During the summer months, the NEW Zoo features a variety of fun, educational programs throughout the day. Many of these programs are free for zoo guests to attend, but a few opportunities are also available for guests to purchase “VIP Tickets” to gain access to some very special experiences. These “VIP Experiences” include feeding the pelicans and penguins! Check out the daily schedule below and purchase tickets in advance before your visit by following the links provided.

Please note: admission to the NEW Zoo is required for entry into the Zoo to enjoy any of the following programs

African Lion Discovery Station

• FREE with Zoo Admission
• Daily from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. starting Saturday, May 29th
• Visit the African Lion Habitat to learn about lions and to see and touch a variety of items like fur, claws, and more!

Bald Eagle & Pelican Discovery Station

• FREE with Zoo Admission
• Daily from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. starting Saturday, May 29th
• Visit the North American Aviary Habitat to learn all about eagles and pelicans, and to see and touch a variety of items like feathers, eggs, and more!

Pelican Feeding

• Daily at 11:00 a.m. starting Saturday, May 29th
• Face coverings required for all participants
• Join us in the North American Aviary, under the gazebo
• Tickets are $15 per person (tickets required for anyone wishing to feed the pelican, regardless of age)
• Tickets can be purchased on arrival at the Visitor Center OR purchased online in advance
• Only 5 tickets are available per feeding session
• Purchase Tickets

African Penguin Discovery Station

• FREE with Zoo Admission
• Daily from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. starting Saturday, May 29th
• Visit the Penguin Habitat Bridge to learn about African Penguins and to see and touch a variety of items like feathers, eggs, and more!

African Penguin Feeding

• Daily at 1:00 p.m. starting Saturday, May 29th
• Face coverings required for all participants
• Join us in front of the Penguin Exhibit (near the bridge, not the underwater viewing space)
• Tickets are $15 per person (tickets required for anyone wishing to feed the penguin, regardless of age)
• Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Please note: only ONE adult per child ticket-holder will be permitted to enter the feeding area.
• Tickets can be purchased on arrival at the Visitor Center OR purchased online in advance
• Only 4 tickets are available per day
• Purchase Tickets

Red Wolf  & Canine Discovery Station

• FREE with Zoo Admission
• Daily from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. starting Saturday, May 29th
• Join us in front of the Red Wolf Habitat
• Visit the Red Wolf Habitat to learn about red wolves, and to see and touch a variety of items like fur, paw prints, and more!

VIP Lion Training Experience Unavailable in 2021

• $10 per person aged 3 and above; Kids under 3 free
• Children under the age of 15 MUST be accompanied by at least 1 adult ticket-holder
• Tickets can be purchased on arrival at the Visitor Center OR purchased online in advance
• Only 10 tickets are available per day

River Otter Feeding Unavailable in 2021

•  Join us at the River Otter Exhibit!
• $10 tickets available for VIP Otter Feeding (tickets required for anyone wishing to feed the otters, regardless of age)
• Tickets can be purchased on arrival at the Visitor Center OR purchased online in advance
• Only 5 tickets are available per day

Animal Amphitheater Presentation Unavailable for 2021

• FREE experience! Meet an animal in the Education Amphitheater, located near the Endangered Species Carousel
• Each presentation will feature a different animal