Experience
The Must Do Zoo

Experience the Must Do Zoo

Behind the Scenes 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 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

Standard Tours

Members: $25/person
Non-members: $30/person

Reef Tank and Aquarium

Tour the Zoo’s historic Aquarium including a unique view of our 90,000 gallon reef tank.

Duration: 30 mins
Ages: 5 years and older
Maximum Group Size: 6
Days offered: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri
Times: 10 a.m. (M, F) & 4 p.m. (T, R, F)

Galapagos Tortoise Feed and Encounter

Meet our adult Galapagos tortoise, Emerson, in his exhibit and participate in feeding the baby Galapagos tortoises in the Conservatory.

Duration: 30 mins
Ages: 5 years and older
Maximum Group Size: 6
Days offered: Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat
Times: 10:15 a.m.

Stingray Feed and Reef Tank

Feed our stingrays at our touch tank then go behind the scenes for a unique view of our 90,000 gallon reef tank.

Duration: 30 mins
Ages: 5 years and older
Maximum Group Size: 6
Days offered: Sun, Tue, Thu
Times: 9:30 a.m.

Polar Bear

Go to our VIP viewing to see “Bo”, our baby polar bear, and learn how he is an ambassador for polar bears in the wild.

Duration: 30 mins
Ages: 5 years and older
Maximum Group Size: 6
Days offered: Sun, Wed
Times: 4:15 p.m.

Nature’s Neighborhood Animal Encounter

Meet animals from our ambassador animal collection up close and tour our goat barn.

Duration: 30 mins
Ages: All ages
Maximum Group Size: 6
Days offered: Daily
Times: 3 p.m.

Reptile House

Explore behind the scenes of our historic reptile house and see first-hand some of the amazing animals that call it home.

Duration: 30 mins
Ages: 5 years and older
Maximum Group Size: 6
Days offered: Sun, Thu
Times: 11:15 a.m.

Deluxe Tours

Members: $50/person
Non-members: $60/person

Penguin

Meet and greet our tuxedoed penguin colony on a guided tour of Penguin Beach.

Duration: 30 mins
Ages: 5 years and older
Maximum Group Size: 6
Days offered: Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat
Times: 2 p.m.

Elephant Training Session

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

Duration: 30 mins
Ages: 5 years and older
Maximum Group Size: 6
Days offered: Sun, Mon
Times: 1:15 p.m.

Octopus Encounter

Greet our Giant Pacific octopus behind-the-scenes then explore our 90,000 gallon reef tank from above.

Duration: 30 mins
Ages: 8 years and older
Days offered: Wed, Sat
Times: 9:30 a.m.

Tasmanian Devil

Learn about our conservation efforts to protect these animals while getting a special look at their daily care.

Duration: 30 mins
Ages: 5 years and older
Maximum Group Size: 6
Days offered: Tue
Times: 1:30 p.m

Red Panda Tour

Meet our red pandas up close and participate in a feed with the keeper!

Duration: 30 mins
Ages: 5 years and older
Days offered: Sat, Sun
Times: 9 a.m.

Cheetah Encounter

Experience the fastest land animal up close with some of our boys’ favorite enrichment.

Duration: 30 mins
Ages: 5 years and older
Maximum Group Size: 6
Days offered: Fri, Sat
Times: 2 p.m.

Rhino Encounter

Stand eye to eye with our Indian rhino as you learn about the excellent care our keepers provide!

Duration: 30 mins
Ages: 8 years and older
Days offered: Sat, Mon
Times: 9:30 a.m.

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.

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