2023 Encounters
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![giant anteater walking through grass outside]()
NEW Giant Anteater EncounterThursdays, 11am
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![winnie the elephant dusting herself at dusk]()
Elephant EncounterFridays and Saturdays, 12:45pm
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Elephant Bath ExperienceThursdays, 9:45am
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Gorilla EncounterThursdays, 10:45am
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Galápagos Tortoise EncounterSundays and Tuesdays, 10am
Join us as you step behind the scenes to see one of our famous Pantanal residents up close and personal. Don’t be afraid to get messy as you help our keepers feed our anteaters one of their favorite treats!
$125 Member/$150 Non-member (per person)
Encounter Details:
- All day Zoo admission included for you to explore the Zoo before and after your Animal Encounter.
- This encounter is for all ages. If you have someone under the age of 13, an adult will need to be registered with them.
- This encounter is limited to 6 people per encounter. If you have fewer than six in your party, you may be joined by other registrants, not to exceed the six persons total.
- For the safety and well-being of our animal residents, there is no flash photography allowed in this area. Don’t worry though, we have a special photo moment opportunity planned for you during your encounter that you can share with friends and family.
- Please note: This Encounter involves feeding our Anteaters one of their favorite treats- either avocado or peanut butter. If you or a member of your party have a food allergy, please be aware.
Accessibility:
- Walking and standing for 45 minutes
- Unpaved surfaces including loose dirt and gravel
- Not wheelchair accessible
We are a Zoo for All; if you have an accommodation request, please contact us at education@houstonzoo.org or at 713-533-6739.
Get a first-row seat to see how keepers build relationships with our amazing elephants! You will have an opportunity to feed, hear stories about our herd, and touch one of these amazing creatures with a photo opportunity you can share with your friends and family.
$195 Member/$220 Non-member (per person)
Encounter Details:
- All day Zoo admission included for you to explore the Zoo before and after your Animal Encounter.
- This encounter is for all ages. If you have someone under the age of 13, an adult will need to be registered with them.
- This encounter is limited to 12 people per encounter. If you have fewer than six in your party, you may be joined by other registrants, not to exceed the six persons total.
- For the safety and well-being of our animal residents, there is no flash photography allowed in this area. Don’t worry though, we have a special photo moment opportunity planned for you during your encounter that you can share with friends and family.
Accessibility:
- Walking and standing for 45 minutes
- Unpaved surfaces including loose dirt and gravel
- Wheelchair accessible
We are a Zoo for All; if you have an accommodation request, please contact us at education@houstonzoo.org or at 713-533-6739.
Here’s your chance to experience what it’s like to bathe an elephant! Head behind the scenes to help scrub down one of our elephants with a photo opportunity you can share with your friends and family.
$225 Member/$250 Non-member (per person)
Encounter Details:
- All day Zoo admission included for you to explore the Zoo before and after your Animal Encounter.
- This encounter is for all ages. If you have someone under the age of 13, an adult will need to be registered with them.
- This encounter is limited to just six people per encounter. If you have fewer than six in your party, you may be joined by other registrants, not to exceed the six persons total.
- For the safety and well-being of our animal residents, there is no flash photography allowed in this area. Don’t worry though, we have a special photo moment opportunity planned for you during your encounter that you can share with friends and family.
Accessibility:
- Walking and standing for 45 minutes
- Lifting large brushes
- May get wet
- Wheelchair accessible
We are a Zoo for All; if you have an accommodation request, please contact us at education@houstonzoo.org or at 713-533-6739.
Step into our treehouse and get a up close view into our gorilla’s world. Spend time feeding and interacting with our great apes all while learning about how our global partners are protecting gorillas in the wild.
Required: All guests must properly wear a mask during the entire animal experience for the safety of our other guests, staff and animals.
$65 Member/$90 Non-member (per person)
Encounter Details:
- All day Zoo admission included for you to explore the Zoo before and after your Animal Encounter.
- This encounter is for all ages. If you have someone under the age of 13, an adult will need to be registered with them.
- This encounter is limited to just six people per encounter. If you have fewer than six in your party, you may be joined by other registrants, not to exceed the six persons total.
- For the safety and well-being of our animal residents, there is no flash photography allowed in this area.
Accessibility:
- Walking and standing for 45 minutes
- Ability to go up and down stairs, hand rails available
- Elevator available if needed
- Wheelchair accessible
We are a Zoo for All; if you have an accommodation request, please contact us at education@houstonzoo.org or at 713-533-6739
Take the perfect tortoise selfie when you’re up close with some of the Zoo’s longest-living residents, the Galápagos tortoises. During this experience, you’ll have special access into our tortoise yard, learning all about these special residents while feeding them their favorite treats.
Pro tip: Feet are friends, not food. Our tortoises might confuse red shoes for treats, so it’s best to leave your red shoes at home for this one (yes, we’re serious). Closed-toe shoes are required.
Note: These experiences are available April – October.
$125 Member/$150 Non-member (per person)
Encounter Details:
- All day Zoo admission included for you to explore the Zoo before and after your Animal Encounter.
- This encounter is for ages five years and older. If you have someone under the age of 13, an adult will need to be registered with them.
- This encounter is limited to just six people per encounter. If you have fewer than six in your party, you may be joined by other registrants, not to exceed the six persons total.
- For the safety and well-being of our animal residents, there is no flash photography allowed in this area. Don’t worry though, we have a special photo moment opportunity planned for you during your encounter that you can share with friends and family.
Accessibility:
- Walking and standing for 45 minutes
- Unpaved surfaces including loose dirt and gravel
- Bending, kneeling and/or crouching for short periods of time
We are a Zoo for All; if you have an accommodation request, please contact us at education@houstonzoo.org or at 713-533-6739
Purchase An Encounter Gift Certificate
Give the gift every animal lover wants! This gift certificate allows you to purchase any of the experiences below and the recipient to choose from available dates. A PDF of your gift certificate is attached to your receipt for convenient presentation. Recipients may redeem their certificate up to six months from the date of purchase.
