Experience behind the scenes

Have you ever touched a giant tortoise or fed a giraffe? During your encounter, we’ll take you behind the scenes to observe a training session the with zookeepers and the animals. Each type of encounter is unique in its own way! You will hear from our zookeepers about what it takes to care for Niabi’s animals 365 days a year.

Reservations must be made at least one week in advance. Please complete the Behind the Scenes Encounter Request Form below.

If you are looking to purchase one as a gift, please contact Hannah Stockton (309) 799-3482 ext. 224.

Encounters include

Big Cats

Ages: 10+ | Days: Monday-Sunday
Time: 9 a.m. | Number of guests: 2-4

Giraffes

Ages: 5+ | Days: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
Time: 9 a.m. | Number of guests: 2-4

Bactrian Camels

Ages: 5+ | Days: Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday
Time: 9 a.m. | Number of guests: 2-10

Aldabra Tortoises

Ages: 5+ | Days: Monday-Sunday
Time: 11 a.m. | Number of guests: 2-4
(May-September only)

General Information about encounters

Encounter fee (includes zoo admission) | Zoo member: $40 per person | Non-member: $50 per person | Click here to learn more about our membership
Available year round, even when the zoo is closed to general admission!
Behind the Scenes Encounters are 30-45 minutes.
Children ages 14 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult. Youth over the age of 15 are permitted to tour solo with the written permission of an adult or guardian.
Guests must wear closed-toed shoes.
All participants must sign a liability waiver.
No personal cameras, videos or photos of any kind will be permitted in behind the scenes areas. Photos are permitted in areas of the tour that take place in public viewing areas like the tortoise habitat and giraffe viewing deck.
Programs involving zoo animals are subject to change or be canceled based on animal needs. Every effort will be made to offer alternate areas or reschedule tours.

Animal Encounter Request Form

Reservations must be made at least one week in advance.

Please complete the Behind the Scenes Encounter Request Form below. You can also click here to download and email here.

Select Your Encounter*
- Big Cats (ages 10+)
- Giraffes (ages 5+)
- Bactrian Camels (ages 5+)
- Aldabra Tortoises (ages 5+)
Contact Information
Name*
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Participants
Total number of zoo members*
Price: $40.00 Quantity:
Total number of non-members*
Price: $50.00 Quantity:
Number of Adults*
Number of Children*
Range in age of Children
Preferred Date #1*
Date Format: MM slash DD slash YYYY
Preferred Date #2*
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Preferred Date #3*
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Accommodations
Are there any special needs or accommodations requested in order to go behind the scenes?
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Experience behind the scenes

Encounters include

General Information about encounters

Animal Encounter Request Form

Contact Information

Participants