Tickets
Tickets

Animal Encounters

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Schedule private animal encounter

Want an up-close-and-personal animal encounter? We offer private experiences for small groups, along with a zoo staff member from the education department who will introduce you to the ambassador animals, tell you about their species and answer questions. It’s a great learning experience, and perfect for families! 

Please call (512) 695-3021 to check date availability and schedule; reservations can fill up months in advance.

Capybara

Capybara Encounters

Enter the world of our Capybara during your very own private Capybara Encounter. These good tempered and gregarious animals will delight you during your time with them. An Education staff member will be with you during your entire encounter.

  • Private Capybara Encounters are available Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 12:00pm, with only one encounter booked per day. Encounters are only booked through the phone number listed above; no online reservations can be made.
  • The cost of your encounter is $60 per person.
  • Encounters are limited to a minimum of 2 persons and maximum of 3 persons, all at least 10 years of age or older.
Galapagos Tortoise

Galapagos Tortoise Encounters

Are you ready to have an up close and personal encounter with our Galapagos Tortoises? These gentle giants love eating lettuce right from your hand, supervised by one of our Education staff members.

  • Tortoise Encounters are available Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 11:00am (or 1:00pm on cold-temp days), with only one encounter booked per day.
  • The cost of your encounter is $25 per person.
  • Encounters are limited to three individuals, at least 5 years of age or older. Children under 10 years of age must be supervised by an adult.

Information and Policies:

  • This activity has been authorized by our Board Certified Zoological Medicine Veterinarian.
  • We will provide gloves for guests to wear. Gloves are required for your entire experience.
  • Please check in at our Gift Shop at least 10 minutes before your scheduled encounter to review and sign a liability release.
  • A member of our Education staff will be taking photographs or videos for you. We ask that one guest per group provide a smart phone. Guests will not be allowed to take photos/videos. This is for your safety!
  • Our encounters are 25-30 minutes long.
  • Please do not be late!  You will want to spend as much time as possible with the animals! Arrivals later than 10 minutes after the scheduled encounter time will result in cancellation of your encounter and no refunds will be given.

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