VIP Public Tours – 2022

About Public 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.

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.

Currently Scheduled Public VIP Tours

View VIP Public Tours organized by date offered

  • Early Bird Tour Canceled
    Join us for an in-depth Aviary tour before it opens to the public.
    • Children must be at least 10 years old to attend.
    ADA accessible
    Learn More!

  • Black Bear
    New in 2022! A behind-the- scenes look at Black Bear care at the Zoo.
    • Children must be at least 10 years old to attend.
    ADA accessible
    Learn More!
  • 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
    Learn More!
  • This option is currently unavailable
    We are working to provide an updated version in the future.
    • Children must be at least 5 years old to attend.
    ADA accessible
    Learn More!
  • 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
    Learn More!
  • 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
    Learn More!
  • 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 to attend.
    ADA restrictions apply to some mobility issues
    Learn More!
  • Polar Bears & Puffins (Adults)
    Details and close-up views of what it takes to care for a Polar Bear.
    • Children must be at least 12 years old to attend.
    ADA restrictions apply to some mobility issues
    Learn More!
  • Polar Bears & Puffins (Family)
    A made-for-youngsters program about caring for puffins and bears.
    • Children must be at least 5 years old to attend.
    ADA restrictions apply to some mobility issues
    Learn More!
  • 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
    Learn More!