Get closer than ever to your favorite animals with a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Wild Encounters
Reef Wild Encounter
Your Reef Conservation Wild Encounter will begin in the Reef gallery. If you think that view is great, a Zoo Aquarist will take you behind the scenes to our aquarium workroom for an entirely new view of the Reef. Talk with an aquarist about the amazing animals living in the ocean, coral reef conservation, invasive species, and the hard work being done to conserve our oceans.*
Days: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Dates/Time: Each weekend in February
1 to 1:45 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.
**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.
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.*
Days: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Dates/ Time: Each weekend in February
1:00 to 1:45 p.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.
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. Photographs taken behind the scenes at the zoo may not be published or shared on social media per the zoo’s Photo and Video Policy.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
