Animal Encounters
Behind the Scenes Experiences
Due to their immense popularity, we are experiencing an overwhelming number of requests and currently must pause our behind-the-scenes and animal encounter programs. Please check back this fall when we will have a new program and reservation system in place. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Animal Ambassadors Experience
30 minute experience
Meet several of the Zoo’s animal ambassadors during this private encounter. During this experience, you will get up close with some of the Zoo’s smaller residents.
Age:
All ages; at least one adult must attend.
Availability:
Weekends only with a reservation (June-July)
New reservation process coming August 2025.
Price:
$30 per person, minimum of 2 people/$60, maximum of 10 people.
Requests must be made ate least 1 week in advance to allow time to schedule staff.
Please note that behind-the-scenes experiences are very popular and we may not be able to accommodate all requests.
New reservation process coming August 2025.
Giraffe Experience
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:
Weekends only with a reservation (June-July).
New reservation process coming August 2025.
Price:
$30 per person, minimum of 2 people/$60, maximum of 10 people
Requests must be made at least 1 week in advance to allow time to schedule staff.
Please note that behind-the-scenes experiences are very popular and we may not be able to accommodate all requests.
New reservation process coming August 2025.
Giant 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:
Weekends only with a reservation (June-July).
New reservation process coming August 2025.
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.
Requests must be made at least 1 week in advance to allow time to schedule staff.
Please note that behind-the-scenes experiences are very popular and we may not be able to accommodate all requests.
New reservation process coming August 2025.
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
– 8:00 a.m. June-July
New reservation process coming August 2025.
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.
Requests must be made at least 1 week in advance to allow time to schedule staff.
Please note that behind-the-scenes experiences are very popular and we may not be able to accommodate all requests.
New reservation process coming August 2025.
Animal Care and Nutrition Behind the Scenes
60 minute tour
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:
Weekends only with a reservation (June-July).
New reservation process coming August 2025.
Price:
$250 for up to 5 people, then $25 per person. 20 people per tour maximum.
Requests must be made at least 1 week in advance to allow time to schedule staff.
Please note that behind-the-scenes experiences are very popular and we may not be able to accommodate all requests.
New reservation process coming August 2025.
Have a larger group?
We have a variety of programs available for groups of all sizes and ages!
Can’t make it to the Zoo?
Learn about our VIRTUAL animal experiences.
Behind the Scenes Experience Request Form
This is a REQUEST only–we will contact you to finalize details or discuss alternate dates.
Requests must be made at least 1 week prior to your visit.
Please make sure you see a confirmation screen indicating your form has been submitted successfully. If you have any questions please call 520-837-8200 or email education@reidparkzoo.org