Dig Deeper

Book a Private Experience For Your Herd

It’s your chance for an intimate, incredible encounter with your favorite animal. Meet eye to eye with the world’s tallest land animal, brave the lion training, or get up close and personal with an elephant’s trunk. Private experiences are perfect for groups, or make a wonderful gift for that special occasion!

Gift certificates are available! Please call us at 443-552-5281.

Giraffe House (Including Okapi)

Enjoy a private tour of the Giraffe House to learn how our dedicated keepers care for the Zoo’s tallest inhabitants. Your tour will include a meet and greet with the keepers, watching a short training session, and meeting the okapi who shares the building with his much larger relatives. Tours may include the opportunity to feed or make enrichment for the giraffe.

  • Price: $750 (includes same-day Zoo admission)
  • Maximum Group Size: 6
  • Experience Length: 30 minutes
  • Minimum Age: 8 years old

Lion Overlook

keeper training a lion with guests watching

Visit the lion habitat with our big cat keepers during this private tour. Your tour will include a meet and greet with the lion keeper team where you’ll watch a short training session and learn how they care for these magnificent mammals. Tours may include the opportunity to place enrichment throughout the outdoor exhibit before the lions are allowed to enter that area.

  • Price: $800 (includes same-day Zoo admission)
  • Maximum Group Size: 6
  • Experience Length: 30 minutes
  • Minimum Age: 8 years old

Amur Leopard Lair

Visit the Amur leopard habitat with our big cat keepers during this private tour. Amur leopard is considered the most critically endangered leopard subspecies, and it is estimated that there are fewer than 100 living in the wild. Your tour will include a meet and greet with the leopard care team where you’ll watch a training session and learn how they care for this magnificent mammal, along with a tour of the behind-the-scenes leopard building.

  • Price: $800 (includes same-day Zoo admission)
  • Maximum Group Size: 6
  • Experience Length: 30 minutes
  • Minimum Age: 8 years old

Elephant Barn

In 2019, the elephant habitat reopened after an extensive redevelopment project. Your tour with the elephant care team includes the opportunity to visit the completely renovated elephant habitat, including their indoor barn. You’ll learn how the keepers care for the Zoo’s largest mammals and watch a short training session with a member of the herd. Tours may also include the opportunity to feed or create enrichment for the elephants.

  • Price: $1,000 (includes same-day Zoo admission)
  • Maximum Group Size: 4
  • Experience Length: 30 minutes
  • Minimum Age: 8 years old

Inquiry or Reservation Form

If you’d like to book a private experience, or are just interested in learning more, please fill out the form below and a Zoo Experience representative will be in touch as soon as possible! Experiences must be booked at least two weeks in advance of the requested tour date.













    First Name
    Last Name
    Email
    Phone Number

    Are you a Zoo member?*

    Please select the Private Experience(s) you are interested in:

    (check all that apply)

    Other animal experiences may be available by request. Please include your inquiry in the comments section below.

    Approximate Number of People:

    Approximate Date Requested:

    Additional Questions or Comments:

    QUESTIONS? Email membership@marylandzoo.org and a Zoo Experience team member will be happy to assist you!