Behind-the-Scenes Experiences
Get Up Close & Personal
Behind-the-Scenes Experiences are back at Philadelphia Zoo! These semi-private meet-and-greets let you get up close and personal with your favorite animals and the keepers who care for them. Schedule a visit with your favorite animals at one of the select times below!
Animal Hospital Tour
See where your favorite animals go when they have a doctor's appointment! This observational tour showcases the main treatment room of the Zoo’s hospital while discussing the ins and outs of veterinary care for every amazing animal we house at our zoo. Guests will also get to chat with members of our veterinary team and ask any questions they might have about veterinary care. Available on Thursday at 1:00 PM, ages 12+.
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Hedgehog & Tenrec Meet-and-Greet
Get ready to meet our hedgehog and Tenrec, Dean and Castiel! During this unique encounter, guests will have the opportunity to meet these two species up close, learn fun and educational facts about them, take photos, and help hide treats around their habitat for them to discover. Available Sundays, Mondays, and Fridays at 1 PM, ages 1+.
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Rhino
Tony, our Southern White Rhinoceros, loves a good brushing! Despite his massive size and prehistoric features, Tony can be very playful and friendly! Available Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 10:45 AM, ages 5+.
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Hippo
Come meet two of the Zoo’s biggest residents, Cindy and Unna! These girls have quite an appetite and we need your help feeding them! During your visit, you’ll learn about the diets and lives of Hippos at the Zoo and in the wild, all while tossing snacks into their giant mouths! Available Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 12:30 PM, ages 5+.
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Ossabaw Island Hogs
Meet our Ossabaw Island Hogs, Pua and Maui, inside their habitat at KidZooU! You will have the opportunity to touch and brush them while they enjoy some of their favorite snacks, all while learning about their species and individual personalities from their Zookeeper. Available Saturdays at 11:45 AM, ages 8+.
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Giant Tortoises
Our Galapagos and Aldabra tortoises may be almost 100 years old, but they are full of life and personality! You and an animal care specialist will embark on a unique experience, feeding these gentle giants inside their habitat. They love the attention and are eager to meet you! Available Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 2:00 PM, ages 5+.
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Big Cat Falls
Meet an animal care specialist and see one of our big cat species up-close inside their Zoo360 trail system! While we cannot guarantee which species will be observed during this experience, you will be surprised when a cat you were not expecting to see becomes your new favorite. Available: Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 AM, ages 5+.
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Reptile Room Tour
Slither behind-the-scenes at KidZooU for an up-close look at various Reptile ambassador species in their off-habitat areas! This observational experience, led by a zookeeper, sheds light on the specialized care of turtles, snakes, lizards, and more! Available Wednesdays at 11:30 AM, ages 5+.
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Naked Mole-Rats
Enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at our naked mole-rat colony and their intricately designed tunnel systems inside the Rare Animal Conservation Center in this unique observational experience! Available Mondays and Thursdays at 12:00 PM, ages 5+.
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Know Before
You Go
Behind-the-Scenes Experiences include up to four or six guests and are designed for ages 5+ or 8+ depending on the experience. Purchase all spots (if available) on your tour to receive a 10% discount and enjoy a private experience! Please note that Behind-the-Scenes Experiences are guided walking tours and are held rain or shine. Motorized transportation is not available and not all experiences are ADA accessible. Service animals are prohibited from all Behind the Scenes experiences.
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