Palm Beach Zoo Animal Experiences FAQs
What animal experiences does Palm Beach Zoo offer?
The Palm Beach Zoo hosts the following experiences where guests meet our animals up close and personal:
- Sloth
- Aldabra Tortoise
- Otter
- Tiger
- Flamingo
Do I need to register in advance?
Yes. Advance registration is required. Walkup registration closes 30 minutes before the start of the program. However, due to the popularity of these programs, it is highly recommended that you reserve your spots as soon as possible.
Your Animal Experience ticket and your admission ticket (or membership) must be scanned at the Ticket Booth when you arrive. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled animal experience.
What are the minimum age requirements?
- Sloth - no minimum age
- Aldabra Tortoise - no minimum age
- Otter - 10 years old
- Tiger - no minimum age
- Flamingo - 8 years old
Guests 17 years of age and under (Ages 8 - 17 for Flamingo Experience & Ages 10 - 17) are required to be accompanied by a responsible person 18 years of age or older (one person over 18 for every two guests under 18). All participants are required to complete an online waiver at the time of registration. Guests 17 years of age and under must have their waiver completed by a parent or legal guardian. The responsible party must also purchase a ticket to the experience.
For experiences with no minimum age (Flamingo Experience is minimum age 8, Otter Experience is minimum age 10), all participants must purchase the experience including toddlers (age 0-2). General Admission to the Zoo is free for toddlers ages 0-2, however, every individual must pay for the animal experience. Even if the toddler is not taking part in the experience, they must pay for the experience to be present.
Toddlers and babies-in-arms are not allowed to attend the Otter Experience nor the Flamingo Experience.
Is there any PPE, (Personal Protective Equipment) like masks required during the experiences?
You must wear closed-toe shoes for the Flamingo and Aldabra experiences. Masks are not required to be worn during animal experiences. Some experiences may require latex gloves or shoe covers to take part in the experience. The applicable PPE will be provided and you will be directed by the Zoologist on its proper use. If you cannot wear latex gloves or shoe covers, please refrain from booking the experience. Refunds will not be given for any reason the day of the experience, including refusal to wear PPE (Personal Protection Equipment).
How long are the experiences?
All animal experiences are 30 minutes in length.
When are the programs offered?
Days and times vary. Please visit the experience page on our website and click the “Sign Up Now” button for the specific experience for which you want to check availability.
What do I need to bring?
Most of our experiences are behind-the-scenes and outside in the South Florida environment. Thus, close-toed shoes are required and a water bottle is recommended.
Can I touch/feed the animals?
The welfare of our animals and the safety of our guests are the top priorities during all of our animal experiences. If the animal chooses to engage with our guests, opportunities for safe interactions may be available. However, we cannot compel the animals to interact nor can we guarantee that you will be able to touch/feed the animals.
Can I bring a camera?
Absolutely! There may be some behind-the-scenes areas that prohibit photography or video. The zoologist will let you know.
When do I need to arrive?
Please arrive at the zoo at least 30 minutes prior to the start of your experience. If you are late to the experience, you will not be able to take part in the experience. No refunds will be given the day of the experience.
Where do I go when I arrive?
When you arrive at the zoo, go to the Guest Services window and let the staff know you have an animal experience reservation. They will let you know where your experience will meet. Participants arriving early can enjoy the zoo and can meet at their experience location 15 minutes before the start of the experience.
Are the experiences wheelchair accessible?
Due to the behind-the-scenes nature of our experiences, the level of accessibility varies by experience. Please contact us at info@palmbeachzoo.org if you require special accommodations.
Is admission included?
No. A separate admission ticket is required for all participants. Admission for Zoo Members is, as always, free. Admission to the Zoo is free for toddlers (ages 0-2), however, all those entering the experience must purchase the experience, including for toddlers, even if they are not participating. (Minimum age for Otter Experience is 10, for Flamingo Experience is 8)
What is your cancellation policy?
To receive a full refund, cancellations must be made at least 24 hours before the date of your program. Cancellations made within 24 hours of the start date of the program will not be refunded. No-shows will not be refunded or rescheduled. Requests to reschedule may be accommodated, based on availability. All programs are subject to cancellation due to severe weather conditions, or other safety concerns. If the zoo cancels a program due to weather, participants may opt to reschedule or receive a full refund. Guests who endanger the welfare of our animals or are disruptive to other guests will be excused from the experience without a refund. Refunds will not be given for any reason, on the day of the experience.