Animal RendeZoos

Close encounters of the wild kind!

Due to popular demand, Animal RendeZoos are currently booked. We are not accepting new reservations at this time. Keep checking back here for updates. Thank you.

How Animal RendeZoos Work

Book your *Animal RendeZoo by choosing your animal from the list provided below. Then, contact us to schedule your encounter using the email or phone number below. You may bring up to three of your favorite people with you to get closer to an animal of your choice with Zoo staff.

  1. The number of people permitted is dependent upon the animal chosen and is thus subject to the discretion of Zoo staff at the time of booking.
  2. What you do or experience during the encounters can vary depending upon the animal chosen. A typical encounter often includes helping to feed the animals (with use of appropriate feeding utensils), or giving the animals enrichment items and watching them interact with them.
  3. You will get to meet the keepers and take photos of the animals behind the scenes.

*Note: All encounters will be conducted in a protected contact situation. In most cases touching the animal will not be available.

Cost:

Specified next to the species for up to four people.
Additional people, if permitted, can be added for $50 per person.

  • Payment in full will be required upon booking.
  • Some experiences may be limited to fewer participants.
  • Cancellations will be refunded with a minimum 24 hours notice.
  • Receive a 10% discount when 3 or more encounters are booked together.

Restrictions:

  • One (1) adult for every 3 children under 12 years of age is required.
  • Age: Minimum of 5 years old for certain encounters.
  • Children 2 years old and under are FREE and may attend, but are not permitted to feed the animals.
  • Children 4 years old and under must be carried or held by the hand of an adult in their group.

Days & Times:

Daily between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Encounters are 30 minutes long with the species of your choice.

To Schedule:

A minimum of (2) two weeks is required for scheduling an Animal RendeZoo.

Email encounters@dickersonparkzoo.org or call 417-833-1570

River Otters

$200

per group (4 people)

Encounter for up to 4 people. ~ 1 adult required.

Additional people = $50 per person

Maximum of 8 people.

Feed the otters! Feedings occur through a barrier.

White Tailed Deer

$200

per group (4 people)

Encounter for up to 4 people ~ 1 adult required.

Additional people = $50 per person

Maximum of 12 people.

Feed the Deer! Feedings occur through a barrier.

Zebras

$200

per group (4 people)

Encounter for up to 4 people ~ 1 adult required.

Additional people = $50 per person

Maximum of 12 people.

Feed the zebras! Feedings occur through a barrier.

Giraffes

$200

per group (4 people)

Tour for up to 4 people ~ 1 adult required.

Additional people = $50 per person

Maximum of 12 people.

Go behind the scenes to learn more about the giraffes and how the staff takes care of them! Includes feeding encounter.

Siamang

$200

per group (4 people)

Tour for up to 4 people ~ 1 adult required.

Additional people = $50 per person

Maximum of 8 people.

Go behind the scenes to learn more about our Siamangs (Lesser Apes)! Includes a "keeper's choice" activity.

Reptiles

$200

per group (4 people)

Tour for up to 4 people ~ 1 adult required.

Additional people = $50 per person

Maximum of 12 people.

Go behind the scenes in our Diversity of Life building to learn more about the reptiles and amphibians and how the staff takes care of them! Includes up-close encounters (non-venomous). Children must be 5 years of age or older.

Tiger, Lion, Cheetah, or Bear

$200

per group (4 people)

Tour for up to 4 people ~ 1 adult required.

Additional people = $50 per person

Maximum of 8 people.

Go behind the scenes to see off-exhibit areas to learn more about the tigers, lions, cheetahs, cougars, or bears. Includes "keeper's choice" activity.

Female Elephant

$250

per group (4 people)

Encounter for up to 4 people ~ 2 adults required.

Additional people = $50 per person

Maximum of 8 people.

Includes a training presentation and feeding opportunity! Feeding occurs through a barrier. Plus, you get to take home a special souvenir from your experience!