ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
While the park may be closed to the public in winter, you can still experience the joy of connecting with our amazing animals one-on-one! Book your Animal Encounter today and create unforgettable memories this season! During these reserved sessions, our staff will guide you and your guests in a hands-on visit with many of our most-loved residents, including sloths, capybaras and baby kangaroos.
To truly make your Encounter an experience to remember, enhance your stay booking one of our two cozy rental houses. Each house offers a comfortable retreat, perfect to enjoy the beauty of nature around you. Make unforgettable memories as you connect with wildlife, all while having a welcoming space to unwind after adventures. Book your stay today and elevate your experience!
What is a Personal Animal Encounter?
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A personalized 45 minute session with a zookeeper
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Opportunity to visit with, feed and get up close interaction with a variety of selected animals. Some you may see include sloths, capybara, kangaroos, sugar gliders and reptiles.
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Photo and video opportunities
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You decide who will join your group, up to 4 people for the session price of $250
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Opportunity to add up to two more people for an additional cost of $75 each
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Minimum age for participants is 8 years old
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Encounters will begin Friday, December 26, 2025 and will continue through Saturday, March 28, 2026
What to expect during the Encounter experience:
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Arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled time to sign waivers and go over safety guidelines
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Closed toed shoes must be worn by all participants
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We will be indoors. No need to bundle up for the weather
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Your encounter will start promptly at the top of the hour. No accommodations will be made for late arrivals
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You will be able to pet, feed, and get up close to the sloths and capybaras
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Current animals include, but are not limited to: sloth, capybara, baby kangaroo, reptiles, and you might even get to feed a kookaburra!
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If safety guidelines are not followed, we reserve the right to end the session early
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Available animals are subject to change without notice, although this is not common
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You are going to have fun! Our zookeepers are pretty good at taking pictures. Let us help you capture these memories!
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Shop our gift shop! Pick up a plush capybara or sloth to remember your visit
FAQ
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Can I hold a sloth? Our sloths are used to human interaction via petting and hand feeding. You can even get right up next to them! But, physically holding a sloth is not something we allow our guests to do.
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My child is not quite 8 years old but is very respectful of animals. Will you make an exception? We get it! Our children have grown up around animals. While we love to share the love of animals with children, this experience brings you directly into the animals secure area and their safe place. For health and safety reasons, we ask that you respect the age guidelines.
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What if I have to cancel? We offer Payment Protection. For an additional fee, you can purchase this option and receive a refund should you become ill or unable to make your reservation. Please see ticketing page for exclusions.
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Some of the people I originally signed up to join us cannot make it, can I bring someone else? Absolutely! As long as they are at least 8 years old and the number of people you are bringing does not exceed the ticket level you have purchased. Waivers will be signed upon arrival. Remember, your base price covers 1-4 people.
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Can we go outside to visit the other animals? That area of the zoo is closed for the season. Only the main barn is open
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I would like to talk to someone before I reserve a ticket. Absolutely! Please call the zoo office at 859-405-8065 and leave a message. Someone will get back to you shortly. Our office hours are limited but we check the messages often. You can also email us at wwazoooffice@gmail.com for a faster response.