Animal Encounters

Giraffe, Indian Rhino, Hippo, Sloth, Albino Alligator and Galapagos Tortoise

Giraffe Encounter

Visit Gulf Breeze Zoo and take a behind-the-scenes tour for only $25. Includes a personal tour of the giraffe house and a meet and greet with our resident herd of reticulated giraffes. Tour participants will journey into the keeper access area and spend time visiting and feeding the giraffes. Your guide will explain what makes this threatened species unique, how they are managed and cared for at the zoo, and their status in the wild.


Giraffe Encounter Time: 1 pm daily, weather permitting. Cost: $25.00 per person; Does not include Zoo admission.

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What you to know before you go

Ages: Children under the age of 6 not permitted. Children between the ages of 6 and 12 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Participants: Encounter is limited to 10 participants.

Duration: 20 minutes

What to wear: Comfortable closed-toe shoes are strongly recommended

Where: Check-in at the Giraffe Food Hut.

When: Check-in 10 minutes before scheduled encounter time. The encounter begins promptly at the assigned time. Late arrivals will not be permitted to join the experience.

Did You Know?

Sloths sleep up to 20 hours a day.

Hippos are the second-largest land animal on earth. 

Elephants and white rhinos are the only land mammals larger than hippos.

Giraffes can run up to 35 miles per hour.

Indian Rhino Encounter

Experience the excitement of an up-close encounter with Soman, our rare male Greater One-horned Rhino, also known as an Indian Rhino!

The approximately 20-minute session allows a limited number of participants to spend time with one of Soman's keepers alongside his habitat. There you will learn about how the zoo cares for our rhinos, get a closer look at the beautiful “armor-plated” appearance that the Greater One-horned Rhino is known for, and enjoy a unique photo opportunity.

Cost: $40 per person; Does not include admission.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

  • Participants must be at least 8 years old, and an adult must accompany children between the ages of 8 and 12.
  • Not suitable for children under the age of 8 - no exceptions.
  • Encounter is limited to 10 participants.
  • Please check in 10 minutes prior to the scheduled encounter time.
  • The encounter begins promptly at the assigned time. Late arrivals will not be permitted to join the experience.

What to wear

Closed-toe shoes are recommended.

When

These encounters will be offered daily at 3 pm, weather permitting.

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Albino Alligator Encounter

Albino American Alligator Encounters are now available!

During this unique experience, you will be introduced to one of our two albino alligators, Brutus and Nero, and have the opportunity to hold them while learning about what makes them so special and how our animal care staff cares for these rare and unique reptiles.

What to know before you go

Cost: $40 per person; Does not include admission.

Ages: All ages permitted.

What to wear: Closed-toe shoes are recommended.

When: These encounters are offered daily at 2:30 p.m., weather permitting.

 

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Hippo Encounter

Enjoy exclusive access to our Kiboko Station Hippo habitat!

Our dedicated animal care specialists will introduce guests to our two Nile hippos, the world's third-largest land mammal, and share specifics about their daily routines, care, training, unique behaviors, and diets.

Guests will enjoy feeding the hippos under the watchful eye of our animal care specialist while learning about active conservation efforts in the wild to protect them. Tickets are available online and in admissions.

What to know before you go

Cost: $30 per person; Does not include admission.

Ages: Children under the age of 6 are not allowed. Children between the ages of 6 and 12 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

What to wear: Closed-toe shoes are recommended.

When: These encounters are offered daily at noon, weather permitting.

 

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Galapagos Encounter

Galapogas Encounters are available from May through October.

During this experience, you will be introduced to our resident Galapagos tortoises and learn what goes into taking care of the largest species of tortoise in the world. Enjoy a hands-on experience and learn all about these amazing animals and conservation efforts Gulf Breeze Zoo supports.

What to know before you go

Cost: $25 per person; Does not include admission.

Ages: All ages permitted. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult.

What to wear: Closed-toe shoes are recommended.

When: These encounters are offered seasonally at 10 a.m., weather permitting.

 

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Sloth Encounter

Whether they're just hanging out, taking a snooze, or moseying along to reach a tasty treat, our oddly adorable two-toed sloths, Blue and Zelda, are as delightful as sloths can be!

In our Sloth Encounter, you'll get up close to feed and learn about these gentle creatures and discover that while they're slow movers, they are loaded with personality. Have your camera ready to capture this unique animal experience.

Cost: $40 per person; Does not include admission.

What to know before you go

All ages permitted. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult.

What to wear

Closed-toe shoes are recommended.

When

These encounters will be offered daily at 11:15 a.m. and 1:45 p.m., weather permitting.

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