Close Encounters

Special Tiger Encounter
Participate in this Once in a Lifetime Experience

View Almos and Taj, our two Bengal Tiger Cubs through 3/4" safety glass. Listen to a knowledgable guide tell you all about the tigers as you watch them frolic and play. Observe their natural behavior in this intimate encounter.

No Reservations necessary. Inquire at Ticket Booth. Available Wednesday through Sunday, 10am to 3pm. Session Length: 15 minutes. Fee: $8 per person with a minimum donation of $48. Maximum capacity: 15 people.


Reindeer Encounter
A Fascinating view of a Fascinating Creature

Experience being with the largest Reindeer Herd of any Zoo in the Country. Start the Encounter by assisting the Zoo Keeper in preparing the special Reindeer diet. Help clean the habitat and barn. Then feed the Reindeer as they congregate all around you. Observe their unique social behavior during feeding. Participate in the Reindeer Exercise and help walk a Reindeer through the Zoo Pathways. To crown this wonderful experience assist in exercising and training one of these Magnificent Arctic Creatures.

Session Length: 30 minutes. Fee: $75.00 per person. Limited to one person per Encounter.

Cougar Encounter
Participate in this Once in a Lifetime Experience

Meet our National Treasure, the 'Cat of all Cats,' up close and eye to eye. Assist the Zoo Keeper in preparing the cats’ morning diet. Go inside the habitat and help clean and tidy up. Help the Keeper feed these magnificent predators in their special feeding area. Observe the Cougars behavior as they take possession of their 'meal' and their habits afterwards. Participate in a training session. Meeting these magnificent felines behind the scenes will give you a new perspective of the Cat of all Cats also called the American Lion.

Session Length: 45 minutes. Fee: $180 per person. Limited to one person per Encounter.

Lemur Encounter
Enjoy this Memory that lasts a Lifetime

Those who have experienced this call it a 'Memory to Last a Lifetime.' Meet these beautiful and critically endangered primates from the Island of Madagascar in person. After a short indoctrination and preparation enter the Ring Tailed Lemur Habitat and start the experience of a lifetime. Feed the Lemurs their favorite treats as they hang, climb and jump all over you. Admire their beauty, social interaction and incredible athletic ability. Do not miss this enchanting and rare opportunity to meet the mysterious Lemurs of Madagascar.

Session Length: 45 minutes. Fee: $180 per person. Limited to one person per Encounter.

Crane Encounter
Spend time with the most beautiful crane in the World

Meet our flock of young East African Crowned Cranes up close and personal. Learn about the most beautiful cranes in the World directly from their keeper. Assist the keeper in the cranes daily enrichment and playtime!

Session Length: 20 minutes. Fee: $45 per person. Limited to one person per Encounter.

Close Encounters have certain age and other restrictions, please contact the Zoo Office for details.

Close Encounters are held according to the specific schedule of each individual animal.

Close Encounters may be rescheduled or terminated due to animal’s state of mind.

For information and details on all the above call
the Education Department at
(425) 392-6278