Go Behind the Scenes with Audubon's New
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These unique, fun, and meaningful experiences connect visitors to nature and teach guests how to make a positive impact on the world around us. Wild Encounters are a personal way to meet some amazing animals and learn about our extraordinary conservation work from our keepers and staff. No matter your encounter or tour preference, we have the perfect program to make it a day you'll never forget.
Book your Wild Encounter now to learn about our animals, how to care for them, and Audubon's efforts to support and protect their species.
Members Save!
Audubon Members receive discounted pricing on all Wild Encounters. Not a Member yet? Join today and start saving on unforgettable experiences!
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Available Encounters
Availability is limited. Reserve your Wild Encounter now!
ADMISSION NOW INCLUDED IN PRICING
Rhino Rendezvous
Get up close with a Southern white rhino in Rhino Rendezvous, a behind-the-scenes encounter at Audubon Zoo! Meet our keepers, learn about rhinos, and explore conservation efforts.
Jammin' with Jaguars
Jaguars are the most sacred animals of Mayan lore. Go behind the Mayan ruins in Jaguar Jungle and meet Reina or Valerio to learn more about jaguars.
Orangutan Family Fun
Meet our orangutans face-to-face! Feed them skewered snacks and discover how enrichment, conservation, and your choices make a difference.
CLOSED: Black Bear Bonanza
Our black bears are resting during the cooler season — this encounter will return when temperatures warm up!
CLOSED: Giant Tortoise Adventure
Our tortoises are taking it easy for the cooler season — this encounter will return when temperatures warm up!
CLOSED: Maya Snorkel
This experience is temporarily closed. Please check back for future availability.
CLOSED: Penguin Party
Penguin Party will be unavailable December 2025 – March 2026 during breeding season. Please check back in spring for available dates.
Butterfly First Flight
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of nature's delicate wonders with our enchanting butterfly release.
Wild Encounters FAQs
Wild Encounter dates and times may vary. Please check your specific Wild Encounter’s webpage for the most up-to-date schedule.
Please plan to meet at the Information Booth near the front gate, beside the Flamingo exhibit, 30 minutes before encounter start time.
Please plan to meet at the Main Lobby Information Booth facing the gift shop 15 minutes before your encounter. See red X on map below.
Admission is included in all of our Wild Encounter ticket packages. All prices listed are per person. One admission per ticket.
Wild Encounters that take place at the Zoo include Zoo admission. Wild Encounters that take place at the Aquarium include Aquarium admission.
Certain encounters provide a discount for Members. Please refer to the pricing section of your selected encounter for pricing details.
For Aquarium and Insectarium encounters, you'll be indoors, so we recommend wearing comfortable clothing. For Zoo encounters, be prepared for outdoor conditions by dressing appropriately for the weather. Closed-toe shoes are required for all encounters.
If you are more than 5 minutes late, please call our Wild Encounters team at 1-800-774-7394. If you arrive later than 15 minutes, your encounter will automatically be canceled.
When working with animals, we operate on their schedule. If for whatever reason we can not do the encounter at the scheduled time, we will reach out to reschedule or refund your experience.
No, for the safety of both guests and animals, all Zoo Wild Encounters follow protected contact guidelines. This means there is no direct physical interaction or shared space with the animals.
Protected contact is a system of managing animals where barriers are always in place between humans and certain species. Even our animal care professionals do not enter enclosures with these animals.
No, guests will not enter animal enclosures. Some encounters provide behind-the-scenes access, allowing you to see how the animals are cared for and interact with them from a safe distance.
While you won’t be able to touch the animals during Zoo Wild Encounters, you’ll have unique opportunities to observe them up close, learn about their behaviors, and see how our care team interacts with them.
