Up-Close Signature Encounters

African Penguin Backstage*

10:45am
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.

Members Non-Members

Aldabra Tortoise Encounter

12:00pm
Did you know the Aldabra tortoise is second only to the Galapagos as the biggest land tortoise in the world? The Zoo gives you the chance to get up-close with these fascinating reptiles and spend time with the team that cares for these gentle giants.

Members Non-Members

Southern White Rhino Backstage*

12:45pm
Did you know white rhinos can weigh up to 5,000 lbs.? Come experience the massive presence of this animal by getting up-close, and learn amazing facts from those who care for them at ZooTampa!

Members Non-Members

African Elephant Backstage*

2:15pm (Saturday & Sunday Only)
Experience first-hand how our Animal Care Team utilizes learned behaviors to ensure our African elephants are maintaining optimal health and welfare. Watch a training session, see our state-of-the-art elephant barn, and talk to the professionals about how we care for the largest land animal on earth.

Members Non-Members

Indian Rhino Feeding*

3:00pm | 3:30pm (Saturday & Sunday Only)
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.

Members Non-Members

Koala Photo Encounter Presented by Yob Family Foundation

10:00am (Saturday & Sunday Only)
On this encounter with an adorable marsupial, get up-close to an adorable koala for a koala-ty photo!

Members Non-Members

* Children must be age 5 or older to participate in this tour. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult in order to participate in the experience.

Tips:

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.
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 to 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.