Philadelphia Zoo Behind the Scenes Tour Guidelines and Policies

Scheduling and Payment

  • All tours are scheduled on a first come, first served basis.

  • The Philadelphia Zoo reserves the right to cancel behind the scenes tours at any time, but please know that they take place rain or shine unless otherwise informed.

  • All tours are scheduled based on animal and keeper availability and cancellation for health and safety reasons are made at the sole discretion of the Philadelphia Zoo. If a tour is cancelled by the Philadelphia Zoo it will be rescheduled as soon as possible for no additional fee. In these instances the Zoo will contact you to rebook.

  • Payment for your behind the scenes experience is due upon the confirmation of your time slot availability by the Philadelphia Zoo.

  • Behind the scenes tours are non-refundable; however, if it becomes necessary to reschedule your tour for another date, you may do so by calling 48 hours before the tour.

Tour Restrictions

  • Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by one (1) adult whose behind the scenes tour is complimentary on behalf of the Zoo.

  • It is the responsibility of the visitor to comply with age restrictions set forth by the Zoo when booking your Behind the Scenes experience. Age restrictions are as follows:

    • 5+

      • Alligator

      • Jaguar

      • Penguin

      • Rhino

      • Tiger

    • 6+

      • Galapagos tortoise

    • All guests are welcome to join us on the following tours:

      • Giraffe

      • Hippo

      • Okapi

      • Rainforest birds of the McNeil Avian Center

  • Some behind the scenes areas may not be accessible to visitors that require wheelchairs or other mobility devices. Please be sure to mention any such restrictions when booking your tour so that we can accommodate your entire group.

At the Zoo

  • Due to the individuality of our animals, tour experiences may vary.

  • All tours will begin at the Shelly Administration Building (building #53 on Zoo maps).

  • Visitors are responsible for their own parking and admission costs for the Zoo.

  • Additional guests must be paid for and approved by the Zoo prior to your tour.

  • Food and drink are not permitted in any behind the scenes areas.

  • Strollers may not be accommodated in behind the scenes areas.

  • Interaction with or touching of the animals without explicit direction from a member of the keeper staff is not permitted behind the scenes.

  • Behind the scenes experiences are guided walking tours and motorized transportation may not be available.

  • For safety reasons, service animals are not permitted on Behind the Scenes tours.