VIP Public Tours – 2023

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: they 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

Public tours are $100 per person for North Carolina Zoo Society members. Non-members pay an additional $15 per person.

View VIP Public Tours organized by date offered

  • Rocky Coast Family Tour
    A family-affair tour for kids as young as 5 years old
    • Children must be at least 5 years old to attend.
    ADA accessible
    Learn More!
  • Rocky Coast Adult Tour
    An experience for adults 12 years old and older
    • Children must be at least 12 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 accessible – alert us to mobility concerns
    Learn More!
  • An In-Depth Look at the Desert
    Examine the desert’s secrets after it closes to the public.
    • 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 accessible – alert us to mobility concerns
    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 accessible – alert us to mobility concerns
    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!

  • Red Wolf Howl
    Howl with the red wolves during a night-time tour!
    • Children must be at least 10 years old to attend.
    ADA accessible – alert us to mobility concerns
    Learn More!

  • 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 accessible
    Learn More!
  • 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
    Learn More!