2026 VIP PUBLIC TOURS

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 Saturdays and may admit up to 16 people for a tour;
  • Private tours are scheduled on a date the buyer chooses and may be scheduled for any day of the week. The buyer can designate up to six people to attend a private tour.

Public tours are $115 per person for North Carolina Zoo Society Members.
Non-Members pay an additional $24 per person.

[View a list of our VIP Public Tours organized by month by clicking here.]

  • Avian Propagation Tour
    Join us for a tour of the Avian propagation area.
    Children must be at least 10 years old to attend.
    Not ADA accessible
    Learn More & Purchase
  • Black Bear and
    Grizzly Bear
    Get up close to two bear species!
    Children must be at least 10 years old to attend.
    Not ADA accessible
    Learn More & Purchase
  • Chimps in
    Training
    Engaging Chimps with training and enrichment.
    Children must be at least 12 years old to attend.
    Not ADA Accessible
    Learn More & Purchase
  • Cougar Behind the Scenes
    Learn how the keepers care for these grand cats.
    Children must be at least 8 years old to attend.
    Not ADA accessible
    Learn More & Purchase
  • Elephants
    Up Close
    See how keepers care for the elephants.
    Children must be at least 12 years old to attend.
    Not ADA accessible
    Learn More & Purchase
  • Meet and Feed the Giraffes
    Feed the Giraffes!
    Children must be at least 6 years old to attend.
    ADA accessible
    Learn More & Purchase
  • Gorilla Health &
    Baboon Behavior
    Keeping Gorilla Hearts Healthy
    & Baboons in Social Groups
    Children must be at least 8 years old to attend.
    ADA accessible
    Learn More & Purchase
  • Behind the Scenes With a Lion
    Watch the keepers
    train a mighty Lion.
    Children must be at least 12 years old to attend.
    Not ADA accessible.
    Learn More & Purchase
  • Meet and Feed an Otter
    Go Behind the Scenes to explore Streamside’s Secrets.
    Children must be at least 8 years old to attend.
    Not ADA accessible
    Learn More & Purchase
  • 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 & Purchase
  • Rocky Coast Tour,
    For Adults
    Polar Bears, Arctic Foxes, and more for adults.
    Children must be at least 12 years old to attend.
    Not ADA accessible
    Learn More & Purchase
  • Rocky Coast
    for Families
    Polar Bears, Arctic Foxes, and more for families.
    Children must be at least 5 years old.
    Not ADA accessible
    Learn More & Purchase
  • Howl for America’s Rarest Wolf!
    Howl with the Wolves
    on a nighttime tour in the Park!
    Children must be at least 10 years old to attend.
    NOT ADA Accessible
    Learn More & Purchase