Have you ever dreamed of feeding a giant tortoise, watching a hippo up close, or even meeting a three-banded armadillo? At San Antonio Zoo, you can go beyond the normal habitats and step into the world of Behind-the-Scenes adventures, where you’ll experience wildlife like never before.
These exclusive encounters give visitors a rare opportunity to interact with animals, learn from expert zookeepers, and gain a deeper appreciation for conservation efforts. Whether you want to meet a mysterious okapi, walk through a butterfly rainforest, or get VIP access to multiple animal habitats, these experiences offer unforgettable moments for animal lovers of all ages.
Get ready to go behind the scenes and discover a whole new side of San Antonio Zoo!
Top Behind-the-Scenes Adventures at San Antonio Zoo
San Antonio Zoo offers a variety of unique Behind-the-Scenes adventures, allowing guests to get up close and personal with incredible animals while learning about conservation efforts. These exclusive encounters provide access to areas not open to the general public, making for an unforgettable experience.
Here’s a closer look at some of the best BTS adventures the zoo has to offer:
1. Aldabra Tortoise Encounter – Meet the Gentle Giants
Ever wanted to stand beside a tortoise that’s over 100 years old? The Aldabra tortoise encounter lets guests interact with some of the largest and longest-living tortoises in the world. You’ll get to touch their massive, dome-shaped shells, learn about their slow-moving lifestyle, and even offer them a snack.
Why It’s Special:
- One of the only opportunities to interact with Aldabra tortoises up close
- Learn about conservation efforts for these endangered reptiles
- Perfect for kids and adults who love reptiles
2. Butterfly Rainforest Tour – Step into a World of Colors
Imagine walking through a lush rainforest surrounded by hundreds of fluttering butterflies. This immersive Butterfly Rainforest Tour allows guests to observe butterflies in their natural environment, watch them emerge from their chrysalises, and learn about the important role they play in pollination and ecosystems.
Why It’s Special:
- A chance to see rare and exotic butterfly species up close
- Learn about their life cycle and conservation efforts
- A peaceful, awe-inspiring experience for nature lovers
3. Hippo Interaction – Say Hello to the River Giants
Hippos may look slow and lazy, but they are some of the most powerful and fascinating animals in the zoo. This hippo encounter lets guests get up close to these massive creatures, observe their feeding routines, and learn how zookeepers care for them.
Why It’s Special:
- Get an up-close view of hippos in their aquatic habitat
- Watch their feeding and daily enrichment activities
- Learn about their behavior and conservation challenges
4. Okapi Encounter – Meet the Mysterious “Forest Giraffe”
The okapi is one of the most unique and elusive animals in the world. Often mistaken for a zebra due to its striped legs, the okapi is actually a close relative of the giraffe. This behind-the-scenes Okapi adventure offers a rare opportunity to see these secretive animals up close, learn about their adaptations, and understand the conservation challenges they face in the wild.
Why It’s Special:
- One of the only places to see an okapi up close
- Learn about conservation efforts to protect this endangered species
- A must-see for animal lovers interested in rare wildlife
5. Behind-the-Scenes: Nest – A Rare Look at Bird Conservation
If you’re a bird lover, this exclusive Tour of the Nest is a must-see experience. This rare glimpse into the zoo’s world-class Aviculture team showcases how they care for and protect some of the world’s most unique and endangered bird species.
During this tour, you’ll explore the fascinating process of egg incubation and hand-rearing birds from various regions across the globe. You’ll see tiny hatchlings, developing eggs, and young birds being raised by expert caretakers. This is an extraordinary opportunity to understand the delicate work that goes into preserving avian species and ensuring their survival.
Why It’s Special:
- A behind-the-scenes look at bird conservation and breeding programs
- Learn about egg incubation and hand-rearing techniques from experts
- See rare and exotic birds in different stages of growth
- A dream experience for bird watchers and conservation enthusiasts
6. Three-Banded Armadillo Encounter – Meet a Living Ball of Armor
One of the most unique animals at San Antonio Zoo, the three-banded armadillo is famous for its ability to completely roll into a ball for protection. In this special encounter, guests get to touch and observe this fascinating adaptation up close while learning about the species’ role in ecosystems.
Why It’s Special:
- Hands-on interaction with a unique and rare species
- Learn how armadillos use their armor for survival
- A great experience for kids and animal lovers
7. Wild Encounters VIP Tour – The Ultimate Behind-the-Scenes Experience
For those who want the best of everything, the Wild Encounters VIP Tour is the most exclusive and all-encompassing experience at San Antonio Zoo. This guided tour provides private access to some of the zoo’s most fascinating animals, including hippos, white rhinos, Aldabra tortoises, and more. Guests also enjoy additional perks like a catered lunch, guided transportation, and special souvenirs.
Why It’s Special:
- Access to multiple animal encounters in one tour
- Includes VIP perks like food, transportation, and souvenirs
- The perfect experience for families, animal lovers, and special occasions
8. Conserfari Tours – A Safari Adventure in the Heart of the Zoo
For those who love the wild beauty of Africa, the Conserfari Tour offers an exhilarating, safari-style adventure right in the heart of the San Antonio Zoo. This experience takes guests through the Naylor Family Savanna, the zoo’s largest habitat, which is home to some of Africa’s most iconic and majestic species.
Hop aboard a custom-outfitted Toyota Tundra and explore a landscape filled with towering giraffes, striking zebras, and elusive sitatungas. Along the way, expert guides share fascinating insights about these species, their natural behaviors, and San Antonio Zoo’s commitment to conservation efforts that help protect these animals in the wild.
Why It’s Special:
- A safari-style experience inside the zoo’s expansive Naylor Family Savanna
- Get up close and personal with giraffes, zebras, and other African wildlife
- Ride in comfort in a custom-outfitted Toyota Tundra
- Learn about the conservation initiatives helping to protect African species
How to Book Your Behind-the-Scenes Adventure
Ready to get closer to the animals at San Antonio Zoo? Here’s how to secure your spot for a Behind-the-Scenes adventure:
- Visit San Antonio Zoo’s Behind-the-Scenes Page – Check out the available experiences and find the one that excites you the most.
- Select a Date and Time – These tours have limited availability, so book in advance to secure your spot.
- Purchase Your Tickets Online – Payment is required at booking, and some experiences may have age or group size restrictions.
- Arrive Early on the Day of Your Tour – Most BTS adventures require check-in at a specific location before the tour begins.
- Follow Safety Guidelines – Since these encounters involve direct interaction with animals, it’s important to respect the rules set by the zoo staff to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Why These Experiences Matter
The Behind-the-Scenes adventures at San Antonio Zoo play a crucial role in wildlife conservation, education, and awareness. Every ticket purchased helps support the zoo’s mission to protect endangered species and educate the public about conservation efforts worldwide.
- Learn from expert animal care specialists who share their knowledge and passion.
- Develop a deeper appreciation for wildlife through direct interactions.
- Support conservation programs, with funds going toward protecting species in the wild.
Make Every Zoo Visit Unforgettable!
For families, animal lovers, and adventure seekers alike, the Behind-the-Scenes adventures at San Antonio Zoo provide an extraordinary opportunity to engage with wildlife in a meaningful and memorable way. Whether you’re hand-feeding an Aldabra tortoise, learning about hippos up close, or seeing a three-banded armadillo roll into a perfect ball, these exclusive encounters offer a one-of-a-kind experience that brings you closer to nature.
Want unlimited access to unforgettable experiences? Become a San Antonio Zoo Member and enjoy free admission year-round, discounts on Behind-the-Scenes adventures, early access to events, and exclusive perks. Your membership not only enhances your visits but also directly supports animal care, conservation efforts, and educational programs.
Join today and become part of the San Antonio Zoo family!