Santa Barbara Zoo Options
Animal Encounters
Animal Encounters:
As a special treat, you can arrange to have an animal brought out to your group for an intimate encounter. A zookeeper will bring your selected animal to your event site for approximately 20 minutes, which includes a keeper talk and the opportunity for guests to learn more about the animal. Animal Encounters are available for $400 per animal.
Please keep in mind the Zoo is committed to the safety and well-being of our animals. While the Zoo will make every effort to ensure that your requested animal can make an appearance at your event, occasionally, there are unforeseen circumstances with wild animals that prevent this from happening. In the event your preferred animal is unable to attend your event, we will substitute another animal for your encounter or prorate the fee. Animal Encounters can be arranged in advance for both daytime and evening events at most event sites; time restrictions may apply. You may choose up to four animals per event, based on availability.
Giraffe Feeding
Each of your guests has the unique opportunity to hand-feed one of our giraffes. Giraffe Feeding can be arranged in advance for both daytime and evening events, with availability and time restrictions based on the giraffes’ schedule.
Evening Giraffe Feeding is available for $400 per hour. Daytime Giraffe Feeding is available during select hours at $8 per ticket. Up to six guests may be allowed on the Giraffe Deck at a time. If the giraffes are not eating at the scheduled time, the fee will be prorated accordingly.
Bird Greeting
$150 per half hour
A zookeeper can be positioned with your selected bird(s) at either the front gate or at your event site to greet your guests as they arrive. Available birds include: Red-tailed Hawk, Tawny Frogmouth, Scarlet, Gold or Blue Macaws.
Bird Greeting may be arranged in advance for both daytime and evening events at most event sites. This option is available for a half hour only. If your requested bird is unavailable on the day of your event for any reason, you may make a suitable substitution or the fee will be pro-rated accordingly.
Commemorative Plaques
Prices vary
The Zoo’s Commemorative Plaque Program honors a special day or a special someone. Gardens and trees are available for sponsorship. A cast bronze plaque is placed at that location with the wording of your choice. You can sponsor a tree for $5,000. For more information or to purchase a plaque, please contact our Development Team at (805) 962-5339, ext. 113.
Train Rides
You and your guests can take an exclusive ride on the Zoo’s famous miniature train. The handcrafted replica of an original 1863 locomotive circles the perimeter of the Zoo on a 10 to 12 minute tour, which includes a peek behind the scenes and unique exhibit views.
Train rides may be coordinated in advance for both daytime and evening events. Evening train rides are available for $400 per hour, with a one-hour minimum. Daytime train tickets are available for $7 per person.
The train is available for up to three hours maximum, daylight permitting. An extra train is recommended for events with guest attendance over 200. In the event of rain, the train is not available. If your event is affected by this policy, the fee will be prorated accordingly.
Keeper Talks
100.00 for daytime events; 150.00 for evening events
Curious about elephants? Fascinated by giraffes? Schedule one of our expert zookeepers for a 15 to 20-minute private talk about the animal of your choice. The zookeeper tells your guests about the animals’ day-to-day lives and also answers questions. Based on availability, your Keeper Talk may also include an exclusive enrichment experience with the animal of your choice; a true treat for both your event guests and our animals.
Keeper Talks can be arranged in advance for both daytime and evening events; time restrictions may apply. Keeper talks can take place at the animal’s exhibit or at your event site.
Important Information for Zoo Options
All Zoo Options must be reserved and confirmed with payment at least one month before your event date. The Zoo’s first priority is the welfare of our animals. In the case of inclement weather or if the Zoo cannot provide your requested Zoo Option(s) for any reason, an equivalent substitution is made or the fee(s) pro-rated accordingly. Pricing and availability is subject to change at any time with or without notice. Please inquire for Education Programs, Bounce House and Face painting prices.
