Get closer than ever to your favorite animals with a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
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 November 9, 2024, through March 23, 2025
2:00 p.m.
Ages: 5 & up*
Cost: $250
for groups up to 6 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: Friday
Dates/ Time: Every week from January 3 through March 23, 2025
2:00 p.m.
Ages: 5 & up*
Cost: $100
for groups 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: Thursday and Saturday
Dates/Time: Every week November 9, 2024, through March 23, 2025
10 a.m.
Ages: 5 & up*
Cost: $200
for groups up to 4 participants
*Children age 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult who has also purchased a Wild Encounter.
Oceans Wild Encounter
Grab a tray of fish and accompany aquarists in hand-feeding stingrays in Stingray Bay and then head over to The Reef to get nose to nose with sharks, reef fish, and giant groupers! Finish the day by exploring behind-the-scenes and learning more about coral reef conservation, invasive species, and the hard work being done to conserve our oceans.
A portion of your Wild Encounter supports our Zoo Conservation Fund.
Days: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Dates/Time: Every week January 2 through March 23, 2025
1 p.m.
Ages: 5 & up*
Cost: $200
for groups up to 4 participants
*Children age 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult who has also purchased a Wild Encounter.
Rain Forest Wild Encounter
Escape the cold and come say hello to the orangutans with our Rain Forest Wild Encounter. Walk through the rain forest dome and listen carefully for the avian animals that add so much color to a rain forest! Learn from our keepers how we care for all these animals and learn about the conservation efforts being done to help these diverse species.
A portion of your Wild Encounter supports our Zoo Conservation Fund.
Days: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Dates/Time: Every week January 2 through March 23, 2025
11 a.m.
Ages: 5 & up*
Cost: $200
for groups up to 6 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.
Photos from guest areas are strongly encouraged. Photos are not permitted from the behind-the-scenes areas within the Zoo. The Zoo Keeper will assist you in finding a place for your personal possessions during your Wild Encounter. Feel free to ask us for a copy of our Photo/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
