Behind the Scenes Experiences
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 group of 20 or less people. For larger groups please call 520-837-8200.
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. Fee includes zoo admission.
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 education@reidparkzoo.org. This form will not function properly from Yahoo and AOL email accounts. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Animal Ambassadors Experience - 30 minute experience
Get to meet several of the Zoo’s animal ambassadors during this private encounter. During this encounter, you will get up close with some of the Zoo’s smaller residents.
Note: Animals may differ from those pictured. You will meet 3-4 animals during this experience.
Age:
All ages; at least one adult must attend.
Availability:
Every day of the week with a reservation (August-May)
Weekends only with a reservation (June-July)
Price:
$30 per person, minimum of 2 people/$60, maximum of 10 people
Request This Experience
Giraffe Encounter - 30 minute experience
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/$60, maximum of 10 people
Request This Experience
Aldabra Tortoise Experience - 30 minute experience
Education staff invite you on this special behind the scenes tour to learn about the unique adaptations of one of the largest types of tortoise. Learn about how we care for this animal at the Zoo and how our everyday actions can help protect tortoises in the wild. This experience provides an opportunity to see the tortoise closer than during a regular visit, and may even allow the chance to watch a feeding or 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.
Please note – Due to animal health protocols, if temperatures are under 50 degrees, the tortoises will be inside and not available. Another animal experience will be substituted as needed.
Price:
$30 per person, minimum of 2 people/$60, maximum of 10 people
This experience includes walking on uneven terrain. Please email education@reidparkzoo.org to discuss accessibility options.
Request This Experience
Capybara Experience - 30 minute experience
Education and keeper staff invite you on this special behind-the-scenes tour to learn about the world’s largest rodent species. This experience provides an opportunity to see the capybaras closer than during a regular visit, and provides a chance to feed the capybaras a special treat if they choose to participate in training during your experience.
Age:
All participants must be 10 or older and at least one adult must attend.
Availability:
Saturdays and Sundays only
9:00 am Oct- May
8:00 am June-Sept
Price:
$50 per person, minimum of 2 people, maximum of 5 people
This experience includes walking on uneven terrain. Please email education@reidparkzoo.org to discuss accessibility options.
Request This Experience
Animal Care and Nutrition Behind the Scenes - 60 minute tour, Great for Adult Groups!
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:
$250 for up to 5 people, then $25 per person. 20 people per tour maximum.
Request This Experience
Rhino Encounter - 30 minute experience - Currently Not Available
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