Zoo Atlanta Wild Encounters: The Experience is Worth it

Last Updated on June 29, 2021 by Kimberly Stroh

If your kid is anything like mine, they want a hands-on learning experience. The Zoo Atlanta Wild Encounters program offers guests the opportunity to see, touch and feed specific animals in the park. There are five different animal encounters that guests can sign up to attend and the experiences are offered five days per week. See why our family can’t wait to do it again and everything you need to know before purchasing your experience.

Everything You Need To Know About Zoo Atlanta Wild Encounters

How the Experience Works

Specifically, we did the Aldabra Tortoise Wild Encounter. You can register online to reserve your spot and then you’re given a time and location to meet a Zoo Atlanta staff member. An educator spoke to us and gave us background information about the tortoises when we got started.

All of the kids were very eager to get started, but we had a few housekeeping thing to cover first. Guests sign a general waiver and parents can sign for minors. We were also given some basic safety instructions and rules to follow before going into the exhibit.

My oldest, four-year-old son, had to hold my hand during the encounter since he was under the age of eight. My toddler, at eighteen months, had to be held the entire time. Both of them still got to participate.

After entering the exhibit, we were allowed to touch and take photos with “Shuffles” the Aldabra Tortoise. All of the kids loved getting up close and hands-on. Before the feeding begun, the Zoo Atlanta staff members instructed us how to safely feed him.

They eat sweet potatoes from bamboo sticks – it was so much fun to do the feeding. Every guest gets the opportunity to feed the tortoise, touch and take photos. It was great and totally Insta-worthy.

I was most impressed with the Zoo Atlanta educators and staff who assisted. Everyone was great with kids and friendly. It made the experience even better.

Tips For Your Zoo Atlanta Wild Encounter Experience

The staff ensures that guests have a great time during the experience, but it definitely helps to be prepared before your visit. These are some great things to know before you go:

Reserve your spot online before your visit and check availability
A ticket is required for all participants over the age of 3 years old. Anyone under 14 years old must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. Children 2 years old and under are FREE and may attend, but are not permitted to feed the animals.
Arrive 15 minutes early.
Plan to explore the Zoo in the morning, when the animals are most active, before your reservation.
Wear sunscreen
Wear closed toe shoes
Make sure your phone is charged and decide who will take photos during the event
Bring hand-sanitizer for afterwards (Zoo Atlanta provided ours)
Strollers are not permitted inside the exhibit

Price of Zoo Atlanta Wild Encounters

Prices vary depending on the Wild Encounter experience that you pick. It starts at $35 per guest for the Lemur to $160 per guest for the Giant Panda, plus the cost of Zoo Atlanta admission. You can save 10% when you buy all of the Wild Encounters: Giant Panda, Aldabra Tortoise, African Elephant, Lemur and Lion. Call 404-624-5822 to book all and save.

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