Wild Encounters Today

Saturday, March 07, 2026

Reserve a special experience today! Programs are limited capacity and book up quickly.

IMPORTANT: All programs start at the ZOO CENTER exhibit building, and participants must arrive at least 10-15 minutes prior to program start time.

SPECIAL FEBRUARY MEMBER DISCOUNT: From February 1 through February 28 only, purchase in-person Wild Encounters using the Member Portal to receive a 20% discount! Must present valid Membership card at program check-in.

30 min

$29.95/person

All ages

Winter Exclusive! Budgie Landing at Lunchtime

Important Details

For a limited time, join our keepers to help feed the birds.

Program is appropriate for all ages.
Every guest over the age of 2 years must have a paid program ticket.
For children age 2 to 12 years, max ratio of 3 children to one paid adult.
A child under 2 years may accompany a paid adult. No more than one child-under-2 to one paid adult.
While we intend to offer food to the birds, we cannot guarantee the behavior of the budgies. Please understand that the birds may or may not choose to eat during the time of your visit.
Dress in layers! During the winter season, Budgie Landing is closed to zoo visitors. The large aviary has heated areas for the comfort of the birds, but temperatures will vary. We recommend dressing in comfortable layers so you can adjust your outerwear during the 20-25 minutes inside the exhibit.
Only bring what you can carry. Strollers or other items are not permitted inside Budgie Landing.
30 min program includes travel time from Zoo Center to Budgie Landing by electric cart.

Available Times

Quantity

30 min

$29.95/person

Ages 6+

Inca Tern Feeding

Important Details

Join keepers to help with snack time! Home to our large flock of Inca terns, the Aitkin Sea Bird Aviary climbs 60 feet in the air. It’s the perfect place to experience acrobatic birds in flight, as they soar and dive during this interactive program.

All participants must be age 6 and over.
Children age 17 and younger must be accompanied by a paid adult with a ticket for this Encounter. For children 12 and under, no more than two children per adult.
30 min – includes travel time to walk from check-in at Zoo Center to program location.
Participants will come in contact with fish, and may get splashed during the program.
Under the instructions and supervision of our keepers, guest will be provided a small quantity of fish to toss to the birds, Never feed zoo animals outside of a specific program setting with staff.
ALLERGY ALERT: Please be aware that animals are fed fish during this program. Notify staff in advance if you have a related contact allergy.
PER PERSON TICKETED PROGRAM: This program is outdoors. Dress for the weather.
ACCESSIBILITY: Contact us in advance if someone in your reservation needs assistance or accommodations for accessibility, so we can help provide the best Wild Encounters experience. For guests with sensory sensitivities: this experience is within an aviary of free-flight birds, and has loud sounds and strong smells. For guests with mobility concerns: there is a 6 minute walk to the program location and participants are standing for the duration of the program. For assistance, email at least 2 days prior to vipexperiences@wcs.org

Available Times

Quantity

30 min

$375/group

Ages 8+

Private Giraffe Connection (Nov–Mar)

Important Details

Encounter the zoo’s tallest residents.

PRIVATE encounter can accommodate ONE group of up to 6 guests in the same family.
All participants must be age 8 and over.
Children age 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult (18+). For Children under 14, no more than 4 children to 1 adult.
Program length includes time to travel from check-in to encounter venue location.
Learn about our animals and how we care for them from the experts.
MASK POLICY: Masks are welcome to be worn, based on personal preference. For the health and safety of our animals, WCS reserves the right to implement mask requirements for indoor programs at the time of the session. If you do not have a mask with you, staff will have available. Please remember, guests and staff may continue to wear masks for a variety of reasons. Your kindness and consideration of others is greatly appreciated.
Add-On ($50 per person) available for 1 or 2 more guests (8 people max). Reserve the program and then call to purchase add-on spots (347-308-9021).

Available Times

Quantity

30 min

$59.95/pair

All Ages

My First Connection

Important Details

Bring your young animal lovers to meet some furry, feathery and scaly friends.

Program is designed for ages 2 through 4. Younger siblings are not permitted.
MASK POLICY: Masks are welcome to be worn, based on personal preference. For the health and safety of our animals, WCS reserves the right to implement mask requirements for indoor programs at the time of the session. If you do not have a mask with you, staff will have available. Please remember, guests and staff may continue to wear masks for a variety of reasons. Your kindness and consideration of others is greatly appreciated.
Per-PAIR Ticketed Program: This program is indoors. We are limiting the number of program participants to less than 75% capacity. Non-socially distanced seating.
Program length includes travel time to walk from check-in to encounter venue location.
We cannot guarantee which animals you will meet during this encounter. Selection is at the keeper’s discretion - and is always subject to change – but may include species such as rabbits, turtles, armadillos, alligators, and birds.

Available Times

Quantity

60 min

$175/group

All ages

Private Cart Tour

Important Details

Travel the zoo in style with our knowledgeable Wild Encounter Host.

PRIVATE encounter can accommodate ONE group of up to 6 guests in the same family.
Drive in style and make the most of their zoo experience
All age ranges are welcome: Children age 17 and younger must be accompanied by a paid adult. For Children under 14, no more than 4 children to 1 adult.
MASK POLICY: Masks are welcome to be worn, based on personal preference. For the health and safety of our animals, WCS reserves the right to implement mask requirements for indoor programs at the time of the session. If you do not have a mask with you, staff will have available. Please remember, guests and staff may continue to wear masks for a variety of reasons. Your kindness and consideration of others is greatly appreciated.
Add-On ($25 per person) available for 1 to 6 more guests (12 people max). Reserve the program and then call to purchase add-on spots (347-308-9021).
Program length includes travel time to from each exhibit.

Available Times

Quantity

30 min

$39.95/person

Ages 5+

Camel Connection

Important Details

Spend quality time with our keepers and camels.

30 min
Learn about our animals and how we care for them from the experts!
All participants must be age 5 and older. Children age 17 and younger must be accompanied by a paid program adult (18+). For children under 14, no more than 4 children to 1 adult.
PER PERSON TICEKTED PROGRAM: This program is outdoors. Dress for the weather.
Program length includes time to travel from check-in to encounter venue.
We do not know in advance which camel(s) you will meet on an encounter. Animal participation will vary. Be aware that touching is always at the keeper’s discretion and not guaranteed.
MASK POLICY: Masks are welcome to be worn based on personal preference. For the health and safety of our animals, WCS reserves the right to implement mask requirements for indoor programs at the time of the session. If you do not have a mask with you, staff will have available. Please remember, guests and staff may continue to wear masks for a variety of reasons. Your kindness and consideration of others is greatly appreciated.
ACCESSIBILITY: Contact us in advance, if someone in your reservation needs assistance or accommodations for accessibility, so we can help provide the best Wild Encounters experience. Program area includes rough terrain. Travel from check-in to encounter may be with cart, and adjustments for wheelchair accessibility can be made with advance planning. Please email at least 2 days prior to vipexperiences@wcs.org

Available Times

Quantity

30 min

$69.95/person

Ages 3+

Reptile Connection

Important Details

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

30 min
Learn about our animals and how we care for them from the experts
All participants must be age 3 and over. Children age 17 and younger must be accompanied by a paid adult.
Program length may run a little longer to allow for travel time to walk from check-in to exhibit or encounter venue.
We cannot guarantee which specific animals you will meet on an encounter. Selection is at the keeper’s discretion, and is always subject to change.

Available Times

Quantity

BE SURE TO CHECK ALL DETAILS OF YOUR PROGRAM. All sales are final. No refunds, rescheduling or cancellations.

AGE RESTRICTIONS AND CHAPERONE POLICIES MUST BE FOLLOWED. Programs are always limited to paid participants only. OTHER FAMILY/FRIENDS/CHILDREN ARE NOT PERMITTED TO ATTEND.

PROGRAMS ALWAYS START ON TIME and we are unable to accommodate late arrivals. Guests who do not arrive to check-in by the program start time forfeit their reservation. There is no refund or rescheduling for late arrivals.

Click here for a full list of Wild Encounters policies