Encounters and Experiences

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Create unforgettable experiences during your visit!

Be sure to check out these animal encounters and special experiences along the way as you discover our 2,000+ animals.

Keeper Chat with guests and zoologist discussing an Okapi

Keeper Chats

Learn more about your favorite Dallas Zoo animals from the zoologists who care for them!

See Daily Schedules

Family group feeding a giraffe at the feeding platform

Giraffe Feeding

Get up close with these gentle giants at our giraffe feeding platform on the Diane and Hal Brierley Giraffe Ridge.

Times: Available from 10 a.m. until the Zoo closes
Location: Diane and Hal Brierley Giraffe Ridge, Wilds of Africa
Cost: $7 public | $6 members

While the giraffe feeding experience is available all day, we cannot guarantee that giraffes will be active and willing to interact. The experience is always dependent upon animal comfort level and weather conditions – for your safety and theirs!

A gray cockatiel perches on a tree branch.

Travis & Zach’s

Birds Landing

Step into this unique, interactive aviary and get up close with nearly two dozen species of birds from around the globe.

Times: Open from 10 a.m. until the Zoo closes
Location: Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo, ZooNorth
Cost: $3 public | $2 members, free to enter

The experience is always dependent upon animal comfort level and weather conditions – for your safety and theirs!

Tortoise Feeding

Slow down for a special moment! Feed our Galapagos tortoises and learn their incredible stories up close.

Times: Open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays
Location: ZooNorth
Cost: $7 | $6 for members

While the tortoise feeding experience is available, we cannot guarantee that the tortoises will be active and willing to interact. The experience depends on the animal’s comfort level and weather conditions — for your safety and theirs!

A tamandua is introduced to a group of Dallas Zoo visitors by a zoologist

Wild Encounters Stage

Head to the Wild Encounters Stage Presented by Kimberly-Clark Corporation to get up close with a variety of animals, like fascinating reptiles, free-flighted birds, porcupines, and much more.

Location: Wilds of Africa

View the Schedule

bald eagle stands majestically in the sunshine

Wonders of the Wild

Grab a seat in the amphitheater, and get ready to discover the Wonders of the Wild! Our zoologists will introduce you to some amazing feathered friends from around the world.

Open March 8 thru September 28
Mon-Thurs at 11:30 a.m.
Fri-Sun at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Location: ZooNorth Amphitheater
Cost: FREE with general admission

The Wildlife Show is approximately 20 minutes long. The appearance of specific animals cannot be guaranteed and is subject to change based on weather conditions and animal behavior.