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The Houston Zoo is temporarily closed. Tickets will go back on sale when the Zoo opens on April 4.

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

Looking to gift an Animal Encounter? Our Encounter gift certificates are great for auctions/event prizes, gifts for employees, holiday gifts and more. See details on each Encounter page below.

Big Cat Encounter

Big Cat Encounter

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

Bug House Encounter

Sundays from 1:45 – 2:30 p.m.
Dingo Walk

Dingo Walk

Tuesdays from 8:15 – 9:00 a.m.
Sloth Encounter

Sloth Encounter

Tuesdays from 1:00 – 1:45 p.m.
Cheetah Encounter

Cheetah Encounter

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.
Okapi Encounter

Okapi Encounter

Thursdays from 9:00 – 9:45 a.m.
Galapagos Tortoise Encounter

Galapagos Tortoise Encounter

Sundays and Thursdays from 10:00-10:45 am
Bird Encounter

Bird Encounter

Thursdays from 11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.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.
Snake Encounter

Snake Encounter

Saturdays from 9:00 – 9:45 a.m.
Reptile and Amphibian Encounter

Reptile and Amphibian Encounter

Saturdays from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m.
Behind the Scenes at the Veterinary Clinic

Behind the Scenes at the Veterinary Clinic

Saturdays from 12:30 – 1:30 p.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

Animal Encounter Gift Certificates

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.

Gift Certificates are available on each individual Animal Encounter page.

Animal Encounters are contingent upon availability.

 

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