Utica Zoo Experiences

Have you ever wanted to get closer to some of the most impressive wildlife at Utica Zoo, with a behind the scenes experience like no other?  With a Utica Zoo Experience, you can now make your Zoo visit extraordinary!
Check out our wildly exciting animal Experience options below!

Please note that:

  • All Experiences must be booked two weeks in advance. Dates are opened a few months at a time – check back regularly for openings!
  • Animal Experience schedules are subject to change due to animal or habitat needs. 
  • Animal Experiences last approximately 30 minutes and are overseen by a member of our Animal Care Staff who can answer all of your questions. VIP tours last approximately 2 hours and are guided by a senior Utica Zoo member. 
  • All experience sales are final. Experiences may be rescheduled no less than 48 hours in advance of the  experience date.
  • Admission is included with your Utica Zoo Experience. 
  • At least one adult of at least 18 years must be present during all Experiences. All children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Some animal experiences will require all participants to wear PPE to ensure animal and human safety, which may include face masks and nitrile gloves.
  • For further questions, please contact encounters@uticazoo.org

(SEASONAL ONLY and is not available during colder months. Availability projected to begin by June, 2026)

Get up close to our White-Handed Gibbon family! Feed them their favorite snacks and learn about their wonderful adaptations.

Starting at $300 | Up to 4 People | 8 Years +

Booked Friday and Saturdays, 2:15pm

*PPE required and will be provided.

White Handed Gibbon Experience

$ 300
  • Up to 4 People
  • 8 Years +
  • Lasts 30 Minutes
  • Optional Photo Package for $45
NEW!

Red Panda Experience

$ 250
  • Up to 4 People
  • 12 Years +
  • Lasts 30 Minutes

Go behind-the-scenes and get up close to our Red Pandas. Feed them their favorite treats and learn about the red panda conservation status. Please note that this is our most popular encounter and may need to be booked several months in advance. 

Starting at $250 | Up to 4 People | 12 Years +

Booked Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday at 10:30am

*PPE required and will be provided.

Get up close to some of our carnivores, the African Painted Dogs! This encounter consists of a feeding done by the keeper, a private keeper talk, and an enrichment which guests may be allowed to assist with creating.

Starting at $200 | Up to 4 People | 10 Years +

Booked Sunday and Tuesday at 2:30pm

*PPE required and will be provided.

African Painted Dog Experience

$ 200
  • Up to 4 People
  • 10 Years +
  • Lasts 30 Minutes
  • Optional Photo Package for $45

Hartmann's Mountain Zebra
Experience

$ 150
  • Up to 4 People
  • 8 Years +
  • Lasts 30 Minutes
  • Optional Photo Package for $45

Get up close to our the Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra! Feed them their favorite snacks and go behind-the-scenes in their barn!

Starting at $150 | Up to 4 People | 8 Years +

Booked Thursday and Sunday at 11:00am

Go beyond the ordinary zoo visit with our exclusive VIP Tour experience! This private, guided adventure offers you an insider’s look at the Utica Zoo and the incredible animals who call it home.

Starting at $75, each additional $25 | Up to 6 People

Contact encounters@uticazoo.org to book

All Experiences must be booked two weeks in advance.

*Admission is not included.

VIP Tour

$ 75
  • Up to 6 People
  • Lasts 2 hours

Miniature Donkeys Experience

$ 75
  • Up to 6 People
  • 8 Years +
  • Lasts 30 Minutes
  • Optional Photo Package for $45

Get up close to meet Hazel and her two daughters, Nutmeg and Pikaboo, the miniature donkeys. Feed them their lunch, brush them, pet them, and learn about our adorable donkeys from our Keepers!

Starting at $75 | Up to 6 People | 8 Years +

Booked Thursday and Sunday at 12:30pm

*Admission is not included.

Get a closer look at the Utica Zoo’s largest animals while feeding him his favorite snacks and learning from our Keepers!

Starting at $75 | Up to 4 People | 8 Years +

Booked Wednesdays & Saturdays, 12:30pm

*Admission is not included.

Bactrian Camel Encounter

$ 75
  • Up to 4 People
  • 8 Years +
  • Lasts 30 Minutes
  • Optional Photo Package for $45

Nigerian Dwarf Goat Encounter

$ 50
  • Up to 4 People
  • 8 Years +
  • Lasts 30 Minutes
  • Optional Photo Package for $45

Get a chance to feed our Nigerian Dwarf Goats right inside their exhibit! Perfect for young children and families.

Starting at $50 | Up to 4 People | 8 Years +

Booked Tuesday & Saturday, 10:30am

*Admission is not included.

Our Ambassador/Education animals play a special role in telling the stories of their wild counterparts. Meet our animals up close and hear their stories. 

Starting at $30 | Up to 4 People | All Ages

Booked Saturday and Sunday, 1:00pm

*Admission is not included.

Ambassador Animal Experience

$ 30
  • Up to 4 People
  • All Ages
  • Lasts 30 Minutes
  • Optional Photo Package for $45

Purchase the perfect gift: a gift card with a value of your choosing and no expiration date!

This gift card is only good for purchasing items from our website, such as Animal Encounters. It is not good for purchases for general admission, memberships, gift shop purchases, or concessions.

Electronic Gift Card

$ 25 and up
  • Online Gift Card

The Utica Zoo will be OPENING AT 12 NOON on Saturday, November 29th for snow removal. 

We apologize for any inconvenience.