share

Wild Encounters

If you’ve yearned to get closer to the animals, now you can! Behind-the-scenes experiences with some of our wildest residents turn a trip to the Zoo into the chance of a lifetime.
 
New in spring 2013: Check out two NEW additions to the Wild Encounters program: lemurs and Aldabra tortoises!  
  • Wild Encounters must be reserved in advance.
  • Due to animal safety regulations, guests who have been outside of the United States or outside of Canada within the (10) days prior to the program will not be allowed to participate.
  • Please note: programs involving the Zoo’s animal collection are subject to change or cancellation based on animal needs.
  • Zoo Members receive 10% off regular price and do not have to pay an admission.
  • Children 2 years old and under are FREE and may attend Wild Encounters, but are not permitted to feed the animals.
  • Children 4 years old and under must be carried or held by the hand of an adult in their group.
  • Children 3 to 8 years old must be assisted by parent/guardian while feeding.
  • Children 13 years old and under must be accompanied by an adult who has also purchased a Wild Encounter ticket. A ticket is required for each participant 3 years old and older.
  • Interested in a combo to meet all 4 of our amazing animals at a great price? See below! 

Wild Encounter Opportunities:

Aldabra tortoise

New! Meet the ancient giants of Aldabra Atoll. See, feed, and touch one of the world’s largest living tortoise species in the only Wild Encounter experience that allows guests to share the same space with the animals.
 
Cost: $35/participant + Zoo admission
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Capacity: 6 participants
Availability: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
 
Meet at the Aldabra tortoise exhibit, near the bench
 
 

Komodo dragon
It’s lunchtime for the world’s largest lizard species, and you get to help! Meet the legendary Slasher, and feed him one of his favorite foods as you unlock the mysteries of these ancient giants of the Indonesian islands.

Cost: $35/participant + Zoo admission
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. 
Capacity: 10 participants
Availability: Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Meet at the Komodo dragon exhibit, covered viewing area

African elephant
No creature looms larger over the savanna than the African elephant, and you’ll agree when one of ours comes over to meet you during an unforgettable encounter! Meet Kelly or Tara, and hand-feed one of the “girls” an afternoon snack. You even get to touch!

Cost: $75/participant + Zoo admission
Time: 1:45 p.m. - 2:20 p.m.
Capacity: 10 participants
Availability: Monday through Sunday

Meet at elephant bridge (near parakeets)

Giant panda*

Meet and get a chance to feed one of Zoo Atlanta’s world-famous black-and-white bears during an exclusive behind-the-scenes encounter never before offered as part of a regular trip to the Zoo!

Cost: $150/participant + Zoo admission
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 11:55 a.m.
Capacity: 10 participants
Availability: Monday through Sunday

Meet at giant panda exhibit, covered viewing area

*It's an exciting time of year - our giant pandas have entered their breeding season! Guests may book encounters during this time, but because we may not know the timing of breeding introductions in advance, any Giant Panda Wild Encounter scheduled in 2013 may be subject to last-minute rescheduling. Please keep this in mind when booking encounters and thanks for your patience and understanding.

Lemur

NEW! Introducing our first primate Wild Encounter! Meet and feed some of the amazing primates that make the island of Madagascar one of Earth’s richest and most dynamic natural ecosystems. 
 
Cost: $50/participant + Zoo admission
Time: 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Capacity: 10 participants
Availability: Monday through Sunday
 
Meet outside the entrance of the Living Tree House
 
 
 

Combo Ticket:

Go on all four Wild Encounters! 
Why choose? Meet a giant panda, lemur, African elephant and either a Komodo dragon or Aldabra tortoise during your Zoo visit, and save on all four encounters.
  • Cost: $250/participant + Zoo admission
  • Time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • Capacity: 10 participants (6 participants on Monday through Thursday)
  • Availability: Monday through Sunday, meet at the giant panda exhibit, covered viewing area

 

Call 404.624.5822 to make your combo reservation.
 
 

Private Wild Encounters:

Groups of two or more may schedule private Wild Encounters with other animals by calling 404.624.WILD or emailing education@zooatlanta.org. Scheduling is subject to availability and staffing. 

Wild Encounter Gift Certificate
Give the adventure of lifelong learning. Here’s an idea we can promise won’t be re-gifted: give a certificate for one of Zoo Atlanta’s education programs! You may also purchase gift certificates in $25 increments up to $100. Program restrictions apply.