Memorial Day through Labor Day, don’t miss the Zoo’s “Hot Spots.” Meet the animal keepers, get up close to the animals, and see live shows and more. “Hot Spot” activities are free with Zoo admission (unless specifically noted). Look for “Hot Spot” markers as you travel through the Zoo.
Camel Rides
Zoo Location: Australian Adventure
Time: Daily at 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Ride a dromedary camel in Australian Adventure. Cost: $5 per person; $5 per photo.
Circle of Wildlife Carousel Rides
Zoo Location: Circle of Wildlife Carousel
Time: Daily at 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Ride the Zoo’s new Circle of Wildlife carousel and choose from sixty-four hand-carved animals. Single ride tickets for the carousel are $3 and $2.50 for Zoo Society members. All day ride passes are available for $8 or $6 for members.
Elephant Crossing
Zoo Location: African Elephant Crossing
Exhibit: African Elephant Crossing
Animal: Elephant, African
Time: Daily at 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
*times subject to change
Check the schedule board outside of AEC.
Watch the elephants migrate from African Elephant Crossing’s Savanna Range to the Mopani Range.
Get-Close Animal Encounter
Zoo Location: Australian Adventure
Exhibit: Ballarat Theatre
Time: Daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.
The presentation features a cast of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians from the “Land Down Under.” Zoo visitors will learn about Australian animals and the importance of creating environments and acting responsibly toward animals and their natural habitats.
Giraffe Feeding
Zoo Location: African Savanna
Exhibit: African Plains
Animal: Giraffe, Masai
Time: Daily at 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Purchase romaine lettuce leaves to feed to the Zoo’s herd of Masai giraffes. Cost: $2 (per leaf lettuce)
Lorikeet Feeding
Zoo Location: Australian Adventure
Exhibit: Lorikeet Aviary
Time: Daily at 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Walk through the lorikeet aviary and feed dozens of these colorful birds. The Lorikeets sip nectar from handheld cups while education staff are always on hand to answer questions and ensure safety. Cost: $1 per nectar cup.
Professor Wylde’s Live Animal Show
Zoo Location: Welcome Plaza and Savanna Theater
Time: Daily at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., & 3:30 p.m.
This summer, the professor and assistant are lost in Africa! They encounter a cranky pirate who’s ship had washed ashore years before. Together the unlikely trio hunt for water in the African Savanna and learn how people and animals must share water and conserve this natural resource. The show features an all-star animal cast including white stork, Burmese python, hooded vulture, fennec fox, Egyptian vulture and peregrine falcon.
Train Rides (The Boomerang Line)
Zoo Location: Australian Adventure
Exhibit: Boomerang Line (Train)
Time: Daily at 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Take an awesome Aussie trek by hopping aboard the Boomerang Line, Australian Adventure’s train ride through the Outback. Cost: $2.
Meet-the-Keeper Schedule
Sunday 11 a.m. Tiger, Amur (Siberian) Northern Trek, Bear & Tiger Exhibits
Sunday 1 p.m. Koala Australian Adventure, Gum Leaf Hideout
Monday 2 p.m. Rhinoceros, Black African Savanna, Rhino Building
Tuesday 11 a.m. Otter, Oriental Small Clawed The RainForest
Tuesday 1 p.m. Gorilla, Western Lowland Primate, Cat & Aquatics Building
Wednesday 1 p.m. Gharial The RainForest
Wednesday 2 p.m. Tiger, Amur (Siberian) Northern Trek, Bear & Tiger Exhibits
Wednesday 2 p.m. Shark, White-tipped Reef Primate, Cat & Aquatics Building, Shark Exhibit
Thursday 11 a.m. Bear, Sloth Northern Trek, Bear & Tiger Exhibits
Thursday 2 p.m. Mandrill Primate, Cat & Aquatics Building, Old World Monkey Exhibits
Friday 11 a.m. Orangutan, Bornean The RainForest, Bornean Orangutan Exhibit
Friday 2:30 p.m. Dingo Australian Adventure
Saturday 11:30 a.m. Lemur, Collared Primate, Cat & Aquatics Building, Lemur Exhibit
Saturday 4 p.m. Cheetah Primate, Cat & Aquatics Building, Cheetah Exhibit
