Don’t miss your favorite animals from the latest season of Secrets of the Zoo, now streaming on Nat Geo WILD and Disney+.
Here’s a quick guide to where you can see these stars, plus some insider tips to create the ultimate fan experience.
Episode 1: Flock Star
On your way to visit the small-clawed Asian otters in our Australia and the Islands region, stop by the flamingo yard to meet George Michael’s kids and grandkids. You can learn more about the smallest otters at our Keeper Talks, presented by GermainCars, daily at 3:30 p.m.
Insider Tip: For a prehistoric adventure, hop on a boat ride through Dinosaur Island while you are in Australia and the Islands.
Episode 2: Reindeer Pedicure
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, spend the night in the pastures at The Wilds with rhinos, including Kenny G, at our exclusive WildNights at the Outpost. At the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, book your Reindeer Experience to go inside the reindeer barn and learn how Animal Care staff work with Sugarplum and Abby. Complete your Zoo visit with a trip to Heart of Africa to meet mischievous vervet monkeys, Bob, Betsy, Lucy, Sassy, and Todd.
Episode 3: Tunnel of Love
Visit the newest region at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Adventure Cove, where you may catch sea lion Bodega napping cozily at the bottom of the tunnel, or Banana playing with his younger siblings – Sunshine, Norval and Lennie. For a one-of-a-kind adventure, check out these two interactive behind-the-scenes tours: the Seal and Sea Lion Experience and the Jack Hanna’s Animal Encounters Village Experience.
Episode 4: Holey Batwings
Stop by Asia Quest to see flying fox Barb’s impressive wingspan, and then pop over to Australia and the Islands to see a real-life dragon – Ursula the Komodo dragon. When Season 5 premiered, young sea lion Norval had already grown to 155 pounds! He participates in some of the Sea Lion Training Tales presentations, which are included with your Zoo admission. Don’t miss your chance to see this growing boy demonstrate his latest training at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Lighthouse Theater in Adventure Cove. End your day with a ride on a Land Rover as you join the Animal Care team out on the savanna for up-close encounters with animals like zebra Holly. Book your Heart of Africa Savanna Tour now.
Episode 5: Red Panda Drama Mama
Visit Canada lynx Torvi and her two sisters in the North America region and then head over to Asia Quest to bask in the cuteness of the red pandas. Create an unforgettable memory with the Red Panda Experience. You’ll go in the red panda habitat and feed drama mama, Kora, with your Animal Care tour guide! (This tour fills up fast!)
Episode 6: Giraffe-Ic Park
Visit the elephants in Asia Quest, including new arrival, one-year-old elephant calf Frankie! Connie is too much of a sassy older lady to participate, so you’ll help exfoliate one of the other herd members when you book your Elephant Bath Experience. Then head up to Heart of Africa to feed a giraffe. Maybe you’ll even get to feed Zuri, Jana, or one of their babies.
Bonus fun fact: After the filming of season 5, a third giraffe calf was born! You can see all three babies – Ralph, Schaefer, and Sammie – at Heart of Africa.
Episode 7: Roary the Lionheart
See Roary’s new pride dynamics when you visit the lions in Heart of Africa. Stick around for the Lion Keeper Talk, presented by GermainCars, daily at 10 a.m. The next Keeper Talk leads you to Polar Frontier in North America at 11 a.m., where you can watch the polar bear sisters, Aurora and Anana, dive into their pool for some enrichment. Alaskan brown bears Brutus and Buckeye are right next door. Whether these brothers are lounging in their pool or sleeping away the afternoon in their cave, these boys know how to relax in style. Finally, slither on over to Asia Quest to visit reticulated python Jackie.
Episode 8: A Giraffe Is Born
Go on a safari at The Wilds where you’ll encounter Lulu and the rest of the giraffes, including two calves! For an extra special experience, book your Secrets of the Zoo Wildside Tour to go off-road and get up close to the animals with one of our stars. At the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, get a behind-the-scenes look at cheetahs Dave and Adrienne when you go on a Cheetah Experience. You might even hear a cheetah purr!
* Some experiences are seasonal or weather dependent.
