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Animal Encounters

Get up close with some of your favorite Houston Zoo residents by booking one of these exclusive experiences. They come in two varieties; choose from Animal Encounters, with a focus on interacting with amazing animals, and Behind the Scenes Experiences, journeying to staff only areas of the Zoo along with the keepers who care for Zoo animals.

By participating in a Houston Zoo Animal Encounter, you help save animals in the wild!

Is a particular date important to you?

Choose by Date

Big Cat Training Encounter

Big Cat Training Encounter

Sundays from 11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Bird Encounter

Bird Encounter

Mondays from 10:00 – 10:45 a.m.
Sloth Encounter

Sloth Encounter

Mondays from 1:00 – 1:45 p.m.
Dingo Walk

Dingo Walk

Tuesdays from 8:15 – 9:00 a.m.
Reptile and Amphibian Encounter

Reptile and Amphibian Encounter

Tuesdays from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m.
Behind the Scenes at Kipp Aquarium

Behind the Scenes at Kipp Aquarium

Tuesdays from 1:15 – 2:00 p.m.
Cheetah Walk

Cheetah Walk

Wednesdays from 8:15 – 9:00 a.m.
Sea Lion Kiss Encounter

Sea Lion Kiss Encounter

Wednesdays from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m.
Ultimate Sea Lion Encounter

Ultimate Sea Lion Encounter

Wednesdays from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m.
Giraffe Encounter

Giraffe Encounter

Thursdays from 1:00 – 1:45 p.m.
Behind the Scenes at Gorillas

Behind the Scenes at Gorillas

Fridays from 10:45 – 11:30 a.m.
Elephant Encounter

Elephant Encounter

Fridays from 12:45 – 1:30 p.m.
Bug House Encounter

Bug House Encounter

Fridays from 1:45 – 2:30 p.m.
Snake Encounter

Snake Encounter

Saturdays from 9:00 – 9:45 a.m.
Rhino Encounter

Rhino Encounter

Saturdays from 2:00 – 2:45 p.m.

Private Tour: Join the Asante Society

Asante Society members receive an annual private tour included with their membership.

Please note, the tour is for two named Asante member(s) and children of their household under age 18.

Join Asante

NEW! Gift Certificates

This holiday season, give the gift every animal lover wants. Step into a Zookeeper’s world with an Animal Encounter, where guests stand eye to eye with a giraffe, take a walk with a cheetah, or feel the softness of a rhino’s skin.

Animal Encounters are contingent upon availability. Please note, this offer excludes Red panda and Sloth Encounters.

To purchase your Animal Encounter Gift Certificate, please call (713) 533-6739.

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See them. Save them.