Close Encounters

 Please contact info@cougarmountainzoo.org for the latest information.

two tigers laying down

Behind the scenes Tiger Tour*

Experience the World of Tigers under the guidance of one of Cougar Mountain Zoo’s Tiger Keepers. Start with an informative mini lecture all about Tigers in a behind the scenes portion of this world class habitat.  Watch the tigers demonstrate behaviors that aid the Keepers in their care. Get a private behind the scenes look at the Tigers state of the art indoor living quarters where they sleep and eat. Special Feeding Opportunity available with this Encounter!

IMPORTANT NOTES: 

  • Min. Donation: $380 for 2 people, $45 for each addl. person, up to 6 people max.
  • Zoo Member Encounter donation reflects Membership benefit of 20% all encounters. Membership verified prior to encounter, if not current, membership will need to be renewed at the time of encounter.  
  • Minimum age: 5 yrs. old and up (ages 5-17 must be accompanied with paid Adult)

*All Behind the Scenes Tiger Tours will take place at 3:30pm. This encounter includes admission to the zoo – be sure to plan your trip with enough time to experience the whole zoo before 5:00pm. 

Lemur Encounter*

Enjoy this memory that lasts a lifetime!

Meet these beautiful and critically endangered primates that are native to the Island
of Madagascar. Admire their beauty, social interaction and incredible athletic ability. Do not miss this rare opportunity!

IMPORTANT NOTES: 

  • Min. Donation: $80 for 1 person, $60 per additional person, Maximum of 4 people. 
  • Zoo Member Encounter donation reflects Membership benefit of 20% all encounters. Membership verified prior to encounter, if not current, membership will need to be renewed at the time of encounter.  
  • Ages: 5 yrs. old and older (ages 5-17 must be accompanied with paid Adult)

This encounter includes admission to the zoo – so be sure to plan your trip with enough time to experience the whole zoo before 5:00pm! 

reindeer looking into the camera

Reindeer Encounter*

A Fascinating view of a Fascinating Creature.

Experience the Zoo’s reindeer herd up close and personal in this encounter. You will have the opportunity to feed the reindeer special treats and learn all about what makes them the most unique among all other species!

IMPORTANT NOTES: 

  • Min. Donation: $50 for 2 people, $8 for each addl. person, 6 people maximum
  • Zoo Member Encounter donation reflects Membership benefit of 20% all encounters. Membership verified prior to encounter, if not current, membership will need to be renewed at the time of encounter.  
  • Ages: 5 yrs. old and older (ages 5-17 must be accompanied with paid Adult)

This encounter includes admission to the zoo – so be sure to plan your trip with enough time to experience the whole zoo before 5:00pm!  

Mule Deer Encounter*

Meet our Mule Deer Herd Up Close!

Listen to your Guide tell you about this Pacific Northwest Native. Hand feed the Mule Deer special treats and get a one on one experience with these beautiful animals.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • Min. Donation: $80 for 1 person, $140 for 2 people
  • Zoo Member Encounter donation reflects Membership benefit of 20% all encounters. Membership verified prior to encounter, if not current, membership will need to be renewed at the time of encounter.  
  • Ages: 5 yrs. old and older (ages 5-17 must be accompanied with paid Adult)

This encounter includes admission to the zoo – so be sure to plan your trip with enough time to experience the whole zoo before 5:00pm! 

little boy up against glass with lion on the other side

Special Tiger Tunnel Encounter

An experience of a lifetime! Meet the Zoo’s Tigers up close and personal in a protective environment, separated only by 7/8 inch laminated safety glass. Listen to your Guide telling about these magnificent creatures as they display their natural behavior and socialize with each other.

*Ask about this encounter at admissions any day *

Min. Donation: $36 for 2 people, $8 for each addl. person
All ages welcome
Subject to time availability

cougars lying down together

Cougar Encounter*

Participate in this Once in a Lifetime Experience.
Meet our National Treasure, the ‘Cat of all Cats’ and take part in their daily care. Listen to the keeper tell you all about cougars. Go inside the habitat and help clean, prepare diets and enrichment. Observe the Cougar’s behavior as they take possession of the special treats you have hidden throughout their habitat. Meeting these magnificent felines behind the scenes will give you a new perspective of the Cat of all Cats also called the
American Lion.

Coming soon

 

*By Advanced Reservation Only (1 week minimum), Includes All Day Zoo Admission

How to Schedule Your Close Encounter:

(Advance reservation is not required for all programs)

Please contact info@cougarmountainzoo.org for additional information.

In case you need to change the date or time of your Encounter, please contact the Education Department as soon as possible to reschedule.

Close Encounters may be rescheduled and/or shortened due to animal’s needs, state of mind, weather or other circumstances.

For minimum age requirements please refer to Encounter descriptions.