Wild Encounters

If you’ve yearned to get closer to the animals, now you can with a Wild Encounter!

Behind-the-scenes experiences turn a trip to the Zoo into the chance of a lifetime.

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to care for animals from around the world? Are you interested in meeting the Animal Care Team and having a WOW moment with wildlife? Zoo Atlanta’s Wild Encounters provide the perfect opportunity to meet and greet some of your favorite animals all while learning more about their natural history, how we care for them, and the ways we are working around the globe to save wild animals and wild habitats.

These educational programs vary in length and are sure to engage and excite you, too, about saving wildlife, all while enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Participants can expect to meet members of the Animal Care Team, meet an animal, learn about our positive reinforcement training and enrichment programs, and walk away with a keepsake and knowledge of how to save species. All participation in Wild Encounters programs is voluntary for the animals.

If your desired date/time is not available, please continue to check the website for future availability. Wild Encounters bookings are made available in six-month increments.

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. 

Buy Gift Certificate

Activity Type: Wild Encounters:

Wild Encounter: Giant Panda

Due to the small capacity of this encounter, spots are extremely limited and sell out quickly. Please check back as...

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Wild Encounter: Elephant

No creature looms larger over the savanna than the African elephant, and you’ll agree when you come face-to-trunk with one...

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Wild Encounter: Petting Zoo Painters

Join the Animal Care Team and one of our talented animal artists, meeting either the Zoo’s “VanGoat” or “Baaahlo,” and...

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Wild Encounter: Lemur

Meet and feed some of the amazing primates that make the island of Madagascar one of Earth’s richest natural ecosystems....

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Wild Encounter: Aldabra Tortoise

See and feed one of the world’s largest living tortoise species in the only Wild Encounter experience that allows guests to share the...

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Wild Encounter: Warthog

Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at Zoo Atlanta’s African Savanna and give the warthogs a favorite treat.

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