WILD ENCOUNTERS TOURS:
See the Zoo the way the keepers do! Take a guided tour behind the scenes for a closer look at one of the animal areas listed below. These exciting tours are not to be missed!
Discovery Reef
You’ve seen it from the front, now come see our 90,000 gallon Aquarium from behind and above! You’ll be amazed to hear about and see all of the hard work that goes into running our own little ocean!
Dr. C. Joseph Cross Animal Health Center
What do you do when a tiger has a toothache? When a snake has the sniffles? Take a tour of our state-of-the-art veterinary facility, and see how the Zoo is prepared to care for species of every size.
Times and Dates:
Winter: Tours are offered daily from November 21-March 30 and must be purchased 2 weeks in advance.
11:30 Animal Health Center
3:00 Discovery Reef
Cost:
Members: $15
Non-Members: $20
SAFARI TOURS:
Give the perfect gift to any animal lover - a family tour at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Tours include up-close encounters with our animals, one-on-one time with our keepers and much more. Select a tour from one of the options below and call (614) 724-3449 to purchase. Tours are valid November 18, 2011 thru March 17, 2012*. You can purchase your gift starting November 1, 2011 and book the tour before February 1, 2012.
JACK HANNA'S JUNGLE
Get up close and personal with celebrities that have made Jack famous on David Letterman, GMA, Ellen, Larry King Live, etc. You may encounter penguins, cheetahs, flamingoes, a python, parrots and so much more.
** Tour for a minimum of two people and a maximum of 10. There is no age limit for this tour; however, limited interaction may occur with younger adults.
Tour price: $450 per tour for non-Zoo members and $400 per tour for Zoo members
Tour schedule: Two hours total at the Zoo. Includes 45 minute orientation and travel to area plus one hour in the animal area.
Available times: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. or 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily Jan. 2 through March 17.
To purchase and schedule this tour, please contact Jennifer Compston at (614) 724-3449 or via e-mail at jennifer.compston@columbuszoo.org. Call ahead to book your tour time. Please allow at least 2 weeks advance notice as tour times fill quickly.
DIVE IN DISCOVERY REEF
Do an actual dive and assist the keeper in feeding more than 65 species of fish and five species of sharks in a 100,000 gallon saltwater environment.
** Tour is for one person. Must be 18 years or older and be a certified diver.
Tour price: $350 per tour for non-Zoo members and $300 per tour for Zoo members
Required equipment: Must bring a diving mask and boots. The Zoo will provide all additional gear.
Tour schedule: Three hours total at the Zoo. Includes 45 minute orientation and travel to area, one hour diving orientation and one hour in the animal area.
Available times: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday Nov 18 through Dec 30; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily Jan. 2 through March 17.
To purchase and schedule this tour, please contact Jennifer Compston at (614) 724-3449 or via e-mail at jennifer.compston@columbuszoo.org. Call ahead to book your tour time. Please allow at least 2 weeks advance notice as tour times fill quickly.
KARE FOR KOALAS
Learn the many different types of Eucalyptus we feed the koalas and work side-by-side with the keeper assisting in feeding, cleaning the exhibit and weighing these marsupials. **Tour for a minimum of two people and a maximum of six. This tour is available for guests two years and older.
Tour price: $450 per tour for non-Zoo members and $400 per tour for Zoo members
Tour schedule: Two hours total at the Zoo. Includes 45 minute orientation and travel to area plus one hour in the animal area.
Available times: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. daily Nov 18 through March 17.
To purchase and schedule this tour, please contact Jennifer Compston at (614) 724-3449 or via e-mail at jennifer.compston@columbuszoo.org. Call ahead to book your tour time. Please allow at least 2 weeks advance notice as tour times fill quickly.
BONKERS OVER BECO
Get up-close and personal with our Asian elephants for a once in a lifetime opportunity. Learn about the intimate relationship between a mother, Phoebe and her calf, Beco. **Tour for a minimum of two people and a maximum of 10. There is no age limit for this tour.
Tour price: $450 per tour for non-Zoo members and $400 per tour for Zoo members
Tour schedule: Two hours total at the Zoo. Includes 45 minute orientation and travel to area plus one hour in the animal area.
Available times: 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. daily Nov 18 through March 17.
To purchase and schedule this tour, please contact Jennifer Compston at (614) 724-3449 or via e-mail at jennifer.compston@columbuszoo.org. Call ahead to book your tour time. Please allow at least 2 weeks advance notice as tour times fill quickly.
TIGER TRAINING
Observe a one on one training session with a keeper and tiger designed to capture behaviors for husbandry and medical procedures.
** Tour is for one person. Must be 18 years or older.
Tour price: $350 per tour for non-Zoo members and $300 per tour for Zoo members
Tour schedule: One and a half hours total at the Zoo. Includes 45 minute orientation and travel to area plus 45 minutes in the animal area.
Available times: 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily Nov 18 through March 17.
To purchase and schedule this tour, please contact Jennifer Compston at (614) 724-3449 or via e-mail at jennifer.compston@columbuszoo.org. Call ahead to book your tour time. Please allow at least 2 weeks advance notice as tour times fill quickly.
Tours must be redeemed between Nov 17, 2011 and March 17, 2012. Daily tour times are available but fill fast. Call ahead to schedule. Please allow two weeks advance notice. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. All tour packages are pre-paid and nonrefundable. Photo cameras are permitted in designated areas. Zoo employees will assist in photo opportunities. Video cameras are not permitted on tours. We reserve the right to change or cancel any scheduled tour due to circumstances beyond our control.
*No tours will be scheduled in the evening on Nov 24, Dec 24, or Dec 31. No tours will be scheduled Dec 25 or Jan 1.