Behind-the-Scenes Experiences
Get Up Close & Personal
Behind-the-Scenes Experiences are back at Philadelphia Zoo! These semi-private meet-and-greets let you get up close and personal with your favorite animals and the keepers who care for them. Schedule a visit with your favorite animals at one of the select times below!
Red Panda
Join us for an unforgettable encounter with two of the Zoo’s most beloved residents, Khumbie and Honey! During this up-close observational experience, you will discover fascinating insights about their unique personalities from a Zookeeper while they enjoy one of their favorite treats, bamboo!
Available: Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 2:15 PM
Ages: 5+
Rhino
Tony, our Southern White Rhinoceros, loves a good brushing! Despite his massive size and prehistoric features, Tony can be very playful and friendly!
Available: Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 10:45 AM
Ages: 5+
Hippos
Come meet two of the Zoo’s biggest residents, Cindy and Unna! These girls have quite an appetite and we need your help feeding them! During your visit, you’ll learn about the diets and lives of Hippos at the Zoo and in the wild, all while tossing snacks into their giant mouths!
Available: Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 11:30 AM
Ages: 5+
Penguins
Waddle over to Penguin Point and feed an assortment of fish to our Humboldt Penguin colony inside their habitat with a zookeeper!
Available: Daily at 1:15 PM
Ages: 5+
Giant Tortoises
Our Galapagos and Aldabra tortoises may be almost 100 years old, but they are full of life and personality! You and a zookeeper will embark on a unique experience, petting and feeding these gentle giants inside their habitat. They love the attention and are eager to meet you!
Available: Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 2:00 PM
Ages: 5+
Avian Center Tour
Observe and learn about a diverse array of bird species as you and a zookeeper explore the off-habitat areas inside McNeil Avian Center. Discover the intricate world of avian life in this true behind-the-scenes experience and learn about their behaviors, care routines, and conservation efforts to help protect them.
Available: Tuesdays and Sundays at 2:00 PM
Ages: 8+
Reptile Room Tour
Slither behind-the-scenes at KidZooU for an up-close look at various Reptile ambassador species in their off-habitat areas! This observational experience, led by a zookeeper, sheds light on the specialized care of turtles, snakes, lizards, and more!
Available: Wednesdays at 11:30 AM
Ages: 5+
Big Cat Falls
Meet a zookeeper and see one of our big cat species up-close inside their Zoo360 trail system! While we cannot guarantee which species will be observed during this experience, you will be surprised when a cat you were not expecting to see becomes your new favorite.
Available: Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 1:00 PM
Ages: 5+
Naked Mole-Rats
Enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at our naked mole-rat colony and their intricately designed tunnel systems inside the Rare Animal Conservation Center in this unique observational experience!
Available: Mondays and Thursdays at 12:00 PM
Ages: 5+
Porcupine Painting
Meet our quilled artist, Aurora the North American Porcupine! During this unique encounter, you will assist Aurora as she crafts her latest painting masterpiece while learning about her remarkable abilities and specialized care from a zookeeper. Each participating group will take home one of Aurora's 5"x7" card stock paintings to cherish the memory!
CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE
Available: April-September
Ages: 5+
Know Before
You Go
Behind-the-Scenes Experiences include up to four or six guests and are designed for ages 5+ or 8+ depending on the experience. Purchase all spots (if available) on your tour to receive a 10% discount and enjoy a private experience! Please note that Behind-the-Scenes Experiences are guided walking tours and are held rain or shine. Motorized transportation is not available and not all experiences are ADA accessible. Service animals are prohibited from all Behind the Scenes experiences.
See Terms & Conditions