Private Animal Experiences

We offer a variety of private animal experiences. There is sure to be one that piques your interest and fits your schedule. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a paid adult.

These experiences also make great gifts for birthdays and special occasions.

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Schedule at Least One Week In Advance

To inquire if a specific date is available prior to purchase, contact coordinator.

Red Panda Experience

$35

Spend time observing morning red panda behaviors with a training, feeding, and/or enrichment, plus private Q&A zookeeper time. All activities will be performed by the zookeeper.
Available Mon, Thur, and Sat at 9:30AM.

Cost – $35 first person, $25 each additional person (fees are required for ages 3+, max group size is six people)
Touching – No
Feeding – No

Purchase Your Experience

Giraffe Experience

$40

Get up-close and personal to feed the tallest animal on land! Not only will you get to meet and feed the Zoo Boise giraffes, but you’ll learn how we take care of them.
Available at 11AM and 3:30PM daily, dependent on weather.

Cost – $40 first person, $25 each additional person (fees are required for ages 3+, max group size is six people)
Touching – No
Feeding – Yes

Purchase Your Experience

Adaptive Animal Adventure

$65

We hold before-hours adventures designed for individuals with disabilities and their families and friends! Each adventure has two parts. First, meet one of our education animals with the chance to touch. Then, enjoy a guided section tour of your choice before the zoo opens to the public. Everyone is welcome to join! Email us with any questions prior to purchasing.
Available Wed-Sun at 9:00AM between Labor Day and May 31.

Cost – $65 first person, $25 each additional person (max group size is eight people)
Touching – Possible
Feeding – No

Purchase Your Experience

Amur Tiger Experience

$35

Watch as a zookeeper invites our Amur tiger, Akasha, to participate in a training session! Guests will observe behaviors and have the opportunity to ask questions.
Available Sun, Wed, and Thurs at 9:30AM.

Cost – $35 first person, $25 for each additional person (fees are required for ages 3+, max group size is ten people)
Touching – No
Feeding – No

Purchase Your Experience

Aldabra Tortoise Experience

$40

Meet Mr. Mac, a 375-pound, over 100-year-old Aldabra tortoise! Not only will you get to meet, touch, and feed Mr. Mac, but you’ll learn how he’s taken care of by keeper staff.
Available Mon, Wed, and Fri at 11AM or 1PM, dependent on weather.

Cost – $40 first person, $25 for each additional person (minimum age is 5 years old, max group size is four people)
Fully enclosed shoes must be worn to participate.
Touching – Yes
Feeding – Yes

Purchase Your Experience

African Wild Dog Experience

$35

Observe in an up-close setting as the wild dogs interact with zookeepers for daily training exercises. Guests will see behaviors and have the opportunity to ask questions.
Available Tues, Fri, and Sat at 11:30AM.

Cost – $35 first person, $25 for each additional person (minimum age is 10 years old, max group size is six people)
Fully enclosed shoes must be worn to participate.
Touching – No
Feeding – No

Purchase Your Experience

Anteater Experience

$40

Are you ready to feed a giant anteater? Up to four friends or family members can feed our giant anteaters, McCauley and Gloria, in a private experience with Zoo Boise staff!
Available at 2:30 or 4PM daily.

Cost – $40 first person, $25 for each additional person (fees are required for ages 3+, max group size is four people)
Touching – No
Feeding – Yes

Purchase Your Experience

Get Your Certificate

For Private Animial Experiences

Purchase a Gift Card Here

Private Animal Experience Rules & Guidelines

All private animal experiences must be booked at least one week in advance after purchase date, and are subject to availability.
Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a paid adult and included in purchase.
Purchase must be made prior to selecting your date. You will be contacted by zoo staff upon purchase for scheduling. To inquire if a specific date is available prior to purchase, please contact us HERE.
If necessary, Private Animal Experiences may be cancelled or rescheduled by zoo staff based upon animal needs. If cancelled by the zoo, a full refund will be issued.
Private Animal Experiences are nonrefundable, but may be rescheduled with a 24 hour notice.

All experiences are animal dependent and full cooperation cannot be guaranteed.
Fully enclosed shoes must be worn to participate in experiences. NO exceptions!
Zoo admission is not included with Private Animal Experiences and must be purchased separately.
Only one Private Animal Experience can be booked per day.
Waivers are required for some experiences.
At least one paid adult is required to accompany all children under the age of 18.
Gift certificates may be purchased through our online store.
Pictures are welcomed, so bring your cameras!

When you register for a class or program with the Zoo Boise/City of Boise, this Personal Release Statement is implied: I understand that the registered activities and services may have an element of hazard or inherent danger and I take full responsibility for my actions and physical condition. I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Friends of Zoo Boise, Zoo Boise, the City of Boise, and its employees from any liability loss, cost, or expense (including attorney’s fees, medical, and ambulance costs) that I may incur while participating in the activities at the zoo. I give my consent to use any photographs or video taken of me in future promotional or marketing materials.