Animal Encounters
NOTE: Each person in the encounter area must have their own ticket. Animal Encounters do not include admission to the Zoo. Check in at the Guest Help desk when you get to the Zoo. Please read all our “Reservation Policies” and “What to Expect” below.
Add an up-close and personal experience to your visit to the Zoo with one of our Animal Encounters! During these Animal Encounters, you’ll get to meet the animals and talk to their keepers for a unique experience.
Zoo Member discounts are available. Zoo Members must be logged in to the ticketing website for the discount to appear in their cart.
 All participants must sign a Participant Liability Waiver when they get to the Zoo. You can read it in advance here: Participant Liability Waiver.
The capybara and anteater encounter is available from May 1 through September 30.
Meet our capybaras and anteaters in this mixed-species encounter, and learn about them behind-the-scenes with one of our zoo keepers. You’ll even have a chance to feed the animals a portion of their vet-approved diet!
Only ticketed people will be allowed within the Animal Encounter area. Each encounter lasts approximately 30 minutes. This is not a touch encounter.
Number of People: This encounter is limited to 6 guests per day.
Takes Place: 2 pm every Saturday and Sunday from May 1 through September 30 and 2 pm every Tuesday from June 1 through August 31.
Cost: $40 per person. This does not include admission to the Zoo. 10% Zoo Member Discount (Zoo Members must be logged into their cart on the ticketing page to get the discount). Each person who participates in this encounter must have their own ticket.
Age Restrictions: This encounter is for people over age 2. Ticketed children under 14 must be accompanied by a ticketed adult over 18. Each person who enters the encounter area must have a ticket. Strollers won’t fit in the encounter area. Please plan accordingly.
The flamingo encounter is available from the beginning of the Zoo season through September 30.
Meet in the playground before you get to flamingle with our flock! During this encounter, you’ll go in the flamingo feeding corral and get a cup of krill, one of our flamingos’ favorite snacks! You’ll get to feed the flamingos and learn about them from one of our zoo keepers.
Only ticketed people will be allowed within the Animal Encounter area. Each encounter lasts approximately 30 minutes. This is not a touch encounter.
Number of People: This encounter is limited to 8 people per day.
Takes Place: 12 pm every Saturday and Sunday from March 29 through September 30
Cost: $25 per person. This does not include admission to the Zoo. 10% Zoo Member Discount (Zoo Members must be logged into their cart on the ticketing page to get the discount). Each person who participates in this encounter must have their own ticket.
Age Restrictions: This encounter is for people over age 2. Ticketed children under 14 must be accompanied by a ticketed adult over 18. Each person who enters the flamingo corral must have a ticket. Strollers won’t fit in the encounter area. Please plan accordingly.
The Galapagos tortoise encounter is available from June 1 through August 31.
Meet Isabela and Floreana, our Galapagos tortoise sisters! During this encounter, learn about this giant species from one of our keepers, and either feed the tortoises part of their Zoo-approved diet, or give them a shower on a hot day.
Only ticketed people will be allowed within the Animal Encounter area. Each encounter lasts approximately 20 minutes. This is not a touch encounter.
Number of People: This encounter is limited to 6 people per day.
Takes Place: 1:30 pm every Saturday and Sunday from June 1 through August 31.
Cost: $25 per person. This does not include admission to the Zoo. 10% Zoo Member Discount (Zoo Members must be logged into their cart on the ticketing page to get the discount). Each person who participates in this encounter must have their own ticket.
Age Restrictions: This encounter is for people over age 2. Ticketed children under 14 must be accompanied by a ticketed adult over 18. Each person who participates must have a ticket. Strollers won’t fit in the encounter area. Please plan accordingly.
The otter encounter is available from the start of the Zoo season through September 30.
Frannie and Sam would love to show off their intelligence during a behind-the-scenes tour and training session. Watch our animal care staff train one or two of our otters. You can have the opportunity to feed them part of their Zoo-approved diet as well!
Only ticketed people will be allowed within the Animal Encounter area. Each encounter lasts approximately 20 minutes. This is not a touch encounter.
Number of People: This encounter is limited to 6 guests per day.
Takes Place: 11:30 am every Saturday and Sunday from March 29 through September 30 and 11:30 am every Thursday from June 1 through August 31.
Cost: $40 per person. This does not include admission to the Zoo. 10% Zoo Member Discount (Zoo Members must be logged into their cart on the ticketing page to get the discount). Each person who participates in this encounter must have their own ticket.
Age Restrictions: This encounter is for people over age 2. Ticketed children under 14 must be accompanied by a ticketed adult over 18. Each person who participates must have a ticket. Babies 2 and under won’t be able to wait in the encounter area. Strollers won’t fit in the encounter area. Please plan accordingly.
We will be welcoming a new southern white rhino to the Zoo in 2026, and we’ll announce encounter dates later in the season.
Register to meet our southern white rhino! You’ll get to touch this big guy, take pictures with him, and learn about him from on his zookeepers.
Only ticketed people will be allowed within the Animal Encounter area. This is a touch encounter. Each encounter lasts approximately 30 minutes.
Number of People: This encounter is limited to 8 guests per day.
Takes Place: Dates and times TBD.
Cost: $60. This does not include admission to the Zoo. 10% Zoo Member Discount (Zoo Members must be logged into their cart on the ticketing page to get the discount). Each person who participates in this encounter must have their own ticket.
Age Restrictions: This Animal Encounter is for people ages 6 and up. Children under 14 must be accompanied by a ticketed adult over 18. Each person who enters the Animal Encounter area must have a ticket. Non-ticketed people or strollers can’t be in the encounter area but can wait on the Rhino Deck.
During your Sloth Encounter, you’ll have the opportunity to get up close to our Linne’s two-toed sloth, in a special meet and greet in one of our Education classrooms. Speak with Education staff about our sloth and the important role they play as an ambassador for their wild counterparts or have the opportunity to feed them Zoo-approved diet (subject to participation). You can take photos as well. This is not a touch encounter.
Sloth encounters are limited to 10 guests, everyone present at the encounter must have a ticket.Â
Please check in at the black gate between the admission building and Learning Center building 10 minutes prior to the encounter.
Takes Place: 11:30 am on Sundays. Email education@potawatomizoo.org to inquire about other dates or times for private groups.Â
Encounter Cost: $40 per individual. Note this does not include admission to the zoo. 10 % Zoo Member Discount (Zoo Members must be logged into their cart on the ticketing page to get the discount).
Age Restrictions: This Animal Encounter is for people ages 6 and up.
For questions please contact: education@potawatomizoo.org or (574) 235-9070
During your Tamandua Encounter, you’ll have the opportunity to get up close to one of our southern tamanduas, in a special meet and greet in one of our Education classrooms. Speak with Education staff about our tamandua and the important role they play as an ambassador for their wild counterparts or have the opportunity to touch (subject to tamandua’s willingness to participate). You can take photos as well.
Tamandua encounters are limited to 10 guests, everyone at the encounter must have a ticket.Â
Please check in at the black gate between the admission building and Learning Center building 10 minutes prior to the encounter.
Takes Place: 11:00 am on Sundays. Email education@potawatomizoo.org to inquire about other dates or times for private groups.Â
Encounter Cost: $40 per individual. Note this does not include admission to the zoo. 10% Zoo Member Discount (Zoo Members must be logged into their cart on the ticketing page to get the discount).
Age Restrictions: This Animal Encounter is for people ages 6 and up.
For questions please contact: education@potawatomizoo.org or (574) 235-9070
Other Animal Experiences
NOTE: Zoo animals are fed a specific diet. Do not feed animals anything but the food provided by the Zoo specifically for them.
Bison feeding is available from the start of the Zoo season through September 30.
Purchase your ticket at the Zoo to hand-feed our American bison part of their Zoo-approved diet and talk to one of our zoo keepers about our nation’s largest land mammal.
Only ticketed people will be allowed within the Animal Encounter area. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or from the bison feeding attendant.
Takes place: 11 am on Saturday and Sunday March 29 through September 30.
Cost: $3 per person. You can also use attraction tickets or punches on an Attraction Pass.
Age Restrictions: Any age can participate. Children under 14 must be accompanied by a ticketed adult over 18. Each person who participates must have a ticket. Non-ticketed people and strollers can’t be in the encounter area but can wait on the other side of the fence.
Giraffe feeding is available during the Zoo season. Location may vary, depending on the weather.
Experience the thrill of having one of the Zoo’s Masai giraffes eat a piece of lettuce directly from your hand! This is an experience guaranteed to delight any Zoo visitor. Giraffe feeding will take place on the giraffe deck or inside the giraffe barn during inclement weather. An attraction ticket is required to feed the giraffe.
Takes Place: 11Â am to 1 hour before the Zoo closes every day during the Zoo season.
Cost: $3 for 2 pieces of lettuce. You can use attraction tickets or punches on an Attraction Pass.
Please remember: The giraffes have individual preferences and engage in feeding at will. Although attraction tickets aren’t refundable, they can also be used on for the Potawatomi Express Train or Endangered Species Carousel. Everyone around the giraffe feeding area or participating in giraffe feeding must follow Zoo staff instructions. You may be asked to leave if you don’t.
Get up close to your favorite barnyard buddies! Stop by our feed machines so our goats and donkeys can eat right out of your hand! Animals may be viewed during the entire Zoo season and are a delight for children and adults of all ages! Just make sure you don’t feed them any outside food.
Cost: 1 token (equal to 50 cents) per handful of food
You can feed the fish in the Africa river and North America pond! It’s fun for all ages! Just make sure you don’t feed them any outside food.
Cost: 1 token (equal to 50 cents) per handful of food
- Follow all instructions of Zoo staff. Participants who do not follow instructions will be asked to leave and will not receive a refund.
- Each person in the Animal Encounter area must have a ticket and only ticketed people will be allowed to participate in the encounter. Non-ticketed people, strollers, wagons, etc., are not allowed in the Animal Encounter area (except for Giraffe Feeding).
- Please be aware of your surroundings and other participants.
- All participants or guardians of participants must sign a Participant Liability Waiver (except for Giraffe Feeding).
- The Animal Encounter will take place rain or shine.
- Refunds or reschedules will not be issued for no-shows.
- We take the health and safety of our animals, guests, and staff seriously. If you feel sick, please don’t attend the encounter.
- Service Animals are not allowed in the Animal Encounter area or giraffe deck for the safety and health of our animals.
- Please contact the Zoo (info@potawatomizoo.org or 574-235-9800) if you have questions about wheelchair accommodation or other accommodation.
- Animal Encounters last about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Our animals participate voluntarily. We can’t guarantee any specific experience.
- You can take photos and video during your Animal Encounter but please be aware of other people and your surroundings.
- Clothes may get dirty during the encounter.
- Hand sanitizer will be provided for guests before and after the Animal Encounter.
- Each person who participates must have a ticket (see individual Animal Encounters for specific guidelines).
- For Rhino, Otter, Okapi, and Flamingo, dparticipants must check in at the Attractions and Stroller Booth no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled Animal Encounter.
- All participants or guardians of participants must sign a Participant Liability Waiver before they can participate in the encounter.
- Refunds or reschedules will not be issued for no-shows. We will do our best to reschedule for requests made at least 48 hours before the scheduled Animal Encounter.
- The Animal Encounter will take place rain or shine.
- The Zoo will contact you if we have to change or reschedule your Animal Encounter.
- Children under 14 must be accompanied by a ticketed adult over the age of 18. Some Animal Encounters have other age requirements listed.
- Only ticketed participants will be allowed in the Animal Encounter area (except for Giraffe Feeding).
- Animal Encounters do not include admission to the Zoo.
Animal Encounters
NOTE: Each person in the encounter area must have their own ticket. Animal Encounters do not include admission to the Zoo. Check in at the Guest Help desk when you get to the Zoo. Please read all our “Reservation Policies” and “What to Expect” below.
Add an up-close and personal experience to your visit to the Zoo with one of our Animal Encounters! During these Animal Encounters, you’ll get to meet the animals and talk to their keepers for a unique experience.
Zoo Member discounts are available. Zoo Members must be logged in to the ticketing website for the discount to appear in their cart.
 All participants must sign a Participant Liability Waiver when they get to the Zoo. You can read it in advance here: Participant Liability Waiver.
The capybara and anteater encounter is available from May 1 through September 30.
Meet our capybaras and anteaters in this mixed-species encounter, and learn about them behind-the-scenes with one of our zoo keepers. You’ll even have a chance to feed the animals a portion of their vet-approved diet!
Only ticketed people will be allowed within the Animal Encounter area. Each encounter lasts approximately 30 minutes. This is not a touch encounter.
Number of People: This encounter is limited to 6 guests per day.
Takes Place: 2 pm every Saturday and Sunday from May 1 through September 30 and 2 pm every Tuesday from June 1 through August 31.
Cost: $40 per person. This does not include admission to the Zoo. 10% Zoo Member Discount (Zoo Members must be logged into their cart on the ticketing page to get the discount). Each person who participates in this encounter must have their own ticket.
Age Restrictions: This encounter is for people over age 2. Ticketed children under 14 must be accompanied by a ticketed adult over 18. Each person who enters the encounter area must have a ticket. Strollers won’t fit in the encounter area. Please plan accordingly.
The flamingo encounter is available from the beginning of the Zoo season through September 30.
Meet in the playground before you get to flamingle with our flock! During this encounter, you’ll go in the flamingo feeding corral and get a cup of krill, one of our flamingos’ favorite snacks! You’ll get to feed the flamingos and learn about them from one of our zoo keepers.
Only ticketed people will be allowed within the Animal Encounter area. Each encounter lasts approximately 30 minutes. This is not a touch encounter.
Number of People: This encounter is limited to 8 people per day.
Takes Place: 12 pm every Saturday and Sunday from March 29 through September 30
Cost: $25 per person. This does not include admission to the Zoo. 10% Zoo Member Discount (Zoo Members must be logged into their cart on the ticketing page to get the discount). Each person who participates in this encounter must have their own ticket.
Age Restrictions: This encounter is for people over age 2. Ticketed children under 14 must be accompanied by a ticketed adult over 18. Each person who enters the flamingo corral must have a ticket. Strollers won’t fit in the encounter area. Please plan accordingly.
The Galapagos tortoise encounter is available from June 1 through August 31.
Meet Isabela and Floreana, our Galapagos tortoise sisters! During this encounter, learn about this giant species from one of our keepers, and either feed the tortoises part of their Zoo-approved diet, or give them a shower on a hot day.
Only ticketed people will be allowed within the Animal Encounter area. Each encounter lasts approximately 20 minutes. This is not a touch encounter.
Number of People: This encounter is limited to 6 people per day.
Takes Place: 1:30 pm every Saturday and Sunday from June 1 through August 31.
Cost: $25 per person. This does not include admission to the Zoo. 10% Zoo Member Discount (Zoo Members must be logged into their cart on the ticketing page to get the discount). Each person who participates in this encounter must have their own ticket.
Age Restrictions: This encounter is for people over age 2. Ticketed children under 14 must be accompanied by a ticketed adult over 18. Each person who participates must have a ticket. Strollers won’t fit in the encounter area. Please plan accordingly.
The otter encounter is available from the start of the Zoo season through September 30.
Frannie and Sam would love to show off their intelligence during a behind-the-scenes tour and training session. Watch our animal care staff train one or two of our otters. You can have the opportunity to feed them part of their Zoo-approved diet as well!
Only ticketed people will be allowed within the Animal Encounter area. Each encounter lasts approximately 20 minutes. This is not a touch encounter.
Number of People: This encounter is limited to 6 guests per day.
Takes Place: 11:30 am every Saturday and Sunday from March 29 through September 30 and 11:30 am every Thursday from June 1 through August 31.
Cost: $40 per person. This does not include admission to the Zoo. 10% Zoo Member Discount (Zoo Members must be logged into their cart on the ticketing page to get the discount). Each person who participates in this encounter must have their own ticket.
Age Restrictions: This encounter is for people over age 2. Ticketed children under 14 must be accompanied by a ticketed adult over 18. Each person who participates must have a ticket. Babies 2 and under won’t be able to wait in the encounter area. Strollers won’t fit in the encounter area. Please plan accordingly.
We will be welcoming a new southern white rhino to the Zoo in 2026, and we’ll announce encounter dates later in the season.
Register to meet our southern white rhino! You’ll get to touch this big guy, take pictures with him, and learn about him from on his zookeepers.
Only ticketed people will be allowed within the Animal Encounter area. This is a touch encounter. Each encounter lasts approximately 30 minutes.
Number of People: This encounter is limited to 8 guests per day.
Takes Place: Dates and times TBD.
Cost: $60. This does not include admission to the Zoo. 10% Zoo Member Discount (Zoo Members must be logged into their cart on the ticketing page to get the discount). Each person who participates in this encounter must have their own ticket.
Age Restrictions: This Animal Encounter is for people ages 6 and up. Children under 14 must be accompanied by a ticketed adult over 18. Each person who enters the Animal Encounter area must have a ticket. Non-ticketed people or strollers can’t be in the encounter area but can wait on the Rhino Deck.
During your Sloth Encounter, you’ll have the opportunity to get up close to our Linne’s two-toed sloth, in a special meet and greet in one of our Education classrooms. Speak with Education staff about our sloth and the important role they play as an ambassador for their wild counterparts or have the opportunity to feed them Zoo-approved diet (subject to participation). You can take photos as well. This is not a touch encounter.
Sloth encounters are limited to 10 guests, everyone present at the encounter must have a ticket.Â
Please check in at the black gate between the admission building and Learning Center building 10 minutes prior to the encounter.
Takes Place: 11:30 am on Sundays. Email education@potawatomizoo.org to inquire about other dates or times for private groups.Â
Encounter Cost: $40 per individual. Note this does not include admission to the zoo. 10 % Zoo Member Discount (Zoo Members must be logged into their cart on the ticketing page to get the discount).
Age Restrictions: This Animal Encounter is for people ages 6 and up.
For questions please contact: education@potawatomizoo.org or (574) 235-9070
During your Tamandua Encounter, you’ll have the opportunity to get up close to one of our southern tamanduas, in a special meet and greet in one of our Education classrooms. Speak with Education staff about our tamandua and the important role they play as an ambassador for their wild counterparts or have the opportunity to touch (subject to tamandua’s willingness to participate). You can take photos as well.
Tamandua encounters are limited to 10 guests, everyone at the encounter must have a ticket.Â
Please check in at the black gate between the admission building and Learning Center building 10 minutes prior to the encounter.
Takes Place: 11:00 am on Sundays. Email education@potawatomizoo.org to inquire about other dates or times for private groups.Â
Encounter Cost: $40 per individual. Note this does not include admission to the zoo. 10% Zoo Member Discount (Zoo Members must be logged into their cart on the ticketing page to get the discount).
Age Restrictions: This Animal Encounter is for people ages 6 and up.
For questions please contact: education@potawatomizoo.org or (574) 235-9070
Other Animal Experiences
NOTE: Zoo animals are fed a specific diet. Do not feed animals anything but the food provided by the Zoo specifically for them.
Bison feeding is available from the start of the Zoo season through September 30.
Purchase your ticket at the Zoo to hand-feed our American bison part of their Zoo-approved diet and talk to one of our zoo keepers about our nation’s largest land mammal.
Only ticketed people will be allowed within the Animal Encounter area. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or from the bison feeding attendant.
Takes place: 11 am on Saturday and Sunday March 29 through September 30.
Cost: $3 per person. You can also use attraction tickets or punches on an Attraction Pass.
Age Restrictions: Any age can participate. Children under 14 must be accompanied by a ticketed adult over 18. Each person who participates must have a ticket. Non-ticketed people and strollers can’t be in the encounter area but can wait on the other side of the fence.
Giraffe feeding is available during the Zoo season. Location may vary, depending on the weather.
Experience the thrill of having one of the Zoo’s Masai giraffes eat a piece of lettuce directly from your hand! This is an experience guaranteed to delight any Zoo visitor. Giraffe feeding will take place on the giraffe deck or inside the giraffe barn during inclement weather. An attraction ticket is required to feed the giraffe.
Takes Place: 11Â am to 1 hour before the Zoo closes every day during the Zoo season.
Cost: $3 for 2 pieces of lettuce. You can use attraction tickets or punches on an Attraction Pass.
Please remember: The giraffes have individual preferences and engage in feeding at will. Although attraction tickets aren’t refundable, they can also be used on for the Potawatomi Express Train or Endangered Species Carousel. Everyone around the giraffe feeding area or participating in giraffe feeding must follow Zoo staff instructions. You may be asked to leave if you don’t.
Get up close to your favorite barnyard buddies! Stop by our feed machines so our goats and donkeys can eat right out of your hand! Animals may be viewed during the entire Zoo season and are a delight for children and adults of all ages! Just make sure you don’t feed them any outside food.
Cost: 1 token (equal to 50 cents) per handful of food
You can feed the fish in the Africa river and North America pond! It’s fun for all ages! Just make sure you don’t feed them any outside food.
Cost: 1 token (equal to 50 cents) per handful of food
- Follow all instructions of Zoo staff. Participants who do not follow instructions will be asked to leave and will not receive a refund.
- Each person in the Animal Encounter area must have a ticket and only ticketed people will be allowed to participate in the encounter. Non-ticketed people, strollers, wagons, etc., are not allowed in the Animal Encounter area (except for Giraffe Feeding).
- Please be aware of your surroundings and other participants.
- All participants or guardians of participants must sign a Participant Liability Waiver (except for Giraffe Feeding).
- The Animal Encounter will take place rain or shine.
- Refunds or reschedules will not be issued for no-shows.
- We take the health and safety of our animals, guests, and staff seriously. If you feel sick, please don’t attend the encounter.
- Service Animals are not allowed in the Animal Encounter area or giraffe deck for the safety and health of our animals.
- Please contact the Zoo (info@potawatomizoo.org or 574-235-9800) if you have questions about wheelchair accommodation or other accommodation.
- Animal Encounters last about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Our animals participate voluntarily. We can’t guarantee any specific experience.
- You can take photos and video during your Animal Encounter but please be aware of other people and your surroundings.
- Clothes may get dirty during the encounter.
- Hand sanitizer will be provided for guests before and after the Animal Encounter.
- Each person who participates must have a ticket (see individual Animal Encounters for specific guidelines).
- For Rhino, Otter, Okapi, and Flamingo, dparticipants must check in at the Attractions and Stroller Booth no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled Animal Encounter.
- All participants or guardians of participants must sign a Participant Liability Waiver before they can participate in the encounter.
- Refunds or reschedules will not be issued for no-shows. We will do our best to reschedule for requests made at least 48 hours before the scheduled Animal Encounter.
- The Animal Encounter will take place rain or shine.
- The Zoo will contact you if we have to change or reschedule your Animal Encounter.
- Children under 14 must be accompanied by a ticketed adult over the age of 18. Some Animal Encounters have other age requirements listed.
- Only ticketed participants will be allowed in the Animal Encounter area (except for Giraffe Feeding).
- Animal Encounters do not include admission to the Zoo.
Keeper Chats
Our Zoo keepers and Education staff love to talk about the animals in their care! Keeper Chats vary daily, so look for the Keeper Chat sign around the Zoo. These include meet and greets with ambassador animals, watching animals receive enrichment or food treats, and learning about animals around the Zoo.
Please Note: All Keeper Chats are subject to change or cancellation without notification. These are not touch or feeding encounters.
September Keeper Chats
Keeper Chats
Our Zoo keepers and Education staff love to talk about the animals in their care! Keeper Chats vary daily, so look for the Keeper Chat sign around the Zoo. These include meet and greets with ambassador animals, watching animals receive enrichment or food treats, and learning about animals around the Zoo.
Please Note: All Keeper Chats are subject to change or cancellation without notification. These are not touch or feeding encounters.
September Keeper Chats
