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Wild Encounters

Wild Encounters are a way to meet personally with amazing animals, and learn about our extraordinary work right from our keepers. No matter your encounter or cart tour preference, we have the perfect program to make it a day you’ll never forget. It’s your chance to meet giraffes, cheetahs, penguins, or your choice of many other animals - including some you may have seen on Animal Planet’s THE ZOO!

  • Chat with the keepers and get answers to your most challenging questions
  • Meet some of the stars of Animal Planet’s THE ZOO
  • Get close to amazing animals
  • Support the Bronx Zoo while connecting with wildlife like never before

No two Wild Encounters are ever the same - you never know what surprise guests might show up!

Important

  • Review program policies before booking.
  • For the health and safety of our animals, some Wild Encounters programs may still require masks. Masks are always required for Cheetah Connection, regardless of vaccination status.
  • Please note that Encounter tickets are for Wild Encounter programs only; guests must have timed ticket reservations for zoo entry. PRIVATE encounters are for ONE group of a family/party. ALL OTHER PROGRAMS are mixed participation with per-person tickets.

Availability is limited – so be sure to reserve your Wild Encounter right away.

View Calendar

Available Encounters

30 min, All Ages

Private Giraffe Connection

$350.00

Encounter the zoo’s tallest residents. (1 Group Ticket: Up to 6 guests in family group)

45 min, Ages 12+

Cheetah Connection

$69.95

Visit with ambassador cheetah for once-in-a-lifetime experience (Per Person Ticket)

30 min, Ages 6+

Penguin Connection

$59.95

Waddle this way to meet some of our favorite birds. (Per Person Ticket)

30 min, Ages 6+

Modern Day Dinos

$59.95

Get up close with birds (our modern-day dinosaurs) and reptiles (who share some traits with prehistoric animals).

30 min, Ages 6+

Fennec Connection

$59.95

Small foxes, big ears, one memorable experience. (Per Person Ticket)

30 min, Ages 3+

Sloth Connection

$59.95

Slow down and get up close with one of our perennial favorites among visitors. (Per Person Ticket)

30 min, Ages 3+

Keeper’s Choice

$59.95

Meet three amazing ambassador animals! Who will the keeper choose? (Per Person Ticket)

30 min, Ages 6+

Feathers & Scales

$59.95

Come up close and face-to-face with some bird and reptile ambassadors. (Per Person Ticket)

30 min, All Ages

My First Connection

$59.95

Bring your young animal lovers to meet some furry, feathery and scaly friends. (Per PAIR Ticket: 1 adult + 1 child)

45 min, Ages 6+

THE ZOO Connection: Celebrity Surprise!

$69.95

Meet some of your favorites from Animal Planet’s THE ZOO. (Per Person Ticket)

60 min, All Ages

Private Cart Tour

$160.00

Travel the zoo in style with our knowledgeable Wild Encounter Host. (1 Group Ticket: Up to 6 guests in family group)

30 min, Ages 10+

Private Rhino Connection

$350.00

Come join us and meet our thick-skinned friends. (1 Group Ticket: Up to 6 guests in family group)

“

We had an amazing time. I'm not exaggerating when I say the fennec foxes were 2 of the cutest things I've ever seen. And their caretakers, as well as our tour guide, were so knowledgeable and fun. It was an awesome experience, and I hope we can do something like it again in the near future."

Meghan

MEMBER DISCOUNT AVAILABLE

Use code MEMBERVIP at checkout for 10% off. Must present valid Membership card at program check-in.

Discount code must be entered at the time of checkout. Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Not applicable towards prior purchases.

RULES AND POLICIES