Our Insider’s Encounters are designed for groups of 5 to 50 people. Program content is best for participants ages 8 and above, but all ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Join Zoo experts behind-the-scenes! See the inner workings of the Zoo’s Nutrition Center and Animal Hospital, and enjoy a private encounter with zoo animals. You’ll learn all about the wild ways zoo staff care for our animal residents, while hearing stories and enjoying experiences you can’t get anywhere else. Insider’s Encounters last approximately 90 minutes.
What’s Included
- A 90-minute, Zoo Expert-led tour of behind-the-scenes areas in the NEW Zoo
- A behind-the-scenes tour of the Zoo’s Nutrition Center, “Georgia’s Kitchen”
- Learn how we provide proper nutrition for over 200 animals
- See how and where our food is stored and prepared
- A behind-the-scenes tour of the Cornerstone Animal Hospital
- Learn about the medical care zoo animals receive
- Go inside the treatment room; observe the surgery room
- A live animal encounter and the opportunity to take photos
- Exact animal(s) met during the Program is decided upon by zoo staff, based on certain variables
- The animals that may be included in the program include animals such as the reticulated giraffes and Aldabra tortoises
Cost
- $400 for up to 15 people; then $25 per person for 16 to 50 people
- Minimum program fee of $400 is required even when fewer than 15 people attend
- Zoo admission is included
- Children under 3 are free
- After the program, your group members are welcome to remain in the Zoo until closing time
Important Info
- For safety, children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Tour content is best for audiences over the age of 8, but all ages are welcome.
- Groups larger than 17 people will be split into smaller groups and rotated through the different areas during the program.
- The Zoo reserves the right to cancel any tour due to unforeseen circumstances. The Zoo will contact you to reschedule your tour.
- Payment for Insider’s Encounters is due within 10 days of booking. Programs cancelled up to 1 week before the date of the program will receive a 50% refund.
- If it becomes necessary to reschedule your tour for another date, you may do so by calling at least 48 hours before the tour without incurring any additional charges. Tours cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice will have 30 days to reschedule and may incur a $50 rescheduling fee. No refunds or rescheduling opportunities will be given for no call/no shows.
- We welcome individuals with special needs. While all of our public spaces and visitor amenities are fully accessible, some of the behind-the-scenes areas visited through our tour program may not be. Please discuss any special needs or requirements with zoo staff prior to booking. We thank you in advance for understanding that in compliance with best practices for zoo animal welfare, as well as quarantine protocols outlined by federal regulations and the Association of Zoo and Aquarium accreditation standards, service animals are not permitted in our behind-the-scenes animal areas.
Booking
Each Insider’s Encounter is scheduled individually. Availability is limited and our calendars can fill quickly; we encourage you to plan ahead!
Email education@newzoo.org to make a reservation.