Experience
The Must Do Zoo

Inspiring others

to join us in caring for animals and

conserving the natural world

Experience the Must Do Zoo

Behind the Scenes Tours

Tours & Experiences

Make your next Zoo visit the most wild one ever by adding* a behind the scenes tour to your day. During this unforgettable adventure you will not only see the Zoo from the keeper perspective, but also learn how we care for your favorite animals!

Please review our policies tab below prior to reserving a tour.

Questions? Please contact the Zoo’s education department at 419-385-5721 ext. 2042.

*Additional fee applies – not included with Zoo admission

Three levels of experiences!

Choose Standard, Deluxe or Premium tours.

Standard Tours: $15 - $35


TORTOISE ENCOUNTER & REPTILE HOUSE TOUR

An up close look at a gigantic Galapagos tortoise with a Behind-the-Scenes tour featuring the reptile giants of our historic reptile house.

Duration: ~45 mins
Price:
Members: $30/person
Non-members $35/person
Ages: 5 years and older
Maximum Group Size: 6

Times: Sundays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.



Aquarium & Reef Tank Feed

Tour the Zoo's historic Aquarium and feed above our Pacific Coral Reef tank.

Duration: ~45 mins
Price:
Members: $30/person
Non-members $35/person
Ages: All ages
Maximum Group Size: 8

Times: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 10 a.m.



Ambassador Animal Encounter

Meet and touch a variety of small animals and learn about their care.

Duration: ~25 mins
Price:
Members: $15/person
Non-members $20/person
Ages: All ages
Maximum Group Size: 6

Times: Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 3 p.m.



Aquarium & Sting Ray Feed

Tour the Zoo's historic Aquarium and feed at our Sting Ray touch tank.

Duration: ~45 mins
Price:
Members: $30/person
Non-members $35/person
Ages: 5 and up
Maximum Group Size: 4

Times: Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m.


Deluxe Tours: $45 - $50


Cheetah Encounter

Experience the fastest land animal up close with some of our boys' favorite enrichment!

Duration: ~45 mins
Price:
Members: $45/person
Non-members $50/person
Ages: 5 and up
Maximum Group Size: 6

Times: Friday, and Saturday at 1:30 p.m



Penguin Encounter & Aviary Feed

Feed colorful birds in our historic Aviary and meet and greet our tuxedoed penguin colony.

Duration: ~45 mins
Price:
Members: $45/person
Non-members $50/person
Ages: 5 and up
Maximum Group Size: 6

Times: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 2 p.m.


Premium Tours: $60 - $65


Elephant Training Session

Discover what it takes to care for the largest mammal on earth, meet the elephant team and view a training session up close.

Duration: ~45 mins
Price:
Members: $60/person
Non-members $65/person
Ages: 5 and up
Maximum Group Size: 6

Times: Saturdays and Sundays at 1:15 p.m.



Red Panda Tour

Meet our group of red pandas as you get an up close view of them in their Primate Forest Exhibit.

Duration: ~30 mins
Price:
Members: $60/person
Non-members $65/person
Ages: 5 and up
Maximum Group Size: 6

Times: Saturdays and Sundays at 9:00 a.m.



Policies

Tour Guidelines and Limitations:

  • Tour experiences may vary or be cancelled based on animals' behavior/needs
  • Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult 16 years or older.
  • For the safety of our animals and guests, please follow all staff directions and remain with the tour group.
  • Please do not touch and/or feed any animals unless instructed by Zoo staff.
  • All tours are walking tours. Wagons and strollers are permitted in public areas, but you will be asked to park them during behind-the-scenes portions due to space. Wheelchairs and scooters are accommodated with advanced notice.

Cancellations & Refund Policy:

  • Please contact us to cancel a pre-booked tour. For day of questions, please call 419-385-5721.
  • Cancellation 2+ days in advance receives full refund or reschedule.
  • Cancellation less than 24 hours in advance receives 50% refund or reschedule.
  • Cancellation or "no show" the day of tour receives no refund.

More Experiences