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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!

Galapagos Tortoise Behind the Scenes
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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: Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 10:45 AM.
Ages: 5+

Book Your Experience
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Hippos

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: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 11:30 AM.
Ages: 5+

Book Your Experience
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Penguins

Waddle over to Penguin Point and feed an assortment of fish to our Humboldt Penguin colony inside their habitat with a zookeeper!

Available: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 1:15 PM.
Ages: 5+

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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 a zookeeper will embark on a unique experience, petting and feeding these gentle giants inside their habitat. They love the attention and are eager to meet you!

Available: Mondays and Thursdays at 2:00 PM.
Ages: 5+

Book Your Experience
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Avian Center Tour

Observe and learn about a diverse array of bird species as you and a zookeeper explore the off-habitat areas inside McNeil Avian Center. Discover the intricate world of avian life in this true behind-the-scenes experience and learn about their behaviors, care routines, and conservation efforts to help protect them.

Available: Saturdays at 2:00 PM.
Ages: 8+

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A Philadelphia Zoo staff member displays a reptile on a mobile exhibit.

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 11:00 AM.
Ages: 5+

Book Your Experience
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Big Cat Falls

Meet a zookeeper 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: Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 1:00 PM.
Ages: 5+

Book Your Experience
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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 at 12:00 PM
Ages: 5+

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Porcupine Painting

Meet our quilled artist, Aurora the North American Porcupine! During this unique encounter, you will assist Aurora as she crafts her latest painting masterpiece while learning about her remarkable abilities and specialized care from a zookeeper. Each participating group will take home one of Aurora's 5"x7" card stock paintings to cherish the memory!

CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE
Available: April-September
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.

See Terms & Conditions