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

Behind the Scenes Encounters: Sea Lion

Sundays at 11:00 am

Join us for a behind-the-scenes sneak peek at our sea lion pool and an up-close encounter with one of our California Sea Lions – Gio and Farley! During the encounter, you will hear from the Animal Care Professionals that care for our sea lions and get a personalized training session with one of the sea lions.

Tickets must be purchased 24 hours in advance. PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
| Registration includes a reservation for two (2) people. Up to four (4) add

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  $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

Behind the Scenes Encounter: Reticulated Giraffe

Coming Soon in FALL 2022!

Join us for a behind-the-scenes sneak peek in our giraffe barn and an up-close encounter with one member of the Reticulated Giraffe herd! During the encounter, you will hear from the Animal Care Professionals that care for our giraffes and learn about the work that goes into their daily care.

Tickets must be purchased 24 hours in advance. Registration includes a reservation for two (2) people. Up to four (4) 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  $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 MASKS  All participants are required to wear face masks inside the Zoo during your entire visit, during the tour/encounter, 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
• CAPACITY
  • Encounters – 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.
• 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 must be purchased 24 hours in advance.

If you have any questions, please contact our Education department at education@birminghamzoo.com or by calling 205.397.3877