TODAY AT THE ZOO
Daily activities offered through September 7, 2026
Activities are free with zoo admission except as noted.
Subject to cancellation depending on the cooperation of weather and animals.
Animal Encounters
*denotes fee-based activity
Wild Encounters Contact Area
Wild Encounters
Open May 23 through September 7, 2026
10:00 a.m.–noon & 1:00–5:00 p.m. daily
Free with zoo admission or membership
How soft is a goat’s coat? How does a sheep say hello? Meet a selection of domestic animals in a supervised area at Wild Encounters.
Butterfly Garden*
Near Zoomazium and 1899 Grove
Open May 23 through September 7, 2026
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Daily
*Cost: $3 per person, $2.40 members, free kids 2 and under.
Stroll among hundreds of free-flying butterflies inside an enclosed space, all while surrounded by a display of beautiful flowers. Learn about the life cycle of these colorful, winged insects while watching larvae undergo a miraculous metamorphosis as they emerge as butterflies.
*Family Passport and Conservation Partners can use their encounter passes for this experience.
Savanna Experience*
African Savanna Near the Giraffe Barn
Open May 23 through September 7, 2026
11:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Daily (Except Tuesdays)
*Cost: $19 per person, $15.20 members, free for kids 2 and under.
Get up close and personal behind the scenes with the tallest animals on the African Savanna and learn about what makes these animals so magnificent!
*Family Passport and Conservation Partners can use their encounter passes for this experience.
Wild Connections*
Alvord Terrace
Open May 23 through September 7, 2026
1:00 p.m. Daily (Except Tuesdays)
*Cost: $29 per person, $23.20 members, free for kids 2 and under.
Discover a diverse lineup of ambassador animals in an interactive, up-close encounter that brings the experience straight to you. Look up as a bird glides overhead. Spot an arboreal animal climbing on over. Feed a snack to an enthusiastic armadillo. Join animal keepers during live training sessions and discover the art of how animals train and learn.