Get closer than ever to your favorite animals with a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Oceans Wild Encounter
Your Oceans Wild Encounter will include stops in the Reef gallery, where you can get nose-to-nose with our sharks, reef fish, and a giant grouper. If you think that view is great, a Zoo Aquarist will take you behind the scenes in our aquarium workroom* for an entirely new view of the Reef. Talk with our aquarist about what it takes to care for our oceans and the amazing animals that live in them, learn about coral reef conservation, invasive species, and the hard work being done to conserve our oceans.
Your encounter will end back in Stingray Bay where you will grab a cup of fish and accompany aquarists in feeding our stingrays. Watch the Stingrays swim over and slurp up their lunch!**
A portion of your Wild Encounter supports our Zoo Conservation Fund.
Days: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Dates/Time: Each week through the Zoo season
2 p.m.
Ages: 5 & up***
Cost: $200
up to 4 participants
*This Wild Encounter does have stairs to the aquarium workroom. The Reef Conservation Wild Encounter does have a series of steps to navigate the aquarium workroom.
**Note for participants with allergies: the stingrays’ food includes shellfish.
***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 our giraffe are ambassadors for their cousins in Africa.
A portion of your Wild Encounter supports our Zoo Conservation Fund.
Days: Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Dates/ Time: Each week during the 2023 Zoo season
3:00 p.m.
Ages: 5 & up*
Cost: $350
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
Step onto the penguin habitat and help keepers deliver lunch to the penguins. You’ll experience the best way to feed a hungry penguin, get details on the penguins’ personalities and learn how the Zoo is helping save wild African black footed penguins.
A portion of your Wild Encounter supports our Zoo Conservation Fund.
Days: Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday
Dates/Time: Each week through the Zoo season
1 p.m.
Ages: 5 & up*
Cost: $175
up to 2 participants
*Children age 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult who has also purchased a Wild Encounter.
African Savannah Wild Encounter
Ever wonder about the animals that call the savannah home at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo? Maybe you want to know how often and what they eat, what makes each species unique, or how they survive in Africa altogether. Your walking tour wild encounter gives you access to our Zoo Keeper as they share with your group how they feed and care for the Wildebeest, Zebra, African Birds, and Sitatunga*. Your encounter will end with an opportunity to try your hand at feeding a Sitatunga.
A portion of your Wild Encounter supports our Zoo Conservation Fund.
Days: Monday and Wednesday
Dates/ Time: Each week during the 2023 Zoo season
10:00 a.m.
Ages: 5 & up**
Cost: $175
up to 4 participants
*If there is heavy rain or extreme heat, the sitatunga may not eat.
**Children age 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult who has also purchased a Wild Encounter.
Red Panda Wild Encounter
Starting June 2023
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: Each week through the Zoo season beginning June 2023
10 a.m.
Ages: 5 & up*
Cost: $300
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 our two-toed sloth, Benedict. Learn all about two-toed sloth and watch Benedict move and climb onto a specially-designed branch right in front of you. Ask whatever questions are on your mind as you learn about sloths in the wild and the importance of rain forest conservation.
A portion of your Wild Encounter supports our Zoo Conservation Fund.
Days: Sunday
Dates/ Time: Each Sunday through September 10
10:30 a.m.
Ages: 5 & up*
Cost: $300
up to 6 participants
*Children age 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult who has also purchased a Wild Encounter.
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: Each week during the 2023 Zoo season
2:00 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.
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
