availability:
Every day of the week with a reservation.
Price:
$30 per person, minimum of 2 people, maximum of 10 people
Through a visit inside the giraffe barn, you will learn what it takes to care for the Zoo’s (and the world’s!) tallest animals. A private giraffe encounter will get you eye to eye with the giraffe while you provide them with some tasty treats.
Age:
All participants must be 5 or older and at least one adult must attend.
Availability:
Every day of the week with a reservation.
Price:
$30 per person, minimum of 2 people, maximum of 10 people
Get to meet three of the Zoo’s animal ambassadors during a private encounter in one of the Zoo’s private classrooms. During this encounter, you will get up close with some of the Zoo’s smaller residents while watching a feeding and/or training demonstration, and you’ll even have the opportunity to touch some of the animals.
Age:
All ages; at least one adult must attend.
Availability:
Every day of the week with a reservation.
Price:
$30 per person, minimum of 2 people, maximum of 10 people
Join us for a 60-minute adventure to learn what it takes to care for Reid Park Zoo’s elephant herd. Your experience will include watching an elephant training session, a tour of the elephant barn, meeting our elephant animal care staff and helping them hide treats for the elephants.
Age:
All participants must be 10 or older and at least one adult must attend.
Availability:Oct. – May only on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8:00 a.m.
June – Sept. only on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:00 a.m.
Price:
$500 for 2 people.
$100 for each additional person up to 10 total people.
During this 60-minute experience, you will learn more about some of Reid Park Zoo’s most popular residents. Your experience includes a visit to the anteater, rhino and giraffe habitats and a chance to see these animals closer than during a regular Zoo visit.
Age:
All participants must be 5 or older and at least one adult must attend.
Availability:
Every day of the week with a reservation.
Price:
$40 per person, minimum of 5 people, maximum of 10 people
During this 60-minute adventure, you will learn how Reid Park Zoo uses proper nutrition and health care to provide quality, whole-life care to its animal residents. Your experience includes visits to the Animal Health Center, Zoo kitchen, and rhino habitat. During a special close encounter with the rhino, you will discover the importance of animal training for completing daily health checkups.
Age:
All participants must be 5 or older and at least one adult must attend.
Availability:
Every day of the week with a reservation.
Price:
$40 per person, minimum of 5 people, maximum of 10 people
