Tours & Encounters
Book your WILD Encounters and Zoo Tours online today!
Scroll down to learn more about each program
If your WILD Encounter group size is 4 people or more and/or you will need special accommodations for the experience, please email encounters@chattzoo.org instead of booking at the link above. In your email, please include:
- Number of people and their ages
- Which animal experiences you are interested in
- Desired date and time
- Any food and/or latex allergies
- Necessary accommodations related to mobility, language, learning differences, etc.
*If all dates for an encounter are appearing in gray, then all available time slots have been booked. This happens frequently for red panda encounters, so don't wait to book!
GIRAFFE FEEDINGS
Get eye to eye with our giraffe herd while feeding them their favorite treats and making the memories of a lifetime!
Giraffe feedings are offered:
- Wednesday - Sunday; 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. each day
Tickets can be purchased at the giraffe feeding station inside the zoo. Giraffe feedings are weather-dependent and may be closed during colder periods of the day (lower than 55 degrees) to ensure the safety and comfort of the giraffes. Please refer to the sign at the feeding platform for up-to-date hours and closure notices.
Giraffe Feeding Experience Includes:
- Lettuce or another treat to feed our giraffes
- Participants must purchase a ticket to feed the giraffes
- Zoo Members - $4
- Non-Members - $5
Zoo Tours
Come explore the world of the Chattanooga Zoo's Carnivores, Primates, or Reptiles in this 30-minute tour! We will be visiting a few animals in the Zoo to discuss their importance in the wild and to our conservation efforts at the Zoo. We will be traveling through the South American Rainforest, Himalayan Mountains, and even the backyards of Tennessee! We may even get the chance to see a special feeding with a Zoo animal!
- Reservation must be made in advance.
- Upgrade to a Zoo Tour for just $10/adults and $5/children!
- 2-15 participants
- All tours are 30 minutes
Tours are offered seasonally from March through October.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact education@chattzoo.org
See a Zoo Tour Preview!
WILD ENCOUNTERS
Go behind-the-scenes and interact with some of the most fascinating animals in the world! Book your WILD Encounter now to learn about our animals, how we care for them, our efforts to conserve their species, and how you can help!
Online reservations are required. All WILD Encounters must be booked at least two weeks in advance. All encounters are 30-minute programs and allow up to two participants only. All persons must be 7 years of age or older and all persons under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Chattanooga Zoo Members receive 20% off all encounters! Discount is taken at online booking.
WILD Encounters help conserve animals in the wild! The mission of the Chattanooga Zoo is to engage and inspire our community to better understand and preserve wildlife by creating meaningful connections between people and animals. There's no better way to gain a connection with our animals than to interact with them in their exhibit. You can also feel good about your experience knowing that 10% of each sale goes directly to our conservation partners. The Chattanooga Zoo participates in the Species Survival Plan (SSP) for each of our WILD Encounter animals. Additionally, we partner with organizations like Proyecto Titi & Red Panda Network that are locally and internationally educating the public about endangered species such as the Cotton-top Tamarin & the Red Panda. Your support directly impacts these animals' conservation efforts in the wild.
WILD Encounter Participants are required to:
- Wear closed-toed shoes
- Wear a face mask to protect animals from any respiratory illness
- Wear gloves
Each WILD Encounter Program Includes:
- Behind-the-scenes access
- Animal interactions
- Opportunities to learn from our zookeepers & educators
- A printed photo of the animal encountered
- Photos can be taken by zoo staff on camera phone provided by the participant
- Zoo Admission
Encounter Gift Certificates are available!
For more information or to purchase Encounter Gift Certificates, please contact education@chattzoo.org.
*If you feel sick in any way on your WILD Encounter date, please contact us at education@chattzoo.org to reschedule your encounter program.
When registering for WILD Encounters Chattanooga Zoo members can save 20% off their encounter by using the discount code MEMBER at checkout.
Book your encounter today using the button below.
Book Your Wild Encounters WILD Encounter Agreement, Terms & Conditions
Red Panda
$250 per person
Meerkat
$90 per person
Komodo Dragon
$150 per person
Giant Anteater
$150 per person
Prehensile Tailed Porcupine
$95 per person
