Inside Tracks: Zoo Trek

Get an up-close look at some of our zoo animals alongside our incredible animal keepers! Learn from our experts as we provide enrichment and treats to animals from an exclusive, behind-the-scenes setting. You'll have a great time and may end up meeting our meerkats, cassowaries, lemurs, Aldabra tortoises, or trumpeter hornbills. Explore the zoo as we trek and learn about all of these species, their life at the GSC and conservation initiatives for their wild counterparts.

Inside Tracks: Zoo Trek Hornbill
Inside Tracks: Zoo Trek Tortoise
Inside Tracks: Zoo Trek Okapi

Zoo Trek Info

Cost, per person: $55 Members / $55 Non-members + general admission

Availability: Saturdays & Sundays; 11am - 12:30pm (March through November)

Capacity: 8 participants

Minimum age: 8

Age restrictions: Children under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Participants under 18 must have a liability waiver signed by their parent/legal guardian.

Tickets may be available on the day of your visit and can be purchased at the Information Desk in the lobby.
NOTE: ticket sales end at 10am the day of the experience.


Guidelines

  • This is an active experience and closed-toed shoes are required.
  • Dress for the weather! Bring a jacket if light rain is in the forecast or cooler weather, in summer you may want sunscreen and a hat!
  • Cameras are welcome and encouraged, but please refrain from selfies sticks and tripods.
  • All encounters are subject to change due to animal medical procedures or other unforeseen circumstances.

Makes a Great Gift!


Gift certificate note: You can email the gift certificate directly to the recipient or download a gift certificate to fill out and give in person!


FAQs

What will I see in the program?

This is a walking tour with about four stops planned to meet some zoo favorites as well as new animals in Revolution Ridge. At each stop we'll discuss the species, its daily routine, diet and care at the GSC and learn more about each individual animal, as well as conservation efforts that help its wild counterparts. Each stop is an enrichment for the animals and we will offer a range of treats to our animals. We will spend time with animal care staff, who will share their knowledge and passion about our animals with you!

Will I get to touch an animal?

This is an up-close experience, contact with the animals is possible, but not guaranteed.

What should I bring and wear?

Face masks are required. This is an outdoor encounter, so take the forecasted weather into account! Dress comfortably to be outdoors for roughly an hour and a half. Closed-toed shoes are required. Bring a camera or phone to record your incredible trek, but please leave selfie sticks and tripods at home.

What allergies should I note?

We are outside, so the biggest allergy alert is our resident honeybees and pesky yellow jackets. We will be wearing latex-free gloves during some experiences. Please alert the educator at the start of the Trek if you have any allergy concerns, including fish/shellfish.

Where do I need to meet for the Zoo Trek?

Please meet by the “Zoo Trek” sign posted in front of the Discovery House in the Zoo Plaza at 10:50am. Our Trek will begin promptly at 11:00am, after all guests have signed provided waivers.

Do I need an advance reservation?

Advance tickets are strongly advised. You can check for available spaces on the day of your visit at the Information Desk in the lobby. Tickets must be purchased before 11:00am. Weekends in the summer tend to book fast, so don’t wait - sign up today!

What about bad weather?

We will not run a Zoo Trek when we expect thunder and lightning, or heavy rain. In this case, we will contact you on the day of the Trek by 11:00am and work with you to reschedule your date. In the event of light rain, bring a raincoat (umbrellas may disturb our animals and will have to be left outside of behind-the-scenes areas).

Do expect hot weather during the summer in this outdoor program – we'll even give you a water bottle to help you beat the heat!

What happens if I am late/miss my program?

The group meets at 10:50am and will start at 11:00am. Because we are on the move and behind the scenes, there is no guarantee that a late person can be connected with the group. Tickets are non-refundable.

Are there accommodations for a guest who is differently abled?

We want to be as accommodating as possible, so please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. Wheelchairs cannot navigate all of our planned stops, but we will work with you for alternatives. Contact us at 336-288-3769 ext. 1357 with questions.