For more information or to register:

• Call 920-662-2405
• Email education@newzoo.org

Our Wild Encounters are ideal for small groups of people, unless otherwise noted. Several different types of private encounters are available, each described below.  Children must be accompanied by an adult, except in Zookeeper Adventure programs.  All prices listed are in addition to Zoo admission fees.  Please contact us for details.

Wild Encounters make great gifts!! We can create a certificate for you to give to the recipient, and the recipient (or his/her parents/chaperones) can call us to schedule the program at a later date. Want to purchase a Gift Certificate? Contact us today!

CREATURE ENCOUNTER

• $50 for up to 6 people aged 2 and above; then $5 per each additional person (kids aged 1 and under are free)
• Designed especially for families or other small groups containing children aged 5 and under; all ages welcome!
• Approximately 30 minutes in length
• You’ll meet up to four different live animals in our private classroom, along with ‘biofacts,’ like fur, feathers, and skull replicas, to learn all about these zoo animals. Kids and adults alike will be able to touch the animals and get up-close and personal with them
• Want to purchase a Gift Certificate for this program? Contact us today!

UNLIKELY ARTIST ENCOUNTER

• $75 for up to 6 guests, then $10 per each additional guest
• Appropriate for all ages
• Approximately 40 minutes in length
• Enjoy a private “painting session” with two of our Unlikely Artists who will paint a one-of-a-kind masterpiece just for you!
• During the program, your group will choose the paint colors for your Unlikely Artists to use
• Choose to meet and paint with two of the following Unlikely Artists:
  • Snake
  • Lizard
  • Turtle
  • Tortoise
• Program includes your choice of the following painting size options per animal friend:
  • One (1) large Canvas Paintings
  • Two (2) medium Canvas Paintings
  • Three (3) small Canvas Paintings
  • Additional canvas paintings of any size can be added for just $5 each
  • Sizes may vary based on what our suppliers have in stock, but on average, the larges are typically around 9×12 inches, the mediums are 8×10, and the smalls are 5×7
• Want to purchase a Gift Certificate for this program? Contact us today!

ZOO ENCOUNTER: Giraffe Behind-the-Scenes

• $75 per up to 6 people, then $10 per each additional guest
• Appropriate for audiences age 7 and above
• Approximately 30-40 minutes in length
• Get a tour of the indoor giraffe habitat, and learn about how we care for the giraffes behind-the-scenes
• Enjoy a private feeding session with the giraffes
• Program takes place in the afternoon hours only; availability is limited

ZOO ENCOUNTER: Aldabra Tortoise Behind-the Scenes

• $75 for up to 6 people, then $10 per each additional guest
• Appropriate for audiences aged 6 and above
• Approximately thirty minutes in length
• Learn all about Aldabra tortoises! Take photos, interact with the tortoises and take selfies with Tootie! Learn about the interesting history of this once-endangered species and  how we care for them at the NEW Zoo
• Programs can be scheduled weekdays or weekends, mornings or afternoons, based on Educator availability
• Want to purchase a Gift Certificate for this program? Contact us today!

ZOO ENCOUNTER: African Penguin Experience

• $125 for up to 6 people, then $15 per each additional guest
• Appropriate for audiences aged 6 and above
• Approximately thirty minutes in length
• Learn all about penguins, with a focus on African penguins! Take photos, interact with the bird. Learn about how we care for the penguins at the Zoo, and how we are working to save endangered penguins from extinction – and how you can help, too!
• Programs can be scheduled weekdays or weekends, mornings or afternoons, based on Educator availability
• Want to purchase a Gift Certificate for this program? Contact us today!

ZOO ENCOUNTER: Penguin Painting Experience

• $175 for up to 6 guests, then $15 per each additional guest
• Appropriate for audiences aged 6 and above
• Approximately 40-45 minutes in length
• Learn all about penguins, with a focus on African penguins! Take photos, interact with the bird. Learn about how we care for the penguins at the Zoo, and how we are working to save endangered penguins from extinction – and how you can help, too!
• Your African penguin friend will create a painting just for you! You choose the paint colors your penguin artist will use during the program.
• Includes your choice of following painting sizes:
  • One (1) large Canvas Paintings
  • Two (2) medium Canvas Paintings
  • Three (3) small Canvas Paintings
• Additional canvas paintings of any size can be added for just $5 each, up to five paintings total
• Sizes may vary based on what our suppliers have in stock, but on average, the larges are typically around 9×12 inches, the mediums are 8×10, and the smalls are 5×7

ZOOKEEPER ADVENTURE

• $150 for 1 participant, 2 hours program length
  • Participant must be at least 8 years old to participate
• OR $300 for 1 participant, 4 hours in length
  • Participant must be at least 10 years old to participate in the 4-hour Adventure
• This program is designed for one person, especially for those interested in the life of a zookeeper! Even Children (ages 8 and up) can participate in this adventure that will involve a variety of “zookeeper activities,” from cleaning to feeding to educating. Participants are sure to experience an unforgettable day!
• Can be scheduled on weekdays or weekends, during morning hours, according to Educator availability; Zookeeper Adventures typically begin at either 8am or 8:30am
• Zookeeper Adventures make great gifts!! We can create a certificate for you to give to the recipient, and the recipient (or his/her parents/chaperones) can call us to schedule the program at a later date. Want to purchase a Gift Certificate for this program? Contact us today!

PERFECT PROPOSAL PACKAGE

• If you are interested in proposing to that special animal-lover in your life and want to do it in a unique way, look no further!  There’s no need to stress over creating a special experience – we are here to help.  Our Educators will work with you to design an experience that is perfect for you and your partner. A variety of critters can be incorporated into these program; just contact us to discuss the options. Our experienced team members will even ensure your plans are kept secret until just the right moment.
• Length of program, pricing, and details vary, based on you and your partner’s interests.  Prices start at $200. Contact us for details and options

INSIDER’S ENCOUNTER

• Join Zoo experts behind-the-scenes at the NEW Zoo for an Insider’s Encounter. You’ll learn all about the wild ways zoo staff care for animals while hearing stories and enjoying experiences you can’t get anywhere else. Every Insider’s Encounter includes behind-the-scenes tours and meeting live animals!
• These programs can accommodate large groups of up to 50 people
• These programs are best for audiences aged 10 and above
• Learn more about these behind-the-scenes tours here.
• Want to purchase a Gift Certificate for this program? Contact us today!

For more information, or to register for a Wild Encounter, please call 920-662-2405 or email education@newzoo.org.