VIP Private Tours – 2023

About Private Tours

We organize our public and private VIP Tours to provide exciting, fun, and educational behind-the-scenes experiences for our guests. Private tours are nearly identical to public tours: both last about an hour, visit the same locations, and take guests close to the Zoo’s animals and their keepers.

How Public and Private Tours Differ

All public tours take place on a Saturday or a Wednesday and may admit up to 16 people for a tour.

Private tours are scheduled on a date chosen by the buyer and may be scheduled for any day of the week. A private tour may include up to six people—all of whom attend at the buyer’s discretion. Other than those two differences, they are essentially the same as their public tour counterparts.

Please be sure to confirm details about your private tour—what time the tour begins, where to meet before the tour, minimum ages for children, and so on—before you purchase. To do so, simply check the public tour information for the species you wish to see.

Our Commitment to Safety

To ensure the safety of our guests and staff, we limit the number of people attending different tours and have minimum age requirements for children to attend. Minimum ages vary from 5 years to 12 years, depending on the tour location. Age limits are noted on tour descriptions.

To protect your health and the health of the Zoo’s animals and staff, tour patrons may be required to wear protective equipment behind the scenes. Currently, all tour patrons must follow strict COVID protocols, including wearing masks and, at times, gloves during behind-the-scenes tours. You can download a PDF of our most Current COVID-19 guidelines here.

If you are unable to wear a mask for any reason, we will give you the option to postpone your tour until COVID protocols are lifted or to receive a full refund for your purchase.

Click the Bar Below for Details About our Private Tours


  • Avian Prop
    Join us for an in-depth tour of the Avian propagation area
    • Children must be at least 10 years old to attend.
    ADA restrictions apply to some mobility issues.
  • Black Bear and Grizzly Bear
    New for 2023—get up close to two bear species!
    • Children must be at least 10 years old to attend.
    ADA accessible
  • Chimps in
    Training
    Engaging Chimps with training and enrichment.
    • Children must be at least 12 years old to attend.
    ADA restrictions apply to some mobility issues
  • Desert Tour Currently Unavailable
    Examine the desert’s secrets after it closes to the public.
    • Children must be at least 5 years old to attend.
    ADA accessible
  • Elephants
    Up Close
    See how the keepers care for the elephants.
    • Children must be at least 12 years old to attend.
    ADA restrictions apply to some mobility issues.
  • Meet and Feed the Giraffes
    Join a keeper to feed the giraffes and meet the Red River Hogs.
    • Children must be at least 6 years old to attend.
    ADA accessible
  • Keys to Keeping a Troop Healthy
    Watch how gorillas learn to help take care of their health.
    • Children must be at least 8 years old.
    ADA accessible – alert us to mobility concerns
  • Rocky Coast Family Tour
    A tour for families—learn
    about Puffins and Polar Bears!
    • Children must be at least 5 years old to attend.
    ADA restrictions apply to some mobility issues.
  • Rocky Coast Adult Tour
    Polar Bears and Puffins for older children and adults.
    • Children must be at least 12 years old to attend.
    ADA restrictions apply to some mobility issues.
  • Rhinos – Close
    Enough to Touch
    Reach out and touch a rhino behind the scenes.
    • Children must be at least 8 years old to attend.
    ADA accessible
  • Bison & Elk Safari
    For Four
    See the animals from the back of a truck (offered as a private tour only*).
    • Children must be at least 10 years old to attend.
    ADA accessible – alert us to mobility concerns

* This tour does not have a public tour counterpart—it is offered as a private tour only. To learn more about this private-only tour, please click the appropriate “Learn More! button and see the bottom of the resulting product page.