Rolling Hills Zoo
Salina, Kansas
Rolling Hills Zoo aims to provide a natural environment with lots of open space for its 105 resident species. Linda Henderson, development and marketing director at Rolling Hills, said the zoo is in the process of doubling its number of special exhibits, providing more opportunities to experience and learn. It will also house a number of traveling exhibits, such as Frogs: A Chorus of Colors, opening in April.
Animal Meet and Greets allow an up-close experience with some of the animals during an hourlong private tour of the zoo. A more creative group experience is the Romp and Chomp. This provides a lot of interaction with the keeper as participants spend time making “enrichments” — tools or playthings designed to encourage the animal to use the same skills that it would in the wild. These enrichment items are then introduced to the animals so you can watch them in action. Education director Amy Barnhill said Romp and Chomp, like all the zoo’s activities, is designed to “give you a different perspective on zoos, letting you connect to the wildlife in a way you wouldn’t otherwise be able to.”
Overnight Expeditions are available any day of the week from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. The tours start with a night hike around the zoo, allowing visits with some of the nocturnal animals. Then comes a flashlight tour of the adjoining museum with its animatronic animal displays. The rest of the evening’s fun includes a craft, such as making a boomerang; making s’mores; or a movie with popcorn. Overnight guests can either sleep in the museum or camp out in the park, hearing the sounds of the animals. The next morning kicks off with a pancake breakfast and a tram tour before the gates open to the public. Free admission for the next day is included.
Overnight expeditions require a minimum of 15 people but can accommodate as many as 300. Groups should book at least two weeks in advance; further notice is preferred for larger groups.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Columbus, Ohio
The 580-acre Columbus Zoo became famous during the 1970s and 1980s when Jack Hanna served as its director. Now home to more than 7,000 animals, it is consistently named one of the top zoos in the nation. Adjoining the zoo are Jungle Jack’s Landing, a small amusement park, and Zoombezi Bay, a 22-acre water park.
Four separate 45-minute Wild Encounter tours allow groups of up to 10 people the chance to go behind the scenes at the zoo. The Animal Health Tour features a visit to the veterinary clinic to see how staff provide care for every creature, from the smallest lizard to the elephants. On the Discovery Reef Tour, guests go behind the 90,000-gallon aquarium to see how a miniature ocean home is maintained. Visits to the Manatee Coast or the Giraffe Barn are also possible. Availability varies throughout the year, so online reservations at least two weeks in advance are recommended.
Groups may also enjoy an early morning or evening tour at the zoo, away from the crowds. Breakfast With the Animals allows guests to visit the manatees, interact with Australian animals and feed the rhinos, all before the zoo opens to the public. Or experience Sunrise on the Savanna, where you observe the cheetahs as you enjoy your breakfast, and then head to feed the giraffes. Both morning tours have a maximum of 20 participants.
After-hours tours vary year-round and offer the opportunity to see some of the nocturnal animals. In the spring and summer, Twilight Tours offer a private look at the zoo from the comfort of a VIP shuttle, with snacks and refreshments. Wildlight Tours in the winter months include blankets and hot chocolate. These tours have a maximum capacity of 32.
Georgia Aquarium
Atlanta
Those who want to focus purely on aquatic life will find plenty to interest them at the Georgia Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. In addition to six exhibit galleries, there are two special features: the Dolphin Tales gallery, an indoor dolphin habitat, and a 4D Theater, which plays an interactive virtual-reality underwater show.
Beluga and Friend is a two-hour educational program that takes guests behind the scenes to learn about the care and conservation of beluga whales. As well as visiting the beluga whale and harbor seal exhibit, participants work with the training staff, interacting with the whales and some of their tank mates. There is no swimming involved, but guests should feel comfortable standing in waist-deep water.
For those seeking a wetter experience, the Journey With Gentle Giants tour explores the Ocean Voyager exhibit, home to an array of fish, including sawfish, rays and zebra sharks. The two-and-a-half-hour tour includes a detailed look behind the scenes of the aquarium. The highlight is the 30-minute swim with the whale sharks.
Prices vary for these and other experiences, including penguin and sea otter encounters and a sleepover. Groups are advised to call in advance to make arrangements.
