Book a Wild Connection!

Get in touch with your wild side as you join a zookeeper and an animal companion for a one-of-a-kind experience! Learn about our animal friends’ individual personalities, the world-class training and care provided by our dedicated keeper and veterinarian teams as well as what you can do help support animals like them in the wild. All while making a connection that will last a lifetime. All Wild Connection experiences last about 20-30 minutes unless otherwise noted.

This add-on experience does not include admission to the zoo. Wild Connections guests must reserve Zoo admission tickets in advance to ensure entry prior to their scheduled experience. We suggest arriving at least 30 minutes early.

Please note: Smaller groups may be combined with others. Wild Connections have limited availability and are only available on the days and times listed above and require advanced reservations. NO EXCEPTIONS CAN BE MADE TO THE DAYS/TIMES OFFERED, AGE RESTRICTIONS, OR FOR WHAT SPECIES ARE AVAILABLE.

Current Wild Connection Encounters:

African Elephant Wild Connection

• Maximum Capacity: 4
• Minimum Age: 12
• Accessibility: Please note that this experience is not wheelchair accessible. Participants have to climb a flight of stairs to access the encounter space. Please call to see what accommodations can be offered.
• Availability: Select Sundays at 12:30pm through the Fall
• Member Pricing: $253.00
• Non-member Pricing: $266.00

George the Prehensile-Tailed Porcupine Wild Connection

You may recognize our friend George from one of his enchanting social media posts, whether he was showing off his incredibly boop-able nose or giving us cutest munching noises while enjoying his snacks! Our professional staff will be on hand to answer questions and make sure that everyone, including George, has a wonderful visit!

• Maximum Capacity: 4
• Minimum Age: 5
• Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
• Availability: Select Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 am
• Member Pricing: $75/per person
• Non-member Pricing: $88/per person

Aldabra Tortoise Wild Connection

Join us in shell-abrating one of the longest-lived species on Earth. As part of this special experience, you will join a zookeeper in the all-new tortoise habitat where you will meet our Aldabra Tortoises! You might even be able to feed these ancient giants or provide some of their daily enrichment during your time together! (Did we mention they love shell and neck scratches? See for yourself here!) You are tort-aly going to love it! 

• Maximum Capacity: 4
• Minimum Age: 5
• Wheelchair Accessible: No
• Availability: Thursdays and Sundays at 2:00pm
• Member Pricing: $51/per person
• Non-member Pricing: $64/per person

Bactrian Camel Wild Connection

Come find out what is really inside of a Camel’s hump at our Dromedary Camel Wild Connection! See just how big these animals are by getting up close and personal and learning about their amazing adaptations from our knowledgeable camel keeper! Don’t worry, we did remind the camels that it is rude to spit in public!

• Maximum Capacity: 4
• Minimum Age: 12
• Wheelchair Accessible: Yes. The area may include uneven surfaces. Please contact prior to booking to request accommodations.
• Availability: Select Wednesdays at 2:30 pm
• Member Pricing: $91/per person
• Non-member Pricing: $104/per person