Behind-the-Scenes Experience Terms & Conditions
Arrival, Check-In, and Waiver
Please plan on arriving at the Zoo at least 1 hour prior to the tour start time. This will give you time to park and check in for your tour at the Guest Services podium at the main entrance.
Guests must check in for their tour at the Guest Services podium at the main entrance to the right of turnstiles 30 minutes prior to the tour. Guests will be escorted from the check in location to the scheduled tour area by a tour guide.
Unfortunately, due to the nature of the Behind-the-Scenes program, we cannot extend for late-arriving groups beyond the scheduled end time. Staff will make every attempt to cover as much material as possible in the time available.
Please dress appropriately as you may walk over uneven terrain and surfaces during your experience.
A signed digital liability waiver is required for each participant prior to entering the Zoo. Please look for the link in your confirmation email prior to purchase.
Registration
Behind-the-Scenes purchases do not include admission or parking; admission ticket and parking or Zoo membership must be purchased separately on our website.
Behind-the-Scenes tours are designed for guests ages 5+ unless a higher age restriction is noted. Guests under 5 years of age are not permitted on any Behind-the-Scenes tours. If a guest under the age of 5 years old is registered for or attempts to attend a tour, Philadelphia Zoo has the right to cancel the reservation without refund.
The maximum group size per tour is 4-6 guests depending on the tour. Behind the Scenes tours are semi-private experiences. Guests from other parties may be attending your group if your group size is less than the maximum.
Directions and Parking
Please plan on arriving at the zoo at least 1 hour prior to the tour start time. This will give you time to park and check in for your tour at the Guest Services podium at the main entrance. Please note that you may experience traffic delays and extended wait times at the parking locations and at the entrance. Please check the traffic conditions and plan appropriately.
Philadelphia Zoo is located at the corner of 34th Street and Girard Avenue in Philadelphia’s historic Fairmount Park. The Zoo is just two miles from downtown Philadelphia and public transportation is available using SEPTA, which runs bus routes to the Zoo area. Public Transportation is available on SEPTA via the nearby Bus Route 15 and the Philadelphia PHLASH, a seasonal transit service that runs weekend service (Friday-Sunday) in the spring and fall; and daily service in the summer and holiday seasons.
Address:
3400 W. Girard Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Parking is available for $17 per vehicle at the Zoo Garage at 35th & Girard Ave, Tiger Parking Lot, and Zoological Drive. Handicapped accessible spots and spaces for vans are available in Tiger Lot and the Parking Garage. Members park one vehicle per membership free each visit.
Accessibility
Certain encounters are able to accommodate visitors who need assistance with mobility, but we do encourage you to contact the Zoo to confirm that we are able to provide the best possible experience to everyone in your group. Motorized transportation is not available and not all experiences are ADA accessible. Service animals are prohibited from all Behind the Scenes experiences.
Weather Conditions
Behind-the-Scenes tours are held rain or shine unless trips are cancelled by the zoo due to guest or animal safety concerns. If a tour is cancelled by Philadelphia Zoo, it will be rescheduled as soon as possible for no additional fee. In these instances, the Zoo will contact you to re-schedule.
Rescheduling
Behind-the-Scenes tours can be rescheduled up to 7 days in advance of the scheduled tour date by emailing [email protected] or by calling 215-243-5254. We do not accommodate reschedules less than 7 days prior to the date of the tour.
Cancellation
Behind-the-Scenes tours can be cancelled up to 7 days in advance of the scheduled tour date by emailing [email protected] or by calling 214-243-5254. Cancellations made 7 days in advance will receive a full refund. We do not offer refunds for tours cancelled less than 7 days prior to the scheduled date.
Questions
Please refer to philadelphiazoo.org and our frequently asked questions to prepare for your visit. If you need any additional assistance, please contact [email protected].