Animal Encounters
Get closer than ever with unforgettable, hands-on experiences at the zoo.
Encounters AVAILABLE DAILY
Book online or stop by the gift shop for walk-in availability.
Animal encounters are offered between 10 AM and 4 PM, subject to availability and animal participation. Otter Feeding takes place daily at 3 PM.
Animal encounters: $65 per person. Zoo admission is required and sold separately.
Hot Sloth Yoga: $65 per person, including zoo admission. See the Hot Sloth Yoga page for class times.
All minors under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult, no exceptions. Children MUST be at least 6 years old to participate.
All encounter guests must check in with the gift shop cashier upon arrival to sign waivers, receive wristbands, and get important information about their experience.
Encounter start times and duration may vary depending on the animal’s willingness to participate. Bookings made less than 24 hours in advance may be subject to a time change based on availability.
Experience our tropical rainforest exhibit
THE RAINFOREST EXPERIENCE
This isn’t a typical zoo visit — it’s a 30-minute guided, immersive experience where you interact, not just observe. Meet two-toed sloths, tropical birds, tortoises, and more!
View Details & Book: The Rainforest Experience (Guided Animal Encounter)
immersive rainforest exhibit
Michigan’s Only Indoor Tropical Rainforest Experience!
An 80° tropical escape to a rainforest filled with rare animals and hands-on encounters- an unforgettable experience. Pick between our guided experiences, The Rainforest Experience (left) or Hot Sloth Yoga Class (right) or experience the rainforest at your next private event.
Host an Event at the Zoo
Hot Sloth Yoga
Relax & renew with an hour-long hot yoga class led by an experienced yoga instructor. Witness master yoga techniques– displayed overhead by our two-toed sloths. A unique and productive activity that you do not want to miss!
View Dates & Book: Hot Sloth Yoga Class
palawan binturong
Meet the Palawan Binturong—also known as the Bella the Asian Bearcat—and experience this curious, charismatic species up close.
View Details & Book
ruffed lemur
Meet the tri-colored ruffed lemur—one of the most vocal and vibrant primates—and experience their playful, social nature up close.
View Details & Book
Bat-Eared Fox
Meet the African bat-eared fox—known for its enormous ears and playful personality—in this up-close, interactive encounter.
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capybara
Meet the world’s largest—and friendliest—rodents in this hands-on encounter with our gentle, social capybaras.
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Asian small-clawed otter
Meet our playful Asian small-clawed otters and experience their energetic personalities up close. This is a FEEDING EXPERIENCE at 3 PM DAILY!
View Details & Book
LOWLAND PACA
Meet Buggs and Whoppers, our spotted, snack-loving pacas, with opportunities to feed, pet, and take photos with them.
View Details & Book
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