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Behind The Scenes

Up close and personal

Due to current Covid-related guidelines and for the safety of our guests, staff, and animals, our Behind the Scenes encounters are temporarily unavailable. Gift certificates available for purchase for a future experience!

For any questions or inquiries, please email behindthescenes@phillyzoo.org.

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Go Behind the Scenes

All Behind-the-Scenes include free admission to the Zoo and a 20-minute semi-private meet-and-greet for guests ages 5+ (max group size of 6) with your favorite animal.

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Available Behind-the-Scenes Animals

Giant Tortoise
Our tortoises may be over 80 years old, but they are full of life and personality. During your visit you and a Zookeeper will interact with the tortoises – even pet them. They love the attention and are eager to meet you!

Big Cats
Guided by a zookeeper, come see where our lions, pumas, leopards, jaguars and tigers eat, sleep and play when they are not on exhibit! Even though we cannot guarantee a specific cat will be behind the scenes, you will be surprised when a cat you were not expecting to see becomes your instant favorite! This experience is handicap accessible.

*Please note: Due to construction, our big cats Behind-the-Scenes experience is temporarily unavailable until Spring 2020.

Giant River Otter
These active carnivores are fast, playful and LOUD. Now is your chance to see them closer than ever before in our new exhibit, Water is Life: Red Panda Pass & Otter Falls. Get to know our romp of otters, learn their individual personalities and gain a new appreciation for this species as you feed them their favorite fishy treats!

This Behind-the-Scenes experience is offered May-October.

Giraffe
At the giraffe yard, you and a keeper will walk up a pathway so you are closer to the height of the giraffes. One, two or all three may come over when they see you standing there with long branches of green leaves called browse. Hold on tight as the giraffes will rip those leaves right off the branches! Although the giraffes do not like to be touched, they will be inches from you. This is a great photo opportunity, too!

Hippopotamus
Come meet two of the Zoo’s biggest residents, Cindy and Unna! These girls have an appetite and we need your help to feed them! During your visit, you’ll learn about the diets and lives of hippos here and in the wild, while tossing snacks into their giant mouths!

White Rhino
Tony, our white rhino loves people! While he is not very food motivated, he does enjoy a good brushing. In fact, when he sees you with his keeper holding a brush, he’s usually quick to come over for a good scratching. Despite his massive size and prehistoric features, Tony can be very playful and friendly! Tony may be visited year round. This experience is handicap accessible only during the colder months.

Humboldt Penguin
This experience especially caters to the penguin fanatics – you know who you are! Meet our penguin colony closer than ever before as you enter and explore their new exhibit, Penguin Point, while you and a keeper feed them an assortment of fish! It’s a treat for them and YOU.

Behind-the-Scenes (BTS) are guided walking tours and motorized transportation is not available. BTS purchases do not include parking and must be purchased separately.

Please note: Behind-the-Scenes are available for guests ages 5+ only. All guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult.