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 small group of 10 or less people.
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 [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
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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, maximum of 10 people
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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 as a reward 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 only!
10 am Oct- May
8:30 June-Sept
Price:
$30 per person, minimum of 2 people, maximum of 5 people
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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.
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
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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
Please note: Masks must be worn while visiting the kitchen during this tour.
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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
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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. Please note there is no interaction with the elephants during this program.
Age:
All participants must be 10 or older and at least one adult must attend.
Availability: Oct. – May only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8:00 a.m.
Price:
$500 for 2 people.
$100 for each additional person up to 10 total people.
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