You’ve probably seen animals at a zoo before, but you may not have seen them like this.
Understanding the value of education and the importance of teaching conservation, many zoos now offer a variety of experiential or behind-the-scenes programs. Many of these are ideal travel extras for groups of all ages.
Here are five destinations around the United States where your group has the chance to experience exotic animals up close.
National Aviary
Pittsburgh
Audrey Beichner, group sales coordinator, told us something most people don’t realize when they plan their visit to the National Aviary: “We’re a nonprofit, and we’re the only one in the nation.” The venue prides itself on being immersive, offering visitors three large walk-through aviaries and a series of interactive programs throughout the day. The goal, according to director of marketing Robin Weber, is “to inspire respect for nature through the appreciation of birds.”
An indoor theater hosts daily live free-flight shows, while in summer, the rose garden is the scenic site for additional outdoor flight shows. Visitors 6 and older are also invited to the Skydeck for the daily rooftop raptor-feeding show. Staff emphasize that the birds are trained only to exhibit the natural behaviors they would demonstrate in the wild, and they only participate in shows if they choose to.
A number of group experiences are available. The Penguin Painting gives each group member a chance to bring home a unique piece of art. The group enters a room where canvases are laid out across the floor. A penguin whose feet have been dipped in paint then enters the room, running around on the canvases to produce a memorable souvenir.
Another option is the Three Bird Encounter, offering groups the opportunity for private interactions with both bird and trainer. This typically includes a penguin, a bird of prey and a member of the macaw family. Alternatively, groups are welcome to a Flamingo Frolic, where they enter the feeder with the flamingos and may find themselves the object of curiosity.
The group minimum is 15. However, there is no set maximum. The flamingo feeder can hold up to 130 people, and other tour groups can split into smaller ones if necessary. There are no age restrictions. Tours should be booked at least three weeks in advance, but aviary staff will try to accommodate bookings with less notice.
San Diego Zoo
San Diego
Covering 100 acres in downtown San Diego, the zoo that bears the city’s name is home to a botanical collection of more than 700,000 plants and more than 3,700 animals and birds. In 2016, the zoo is celebrating its centennial; parades, concerts, and special events are planned throughout the year. But the San Diego Zoo is worth a visit, centennial or not. Clearly marked walking trails and a free shuttle bus ensure that visitors see all their favorites, including the pandas, polar bears and monkeys.
Groups seeking to add something special to their visits might consider the Inside Look Tours.
“If you really want to learn more detailed info about animals and get up close, this is one of the best opportunities,” said Stephanie Alexander, operations manager in tours and education.
These tours last approximately two hours and offer a behind-the-scenes look at how the zoo operates. There are four options for the tour: koalas, polar bears, elephants, or a surprise, the latter based upon availability on any given day.
Each Inside Look Tour includes at least two animal experiences and a visit to an “off-limits” area. For example, the koala experience features a trip to the keeper kitchen to see the food preparation and a presentation about another Australian resident at the zoo. The elephant experience offers a view into the care center and the chance to see the keepers and elephants interacting. Inside Look Tours also include a visit to the popular panda exhibit, skipping the long wait lines.
Inside Look Tours allow for a maximum of 10 people and are $79 per person. Advance booking is suggested.
