Michigan’s Only Indoor Tropical Rainforest Experience
Escape the cold and step into an 80° tropical rainforest filled with rare animals and hands-on encounters you won’t find anywhere else nearby.
This isn’t a typical zoo visit — it’s a guided, immersive experience where you interact, not just observe.
Book now. We handle the unforgettable part.
What Your Experience Includes
• Walk through a warm, indoor tropical rainforest
• Hands-on interactions with exotic animals
• Guided access with animal care staff
• Rare species not seen during general admission
• Unique photo opportunities
• Gift shop discount included
Book Your Slot To See Our
Winter Tropics Encounter
Your Tropical Escape Includes
Rare Animal Encounters from Around the World
Get up close with our regular rainforest encounter species most people only see behind glass:
- Two Toed Sloths
- Six Banded Armadillos
- Straw Colored Fruit Bats
- Vibrant Tropical Birds
- Ancient Tortoises
- African Giant Millepedes.
And for a limited time this winter we are pairing this with two of our other amazing encounter species! The world’s most adorable Capybara, and the desert’s cutest resident, the Fennec Fox.
Each encounter is guided by our expert animal care team who will share incredible stories about conservation and animal behavior. There will be extraordinary photography opportunities perfect for sharing memories, or gifting to someone special.
When you book this encounter package there is a gift shop discount included too! Take home a piece of your adventure with a special 10% discount on our unique conservation-focused products in one of Michigan’s largest zoo gift shops.
What’s Included:
- Multi-species interaction and observation
- Feeding opportunities (as appropriate for each animal)
- Guided experience with photo opportunities
- Educational insights from knowledgeable zoo staff
- Special 10% discount in our gift shop
Upgrade Your Adventure
Make your experience even more extraordinary with these premium add-on encounters available to bundle with the Winter Tropics Experience at $50 per person per encounter (normally priced at $65 per person)
Palawan Binturong Encounter
Meet one of Southeast Asia’s most mysterious creatures! Often called a “bearcat,” this rare and endangered species smells like popcorn and has a prehensile tail.
Bat-Eared Fox Encounter
Get to know this adorable African fox with their signature oversized ears (perfect for hearing insects underground!). Sweet-natured and incredibly unique.
Red Ruffed Lemur Encounter
Connect with one of Madagascar’s most endangered primates. These striking red-furred lemurs are as playful as they are rare, and every encounter supports critical conservation efforts.
These are opportunities you won’t find elsewhere in Michigan!
Price & Availability
Cost: $130 per person
Zoo admission not included
Availability: December through March. Space is limited to ensure an intimate, personalized experience for every guest.
Important Information:
- Animal interaction is not guaranteed. Each animal has its own personality and may choose when and how to engage. We do NOT allow our Sloths to be held, you will be given the opportunity to feed them, pet them, take pictures with them this does not guarantee they will choose to participate.
- No refunds will be issued due to lack of animal participation.
- Weather permitting.
- WTZoo staff may end or shorten the encounter at any time based on animal or guest behavior to ensure safety and well-being.
Enter a world of wonder, color, and connection in our immersive rainforest—only at Wilderness Trails Zoo!
Why Choose Wilderness Trails Zoo
As a nonprofit conservation zoo, every visit directly supports our mission to protect endangered species and educate the next generation of conservationists. You’re not just having an amazing experience—you’re making a real difference.
Book Your Tropical Escape Today!
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