WILD ENCOUNTERS TOURS:
See the Zoo the way the keepers do! Take a guided tour behind the scenes for a closer look at one of the animal areas listed below. These exciting tours are not to be missed!
Discovery Reef
You’ve seen it from the front, now come see our 90,000 gallon Aquarium from behind and above! You’ll be amazed to hear about and see all of the hard work that goes into running our own little ocean!
Dr. C. Joseph Cross Animal Health Center
What do you do when a tiger has a toothache? When a snake has the sniffles? Take a tour of our state-of-the-art veterinary facility, and see how the Zoo is prepared to care for species of every size.
Cost:
Members: $15
Non-Members: $20
Times and Dates:
Spring (March 31-May 25)
11:00 AM Animal Health
3:00 PM Discovery Reef
Summer (May 26-September 3)
10:00 AM Discovery Reef
1:00 PM Animal Health
3:00 PM Discovery Reef
4:00 PM Animal Health
Fall/Winter (September 4-December 31)
11:00 AM Animal Health
3:00 PM Discovery Reef
TWILIGHT TOURS
Enjoy the Zoo AFTER HOURS!
The crowds have diminished and you have the Zoo all to yourself! Up to 12 guests can embark on this journey that takes you through various areas of the Zoo on a VIP cart with your very own guide. Enjoy light refreshments along the way and a keepsake to remember your trip. These tours are great for celebrating any occasion and also perfect for families with young children and older adults.
Times and Availability:
Spring and Fall 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Summer 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
*Behind the scenes access is not included in this tour.
GUIDED WALKING TOURS
These free Guided Walking Tours are an exciting, interactive opportunity for our guests! Led by Interpretive guides the 45 minute tours are a fun way to see the Zoo and learn more about the animals. The guides will offer interesting facts and share educational props as they lead the guests through selected regions of the Zoo.
Tours will be offered daily Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend on a first-come-first served basis and will be limited to approximately the first 25 guests to arrive. Meet your guide at the specified time and location below for each tour -weather permitting.
Each of the 4 tours has a theme designed specific to the region and tour route. Current tour themes are:
Extreme Animals: Asia Quest 10:00 a.m.
Meet at Stone Entrance to Asia Quest
How thick is a rhino’s skin? Which animal is the largest land mammal in the world?
Find out the answers to these questions and more during the “Extreme Animals” Asia Quest tour.
Extreme Animals: North America 11:00 a.m.
Meet at the Entrance to North America
Do wolves really howl at the moon? Which animal is the fastest in North America?
During the “Extreme Animals” North America tour guests will discover the biggest, fastest and most fascinating animals sharing our North American homes.
Animals in Every Layer 1:00 p.m.
Meet at the Entrance to Australia
This tour will visit each of the amazing animals in our Islands of Southeast Asia exhibit with emphasis on the importance and biodiversity of the Islands area.
Furry, Feathery, Scaly 3:00 p.m.
Meet at Flamingo Exhibit
Birds, reptiles and mammals, come along as we search the Zoo for the many different body coverings found in the animal world and answer the burning question: Why are flamingos pink?