Behind-the-Scenes Encounters & Experiences

Behind-the-Scenes Encounters & Experiences 

Get wildly connected at the Birmingham Zoo with our Behind-the-Scenes Encounters and Experiences! You can get close to and meet our animals, all while learning from the Zoo’s expert Animal Care Professionals. Encounters and Experiences include a tour of behind-the-scenes animal areas, time to ask the experts any questions you have, and more. These unique moments can only be had at the Birmingham Zoo and will build memories that last a lifetime!

Before registering – view important registration information and safety guidelines, HERE

*NEW*

Zoo to Myself: Golf Cart Experience

Mondays & Tuesdays @ 10:00am

NEW Experience! Although we are closed to the public on Mondays and Tuesdays, you can still enjoy the Zoo! Zoo to Myself Experiences offer a 90-minute, guided golf cart tour of the most popular areas of the Zoo all to yourself! Experiences include Keeper chats, animal meet and greets, and a behind the scenes sneak peek. For the walking portion of the tour, participants can choose between the Predator Building or the Primates of the World/ South America Building.

Registration includes a reservation for 2 people. Up to 2 additional guests from the same household can be added at an additional cost, prices below. Please contact our Education department at education@birminghamzoo.com or by calling 205-909-4558 to add guests to your tour.

Members  $180
*Members will need to register or sign-in at the top of  the registration page to access member discounted pricing.
Up to 4 additional guests from the same household can be added for $90 per person for Members.

Non Members  $200
Up to 4 additional guests from the same household can be added for $100 per person for non-Members.

REGISTER HERE

California Sea Lions Encounter

Coming Soon!

Join the Education and Animal Care teams for a private behind the scenes training session with one of our California Sea Lions, Gio and Farley! Behind the Scenes Encounters with our sea lions last 45-60 minutes and include a behind the scenes photo opportunity.

Registration includes a reservation for 2 people. Up to 4 additional guests from the same household can be added at an additional cost, see pricing below.

Members  $110
*Members will need to register or sign-in at the top of  the registration page to access member discounted pricing.
Up to 4 additional guests from the same household can be added for $55 per person for Members.

Non Members  $130
Up to 4 additional guests from the same household can be added for $65 per person for non-Members.

Registration Information & Safety Guidelines

• FACE COVERINGS  All participants are required to wear face coverings inside the Zoo, during the tour, and when entering animal areas.
• ATTIRE  For safety, only closed toed-shoes will be permitted.
• ADMISSION  Zoo admission is not included in your Behind-the-Scenes Encounter & Experiences tour registration. Non-Members must purchase general admission to continue to enjoy the Zoo after their tour.
•  AGES
  • Encounters – Children ages 5 and up are welcome, ages 12 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult
  • Zoo to Myself Experiences – For adults, geared toward older audiences
• CAPACITY
  • Encounters – Up to 6 participants from the same household
  • Zoo to Myself Experiences – Up to 6 participants from the same household
•  ACCESSIBILITY  All Behind-the-Scenes Encounters & Experiences require entering working areas of the Zoo that may not be wheelchair-accessible. Zoo to Myself Experiences include a walking portion.
• Please let us know of any sensory or accessibility needs by calling the Education Department at 205-909-4558 or email education@birminghamzoo.com
• CHECK-IN  All tours for encounters and experiences will meet at the front entrance starting 15 minutes before tour time.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW

• Encounter & Experience tour purchases are non-refundable.
• 24-hour advance notice is required for any changes to your purchase or to reschedule your tour.
• Encounters & Experiences that are missed without prior notification will not be rescheduled.
• Any program involving our resident animals is subject to change or cancellation based on the animal’s needs or severe weather. However, every effort will be made to offer alternate areas or reschedule tours.
• Tickets may be purchased on-site up to an hour prior to tours.

If you have any questions, please contact our Education department at education@birminghamzoo.com or by calling 205-909-4558.