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:

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 Bactrian 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

Moon Bear Wild Connection

Bears come in all shapes and sizes! Come meet our friend shaped Moon Bear and learn about their amazing adaptations during a training session behind the scenes of our Moon Bear habitat. Get a closer look on how Moon Bears got their name and learn from our professional and knowledgeable keepers!

• Maximum Capacity: 2
• Minimum Age: 16
• Accessibility: Please note that this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The space is not a large enough area. Please call to see what accommodations can be offered.
• Availability: Thursdays at 10:00 AM
• Member Pricing: $126/ per person
• Non-member Pricing: $139/ per person

Ambassador Animal Adventure Wild Connection

Every encounter is a surprise—you might meet some of our social media stars like Beau the six-banded armadillo, our scruffy-tailed skunks, or another one of our amazing ambassadors! These special animals usually live behind the scenes, but they love stepping out to help share their species’ amazing stories. 

Our keepers will introduce you to the ambassador who’s most excited to meet guests that day. Each encounter is unique, based on the animal’s choice and the keeper’s discretion, so we can’t guarantee who you’ll meet—but we can promise a wild and memorable connection! 

• Maximum Capacity: 6
• Minimum Age: 15
• Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
• Availability: Select Sundays at 10:30 AM
• Member Pricing: $76/ per person
• Non-member Pricing: $89/ per person

Rainforest Wild Connection

Make like a sloth and hangout in our newest exhibit, Faces of the Rainforest! In this special extended Wild Connection, visit the zoo when we are closed to the public and spend over half an hour with a rainforest keeper as you come face to face with some of the residents! With sloths, giant otters, tamanduas and more, each Rainforest Wild Connection is sure to be unique and exciting! You will learn about animal diets, vet care, training and more as part of this unforgettable encounter. You will be able to explore the entire rainforest exhibit with a zookeeper at your side. From howler monkeys to toucans learn about each animal’s personality and unique needs! 

• Maximum Capacity: 4
• Minimum Age: 5
• Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
• Availability: Select Tuesdays at 11 AM
• Member Pricing: $196/ per person
• Non-member Pricing: $209/ per person