2026 Private Tours

About Private Tours

We organize all tours to provide  guests with exciting, fun, and educational behind-the-scenes experiences. Private tours share the same itinerary as 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 and may admit up to 15 guests.

Private Tours mirror public tours, but the buyer chooses the tour date, which can be set on a weekday or weekend. Private tour prices cover Zoo and tour admission for up to six people (just four on the Bison safari) named by the buyer.

We can modify some private tours to accommodate guests with disabilities that prevent them from attending a standard public tour. For example, if mobility problems prevent a guest from walking over uneven terrain, we can offer an alternative experience that adjust for this limitation.

Some tours allow the buyer to add additional guests at a cost of $100 per person. The final group size cannot exceed the limit established for public tours. Participitants must also meet the age requirements set for public tours. A paying adult must accompany children younger than 17.

Tour Prices

The base price for most private tours is $615. We provide a $70 discount to current NC Zoo Society members. Fees provide Zoo and tour admission to up to six people. The Bison Safari admits only four guests and sells for $515 ($475 for current Zoo Society members).

Before Booking a Private Tour, Please Note

You must book a private tour at least two weeks before you plan to attend. It takes that long to schedule a tour with the animal care staff.

All tours have posted age requirments for participants. Children must meet these requirements to participate on a tour. Children younger than the specified age may not go behind the scenes.

Tour prices cover admission tickets to the North Carolina Zoo and to the tour.

If the month that you want to schedule a particular private tour has sold out or if you want to add guests to a tour group please email jparker@nczoo.com or bsigafoos@nczoo.com to find out if a second tour can be schedule for that month month or to if the tour can accomidate additional guests. 

 

Private Tour Refund Policies

If a buyer requests a tour date that the Zoo cannot accommodate, we provide a full refund.

Buyers who cancel a private tour at least 4 days prior to the event can receive a full refund or be rescheduled for a comparable tour later in the same or the following year.

Buyers who cancel a private tour 2 – 3 days prior to the event can receive a 50 percent refund or be rescheduled for a comparable tour later in the same or the following year.

Buyers canceling on the day before or the day of an event are not eligible for refunds or rescheduling.

If the Zoo Society cancels any public or private tour, buyers may choose to receive a full refund or to be rescheduled for a comparable tour on a different date during the same or the following year. 

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.
    Available Year Round
    Some ADA modifications available on request.
    Purchase Tour Here
  • Black Bear and Grizzly Bear
    Get up close to two bear species!
    Children must be at least 10.
    Available Year Round
    Some ADA modifications available on request
    Purchase Tour Here
  • Bison & Elk Safari
    For Four
    A close up ride through the habitat on a flatbed truck.
    Children must be at least 10.
    Available Year Round
    ADA Accessible – alert us to mobility concerns..
    Purchase Tour Here

  • Chimps & Lions
    Two for One

    See how keepers interact with
    chimpanzees and lions
    Children must be at least 12 to attend.
    Some ADA modifications available on request
    Learn More & Purchase
  • Cougar Behind the Scenes
    Learn how keepers care for these cats and alligators, too.
    • Children must be at least 10 to attend.
    Available Year Round
    Some ADA modifications available on request
    Learn More & Purchase
  • Elephants Up Close
    See how our animal care staff cares for and trains elephants.
    Children must be at least 12 to attend.
    Available March – November
    Some ADA modifications available on request
    Learn More & Purchase
  • Giraffe Meet and Feed
    Feed giraffes & meet the
    Red River Hogs.
    Children must be at least 6 to attend.
    Available April – October
    Some ADA modifications available on request
    Purchase Tour Here
  • Gorilla Health
    Baboon Behavior
    See how keepers train gorillas to participate in their own care.
    Children must be at least 8 to attend.
    Available March – November
    Some ADA modifications available on request
    Purchase Tour Here
  • Behind the Scenes with Lion Keepers
    How does a keeper care for a lion? See for yourself!
    Children must be at least 12 to attend.
    Available Year Round
    Some ADA modifications available on request
    Purchase Tour Here
  • Private Otter (Sold Out)
    Get close to the otters and meet some cool amphibians, too.
    Children must be at least 8 to attend.
    Available Year Round
    Some ADA modifications available on request
    Purchase Tour Here
  • Private Rhino (Sold Out)
    All 2026 Private Rhino Tours Have Been Sold
    • Children must be at least 8 to attend.
    Available March – November
    Some ADA modifications available on request
    Purchase Tour Here
  • Rocky Coast Private Tour
    Exploring Polar Wildlife – the Real Cool Creatures.
    Children must be at least 5 to attend.
    Available March – October
    Some ADA modifications available on request
    Purchase Tour Here