2026 – Public VIP Elephant Tour
Tour Details – All Public Elephant Tours Are Sold Out
Tour Dates: March 21 (Sold Out), April 18 (Sold Out)), May 16 (Sold Out), June 20 (Sold Out), August 8 (Sold Out), September 19 (Sold Out), October 10 (Sold Out),
Tour Time and Meeting Place: 1:15 p.m. Guests gather at the Stedman Education Center to board a bus that will transport them to the Elephant Barn. The Stedman Education Building is the two-story, glass and concrete building facing Lot D in the North American parking area.
Minimum Age: 12 years old – Children younger than 17 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Tour Overview: This tour usually ends around 2:30 p.m. A private bus transports guests from the Stedman Education Center to the off-habitat elephant barn to meet with zookeepers to see how they train and manage the elephants. Guests also tour the elephant barn and usually visit a non-public viewing area behind one of the elephant habitats. Guests may not take photographs when they are inside or around the elephant barn.
ADA Status: This public tour is not ADA-accessible, but some ADA accommodations can be made for guests who purchase a private tour. Visit the 2025 Private Tour page to learn more. This modified tour is offered as a Private Tour only and does not include the full range of experiences provided in the VIP Public tour.
Important Health and Safety Restrictions
Safety Note: To accommodate the needs of our guests and staff, we limit the number of people attending this tour to 15.
Guests may not approach or try to touch any of the Zoo’s elephants and must remain at least 6 feet away from them at all times. Elephants can be dangerous animals, and guests are required to follow all safety instructions issued by the animal keepers or tour guides.
Current Health Requirements: Guests are not currently required to wear masks or gloves to participate in this tour. However, the Zoo may need to implement some health measures (e.g., requiring guests to wear gloves) if new or more serious medical hazards emerge to threaten the well-being of our animals, guests, or staff. Guests will be notified by email before their tour if the Zoo changes this policy.
Tour Specifics: This tour is available from March – October. The temperature must be 45 degrees or warmer for this tour to take place.
Original Health Requirements Are Unchanged: The Zoo Society has not adjusted any health requirements since first posting information on this tour.
