Upgrade Your Day
Up-Close Animal Encounters & Feeding Experiences
Add amazing moments to your day at ZooTampa with our unforgettable signature animal encounters.
Reserve your spot today — spaces are limited.
Signature Encounter
African Penguin Backstage*
Get a behind-the-scenes look at how we care for our endangered African penguins. Meet members of our colony and ask any penguin question you may have from our Animal Care Team.
Signature Encounter
Southern White Rhino Backstage*
Did you know white rhinos can weigh up to 5,000 pounds? Go behind-the-scenes to the Rhino barn to experience the massive presence of this important animal. You and your family will learn amazing facts from those who care for them at ZooTampa and get to know some of the members of our crash!
Signature Encounter
African Elephant Backstage*
Weekends & Select Weekdays Only
What's it like to care for the largest land animal on earth? Find out first-hand how our Animal Care Team utilizes learned behaviors to ensure our African elephants are maintaining optimal health and welfare. Plus, watch a real training session, see our state-of-the-art elephant barn, and talk to the professionals who interact with these amazing animals every day.
Signature Encounter
Aldabra Tortoise Encounter
Did you know the Aldabra tortoise is second only to the Galapagos as the biggest land tortoise in the world? Get up-close with these fascinating reptiles and spend time with the team that cares for these gentle giants.
Giraffe Meet & Greet
Get eye-to-eye with the world's tallest animal! Learn about our amazing giraffes during a training session with an Animal Care Professional! Get to know our giraffe's quirky personalities, ask questions, and learn about the positive reinforcement techniques we use with all our animals.
Signature Encounter
Koala Photo Encounter Presented by Yob Family Foundation*
Weekends & Select Weekdays Only
On this encounter with an adorable marsupial, you'll go behind-the-scenes with our animal care team to meet Heathcliff, our male Queensland Koala, for a "koala-ty" photo.
Animal Feeding Experiences
At ZooTampa you can experience feeding our gentle stingrays right from your hand! Only $5 per feeding; times vary each day. For more information, or to purchase your feeding, visit the Stingray Bay gift shop located in the Florida realm of ZooTampa. Please note, due to enhanced safety measures lorikeet feedings are not available at this time.
ZooTampa Animal Encounter Tips & Guidelines
- Admission is required to participate in Signature Encounters. If you have scheduled a Signature Encounter please make a reservation (Members & Pay For A Day ticket holders) or pre-purchase your date-specific ticket (all others) in order to guarantee your entry on that date. Please visit our Tickets, Memberships, & Online Reservations page to make your reservation.
- Please arrive no later than 10 minutes prior to the start time of your experience. Guests who are late may forfeit their spot and will not be eligible for a refund.
- Masks are required to be worn by all guests participating in Signature Encounters. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided to you.
- To ensure safety, participants agree to abide by Zoo safety protocols.
- Guests may bring a camera; however, there are areas behind-the-scenes which you may be asked not to photograph. Video recording is not permitted behind-the-scenes.
- Tour components are subject to change without notice due to animal, weather, or staff needs.
- Service animals are restricted from entering the Koala photo encounter area.
* Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult in order to participate in any Up-Close Signature Encounter
ZooTampa Animal Encounter Tips & Guidelines
- Please arrive no later than 10 minutes prior to the start time of your experience. Guests who are late may forfeit their spot and will not be eligible for a refund.
- Masks are required to be worn by all guests participating in Signature Encounters. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided to you.
- To ensure safety, participants agree to abide by Zoo safety protocols.
- Guests may bring a camera; however, there are areas behind-the-scenes which you may be asked not to photograph. Video recording is not permitted behind-the-scenes.
- Tour components are subject to change without notice due to animal, weather, or staff needs.
- Service animals are restricted from entering the Koala photo encounter area.
* Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult in order to participate in any Up-Close Signature Encounter
NEW!
Secrets of the Zoo Backstage Tour*
Go on an unprecedented behind-the-scenes tour with one of our "stars" from Nat Geo WILD's series Secrets of the Zoo:Tampa and get exclusive updates on the animals you fell in love with. From Jamie the rhino to majestic rescued manatees, find out ALL the secrets and spend your morning on an adventure you will never forget!
Signature Encounter
African Penguin Backstage*
Waddle on over to meet some fine-feathered friends and get a behind-the-scenes look at how we care for our African penguins. Meet the newest chicks in town and ask any penguin question you may have from our Animal Care Team.
Signature Encounter
Indian Rhino Feeding*
Get an up-close, unforgettable experience with a Greater one-horned rhino, commonly known as an Indian Rhino – a rare species vulnerable to extinction. During this once-in-a-lifetime experience, guests will feed and learn about this incredible species.
