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Cat Training Window and Sea Lion Experience

Imagine being face to face with a lion…as she licks the milk you squirt into her mouth or takes the meat you offer her from the training stick! You have a choice of lions or tigers. 

You can also get up close and personal with one of our slick and acrobatic sea lions and take a picture with them.
  1. When are these experiences scheduled?
    This personal unforgettable experience can be booked any day of the week for the cat training window at 8:30 a.m. before the Zoo opens to the public.  Sea Lion Sessions are available either at 11:15a or 2:45p, after the sea lion show. Dates are subject to availability.  And you may choose to visit the lions or the tigers.

  2. How old do I have to be?
    There is no age restriction for the cat training window. The sea lion session requires an age limit of 5 years and older and a ratio of 1 adult per 1 children is needed. This is not an experience for school groups, daycare centers, or church groups.

  3. How many people can participate in the Experience with me?
    We can accommodate a maximum of six people for our Cat Training Window, and a maximum of five people for the sea lion session.

  4. How long does a Experience last?
    This experience typically takes 30 minutes.

  5. Where does my experience begin?
    You will be met at the main entry of the Zoo by a Houston Zoo Ranger.  They will escort you to the area you are scheduled to visit.

  6. What does this experience cost?
    Zoo Members: $75 per person
    Non-Members: $100 per person

    There is no discount for children participating in the tour.
    Experience price includes Zoo admission.

Registration and Payment


Use the registration form below to request a tour.  We will contact you when your tour is approved and will require payment at this time. Please e-mail tours@houstonzoo.org or calling 713-533-6550 if you have additional questions.  Various factors affect accessibility to animal areas and dates fill up quickly, so please schedule your tour at least three weeks in advance.