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Behind the Scenes Encounters

COVID-19 Update: The Pueblo Zoo is currently accepting registrations on a wait-list basis. We will resume scheduling Behind the Scenes encounters once we are able to ensure safety and compliance with social distancing guidelines. If you are interested in a Behind the Scenes experience at the Pueblo Zoo this summer, please fill out the form below.

If you have questions about existing bookings or other questions, contact Events and Rentals Manager, Kimberly Sewell at ksewell@pueblozoo.org.

Join the waitlist!

Get up close and personal with some of the rarest animals on the planet in our Behind The Scenes Encounters. You will meet one our trained animal care staff and join them to meet one of four endangered species: African penguins, African painted dogs, bison, and red pandas.

You'll get:

Up close encounter with the animals
Participate in animal enrichment
Private keeper talk focused on the animal, their facility, and the zoo's role in their conservation
- Note: Tours will vary based on animal temperament and behavior. One adult chaperone per two children required. Minimum age six years old.

Private Behind the Scenes Encounters available...scroll down!

African Penguin Behind the Scenes Encounter

African penguins are one of the most endangered birds on the planet. Their natural habitat is the rocky coast of South Africa, but you can get up close and personal with them right in southern Colorado! You will meet one our trained penguin keepers and join them to meet these rare birds brimming with personality and curiosity.

Minimum of 72 hours' notice required for scheduling.

Time

African Penguins:

Sundays 1:30pm

Age

6+ years old. Minimum 1 adult per 2 children.

Price

Join the waitlist!

$50 members
$55 non-members

Price includes zoo admission. Behind The Scenes Encounters must have at least two spots filled to run.

Red Panda Behind the Scenes Encounter

Red pandas are a unique and endangered mammal from the high forests of Nepal. Besides being very rare, there are very few relatives of this species on the planet. Join our red panda keepers in our red panda habitat right in southern Colorado...no need to climb the Himalayan mountains!

Minimum of 72 hours' notice required for scheduling.

Time

Red Pandas:

Saturdays 11:00am

Age

6+ years old. Minimum 1 adult per 2 children.

Price

Join the waitlist!

$50 members
$55 non-members

Price includes zoo admission. Behind The Scenes Encounters must have at least two spots filled to run.

African Painted Dog Behind the Scenes encounter

African painted dogs are one of the most effective hunters and one of the most endangered mammals in the world. In addition to having amazing communication and teamwork, these canines have one of the most powerful bites on the planet. Get up close and personal (with safety precautions for you and the dogs of course!) with our trained painted dog keepers and these inspiring animals. Hearing their unique vocalizations up close is powerful...did you know that they don't bark?

Minimum of 72 hours' notice required for scheduling.

Time

African Painted Dogs:

Saturdays 3:00pm

Age

6+ years old. Minimum 1 adult per 2 children.

Price

Join the waitlist!

$50 members
$55 non-members

Price includes zoo admission. Behind The Scenes Encounters must have at least two spots filled to run.

Bison Behind the Scenes Encounter

Before humans, bison once ranged over nearly the entire continent – everywhere except the coasts and deserts. It’s no surprise that they are designated America's first national mammal. You will meet with one of our trained bison keepers to get up close and personal (but not too personal!) and learn more about why these majestic creatures are so important to our grassland ecosystem.

Minimum of 72 hours' notice required for scheduling.

Time

Bison:

Friday and Saturdays 2:00pm

Age

6+ years old. Minimum 1 adult per 2 children.

Price

Join the waitlist!

$50 members
$55 non-members

Price includes zoo admission. Behind The Scenes Encounters must have at least two spots filled to run.

Private Behind the Scenes Encounters

Experience the power of an endangered species up close with just you, your group up to six people and our trained keeper staff. These exclusive encounters are great for a family outing, a gift, team building, and we've even had wedding proposals in an exhibit! You can be sure that your private Behind the Scenes Encounter will be an experience to write home about. Bring your camera!

Minimum of two weeks notice required for scheduling.

Time

Join the waitlist!

African Penguins:

Weekdays only, Request a date

African Painted Dogs:

Weekdays only, Request a date

Red Pandas:

Weekdays only, Request a date.

Bison:
Sunday - Thursday, Request a date.

Age

6+ years old. Minimum 1 adult per 2 children.

Price

$280 members
300 non-members

Price includes zoo admission.