Wild Encounters

Explore the zoo like you've always wanted to! Get up close with the animals and the extraordinary work of the Bronx Zoo, or relax with a tour of must-see exhibits.

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Available Encounters

2.5 hrs, 3+

Animal Ambassadors Tour

$199.95

Enjoy the best-of-the-best with a hosted cart tour and animal meet and greet.

30 min, Ages 12+

Cheetah Connection

$59.95

Visit with an ambassador cheetah for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

2.5 hrs, Ages 8+

Wild Discovery Tour

$129.95

Explore the zoo on a hosted cart tour and stop to meet one of our African animal species.

30 min, Ages 6+

THE ZOO Connection: Celebrity Surprise!

$59.95

Meet some of the animals you’ve fallen in love with from Animal Planet’s THE ZOO.

30 min, Ages 6+

Bird Connection

$49.95

If your favorite animals are feathered, this is the Wild Encounter for you and your flock.

30 min, Ages 6+

Reptile Connection

$49.95

Our Reptile Ambassadors get the spotlight during this special up-close experience.

30 min, Ages 6+

Penguin Connection

$49.95

Waddle over this way to meet some of our favorite birds at the zoo.

30 min, Ages 6+

Sloth Connection

$49.95

Slow down and get up-close with one of our perennial favorites among visitors.

30 min, Ages 6+

Fennec Connection

$49.95

Small foxes, big ears, one memorable chance to hang out with these adorable animals.

Give a Gift

Make someone’s day with an up-close animal experience! Purchase a Wild Encounter gift certificate today.

Know Before You Go

This ticket is for the program ONLY and does not serve as admission into the zoo. Must have a valid WCS Membership or separate admission ticket (any type) in order to enter the Bronx Zoo. Tickets or Membership can be purchased in advance online, or upon arrival at zoo entrance.
Check-In for all programs is at Zoo Center (10-15 prior to program start time). We recommend arriving to the zoo via Southern Boulevard Gate (the closest entrance to Zoo Center). Please be sure to plan enough time for travel, as programs will start on time and we are unable to accommodate or refund guests who arrive at check-in after program start time.
Rain or Shine! Programs run in all weather. We recommend comfortable clothing and shoes for walking. Many exhibit areas and views are not reachable by vehicle, Cart Tours include frequent stops and require walking short distances throughout the experience.
Cameras: no tripods; handheld devices are welcome. Flashes are not permitted to be used in some exhibits. For Cheetah Connection, all camera shutter sounds must be silent and no long lenses.
Personal Items: Only bring what you will carry, as we do not have space for storage and the cart will be left unattended at times when the tour is inside exhibit areas.
Strollers are not able to be loaded onto the tour cart and there are stroller restrictions at some exhibits. If bringing a personal stroller, we can store that at the Check In area during your tour.
Change/Cancellation: Program reservations are non-refundable. Reservations may be changed up to 5 days before the program and will be subject to a $15 Administrative Change Fee. Less than 5 days, changes are not permitted. (Contact us at vipexperiences@wcs.org, or call 347-308-9021)
Wheelchairs: Many exhibit areas and views are not reachable by vehicle. Carts Tours include frequent stops and require walking short distances throughout the experience. If anyone in your party requires the use of a wheelchair during the tour, please call in advance: 347-308-9021.