Get closer than ever to your favorite animals with a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Aldabra Tortoise Wild Encounter
Get ready to be awed by our gentle giants, Norbert and Purdue, during your interactive Aldabra Tortoise Wild Encounter. This encounter takes your group into the exhibit to interact with and try your hand at feeding a giant tortoise while the Zoo Keeper shares incredible information about the second largest living tortoise species.
A portion of your Wild Encounter supports our Zoo Conservation Fund.
Days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday
Dates/Time: Each week May 13, 2024 through September 13, 2024
1 p.m.
Ages: 5 & up*
Cost: $200
up to 4 participants
*Children age 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult who has also purchased a Wild Encounter.
Giraffe Wild Encounter
Your adventure begins behind the scenes in the giraffe barn, where you’ll help keepers create special feeders and watch as the treats are gobbled up! You’ll stand toe to toe with these gentle giants and learn how giraffe are ambassadors for their cousins in Africa.
A portion of your Wild Encounter supports our Zoo Conservation Fund.
Day: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Dates/ Time: Each week from April 27 through November 3, 2024
3:00 p.m.
Ages: 5 & up*
Cost: $250
up to 6 participants
*Children age 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult who has also purchased a Wild Encounter.
Penguin Wild Encounter
Waddle over to meet the African penguins! Alongside an expert Zoo Keeper, learn about the African penguins, interact with them in exciting ways, and learn about the conservation efforts being done to help this endangered species.
A portion of your Wild Encounter supports our Zoo Conservation Fund.
Day: Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday
Dates/Time: Every week from May 15, 2024 to November 3, 2024
1 p.m.
Ages: 5 & up*
Cost: $200
up to 2 participants
*Children age 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult who has also purchased a Wild Encounter.
Animal Health and Conservation Wild Encounter
Your adventure begins behind the scenes in Hellbender Conservation Room where you will discover this amazing Indiana amphibian. Animal Care staff will tell you the important conservation work going on behind the scenes at your favorite zoo. Next stop on your Wild Encounter is a tour of the Animal Hospital to learn how the Veterinary team cares for the wide variety of animals that call the Zoo home.
A portion of your Wild Encounter supports our Zoo Conservation Fund.
Day: Thursday
Dates/ Time: Every other week from May 2, 2024, through October 31, 2024
2:00 p.m.
Ages: 5 & up*
Cost: $150
up to 4 participants
*Children age 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult who has also purchased a Wild Encounter.
Red Panda Wild Encounter
Spend time hanging out with the original panda during your Red Panda Wild Encounter. Step into a staff-only area to see what goes into their daily care and have a chance to watch Keepers during a Red Panda feeding. Ask whatever questions are on your mind about this endangered species and learn about the important role Zoos have in Red Panda conservation.
A portion of your Wild Encounter supports our Zoo Conservation Fund.
Days: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
Dates/Time: Every week through November 2, 2024
10 a.m.
Ages: 5 & up*
Cost: $200
up to 4 participants
*Children age 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult who has also purchased a Wild Encounter.
Sloth Wild Encounter
Slow down and get up close with the two-toed sloth, Benedict. Learn all about the two-toed sloth and watch Benedict move and climb onto a specially designed branch right in front of you. Ask questions as you learn about sloths in the wild and the importance of rainforest conservation.
A portion of your Wild Encounter supports our Zoo Conservation Fund.
Day: Wednesday and Sunday
Dates/ Time: Every week from June 26, 2024, through September 15, 2024
10:30 a.m.
Ages: 5 & up*
Cost: $200
up to 4 participants
*Children age 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult who has also purchased a Wild Encounter.
TO REGISTER FOR YOUR WILD ENCOUNTER
Full payment is required at the time of registration.
Questions? Contact us at 260-427-6800 or by e-mail.
Important Information for your Zoo Season Wild Encounter: Encounters are available only when the zoo is open for the season. Wild Encounter prices do not include zoo admission. You are free to explore the zoo on your own during normal operating hours before or after your Wild Encounter. No exceptions for stated maximum group size or age limits. Children age 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult who has also purchased a Wild Encounter ticket. Participants agree to abide by zoo protocols when visiting behind the scenes as instructed by zoo staff, including the use of protective masks, hand washing or other procedures. Closed-toed shoes are required for your safety—no sandals. Wear washable clothing. Dress for the weather, the Wild Encounters happen rain or shine. Photographs taken behind the scenes at the zoo may not be published or shared on social media per the zoo’s Photo and Video Policy.
Cancellation and Refund Policies: Wild Encounters are held rain or shine. Refunds (minus 10% processing fee) are available if you cancel at least 2 weeks in advance. No refund if you cancel less than 2 weeks in advance, but the zoo will make every effort to reschedule your Encounter. The zoo reserves the right to cancel any Wild Encounter or offer an equivalent substitute at any time due to animal health or safety issues. In the event of a zoo cancellation, a full refund will be offered.
Wild Encounters is sponsored by Three Rivers Credit Union
