Up-Close Tours
Go behind-the-scenes with an experienced Zoo keeper and get up-close with your favorite animals!
Animal Ambassador Tour
Go behind the scenes with our Animal Ambassador Team and encounter some of your favorite animals! Many of these animals are rescued through Abilene Zoo or other conservation organizations, and you can learn their stories of strength and resilience. Plus, this tour allows you to touch and take photos with some of Abilene’s favorite creatures that you often see on television or at community events.
Each tour features a behind the scenes journey. Animals subject to change each tour due to community events or education commitments, but the Animal Ambassador collection includes more than 50 exciting species.
Experience Animal Ambassadors like…
- Red Kangaroo
- Kookaburra
- Prehensile-tailed Porcupine
- Three Species of Armadillo
- American Alligator
- Barred Owl
- Tenrec
- Black Vulture
- Red Tailed Boa
- Swainson’s Hawk
Sloth Tour
Step into the slow and serene world of one of nature’s most charming creatures — the sloth! On this intimate tour, you’ll get a chance to observe these amazing animals up close as our expert keeper shares fascinating insights about sloth behavior, biology, and conservation. Perfect for animal lovers and nature enthusiasts, this unforgettable experience combines education, relaxation, and a rare opportunity to connect with these charismatic critters.
Aldabra Tortoise and Steenbok Tour
Get up-close and personal with two incredible African animals — the giant, yet gentle Aldabra tortoise and the small and speedy steenbok! On this unique tour, you get a front row seat with these amazing creatures to learn all about their habits, habitats, and surprising survival skills. Perfect for animal lovers and curious explorers, this tour offers a rare chance to connect with two very different, but equally captivating species.
Giant Anteater Tour
Get ready to meet one of the most unique and fascinating creatures in the animal kingdom — the giant anteater! On this tour, you’ll come face-to-fur with these incredible insect-eaters, famous for their long snouts, bushy tails, and super sticky tongues. Our expert keepers will share cool facts about their diet, habits, and amazing adaptations that help them thrive in the wild. Perfect for anyone curious about nature’s quirky wonders!
Reptile Tour
Get ready to slither, crawl, and hiss your way into the fascinating world of reptiles! Chill out with some of the coolest cold-blooded creatures in the zoo on a behind-the-scenes adventure with our sleek snakes, tough turtles, and lively lizards. Whether you’re a reptile rookie or a seasoned fang-fan, this tour is your ticket to exploring the wild world of scales and tails up close and personal!
Giraffe Tour
Ready to hang out with some of the tallest—and coolest—animals around? Join our Giraffe Tour and get up close with these long-necked legends! Watch them stretch their necks to snack on tasty leaves and lettuce, show off their funky spots, and maybe even give you a giraffe-sized wink. Our keepers will share stories and fun facts that’ll have you laughing and learning at the same time. Ready to see the world from a different point of view? This tour is for you!
Details and Guidelines for Up-Close Tours:
Tickets and Membership
- General Admission must be purchased in addition to tour tickets.
- Zoo members get 20% off tour tickets – log in online or show your membership card at purchase.
Reservations
- Online booking: Available 24+ hours in advance.
- Same-day Booking: If space allows, you can book in Gift Shop with Guest Services at least 2 hours before the tour starts.
- Reservations are date and time specific – they are not transferable.
Age Requirements
- Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult for the entire tour.
- Guest 2 and under are free, but still count toward tour capacity.
Group Size
- To ensure the best tour experience possible, our tours have guest capacity limits.
- For larger groups, contact: zoo.education@abilenetx.gov in advance to check for accommodations.
Arrival and Check-in
- Check in at the gift shop at least 10 minutes before your tour.
- Buy General Admission tickets (if needed) and sign waiver at check-in.
- Arrivals 10+minutes late will result in your tour being rescheduled.
Refund and Weather Policy
- Tour fees are non-refundable.
- The zoo may cancel/reschedule/modify tours due to weather, animal or guest safety, animal wellbeing concerns.
Accessibility
- Most tours include outdoor areas and may involve unpaved surfaces.
- For the safety of our animals and yours, no service animals are allowed behind the scenes.
- Guests with accommodation requests should email zoo.education@abilenetx.gov
- 2 weeks notice requested for accommodations.
- Requests made under 2 weeks will be honored if possible.
Our gallery
Become A zoo Member
Let your wild ones meet ours any day of the week when you become a member of the Abilene Zoo.