Make your visit unforgettable with a one-of-a-kind Animal Encounter! Guests can choose from a variety of experiences that bring you up close to some of our most fascinating residents. From feeding tortoises and otters to meeting foxes, bears, and birds, each encounter offers hands-on interaction, fun photo opportunities, and a chance to learn more about the animals that call The Texas Zoo home. Whether you’re a reptile enthusiast, bird lover, or just looking for a wild adventure, there’s an encounter waiting for you!

✨ All encounters must be booked at least ONE week in advance to ensure availability.✨

*Anyone under 18 years MUST have a parent or guardian present*

🐢Texas Tortoise Encounter🐢

$10 a person

Ages 3+

Meet one of Texas’ native treasures! During this encounter, guests can meet a Texas native up close and personal! You’ll learn all about the Texas Tortoise, offer it a tasty snack, and snap some memorable photos with this gentle reptile.

🐢Sulcata Tortoise Encounter🐢

$10 a person

Ages 4+

During this encounter, guests will come face-to-face with one of the largest tortoise species in the world. You’ll feed these gentle giants, learn about their desert survival skills, and capture the moment with photos.

🐍Ball Python Encounter🐍

$10 a person

Ages 5+

During this encounter, get hands-on with one of the gentlest snakes around! Guests can touch and hold our Ball Python while learning about its unique behaviors, adaptations, and capture photos with this amazing snake.

🦜Umbrella Cockatoo Encounter🦜 

$20 a person

Ages 6+

Say hello to our charismatic cockatoo! With a big personality and beautiful crest, our Umbrella Cockatoo loves showing off and interacting with guests. You’ll discover what makes these birds so special while sharing a treat with your new feathered friend, and pose for fun photos together.

🦎Savannah Monitor Encounter🦎

$20 a person

Ages 7+

Step into the world of reptiles with our Savannah Monitor. During this encounter, guests can interact with our fascinating Savannah Monitor. You’ll discover how it uses its sharp senses, provide a snack, and snap a photo with this impressive reptile.

🦊Red & Grey Fox Encounter🦊

$30 a person

Ages 8+

Meet our sly and charming foxes! During this encounter, guests will meet our red and grey foxes. You’ll learn the differences between the two, feed them a tasty treat, and capture photos as they show off their playful side.

🐍Red-Tailed Boa Encounter🐍

$30 a person

Ages 9+

Meet this powerful constrictor up close! During this encounter, guests can meet our powerful Red-Tailed Boa. While feeding is not available, you’ll have the chance to safely hold and touch this snake, learn more about its adaptations, and take striking photos.

🦦River Otter Encounter🦦

$40 a person

Ages 10+

Watch our playful otters splash and show off their curious personalities! During this encounter, guests can watch our playful otters up close. You’ll toss them a snack, learn about their aquatic lifestyle, and take photos while they splash and show off their curious personalities.

🐻Black Bear Encounter🐻

$40 a person

Ages 13+

Come say hi to our black bears! During this encounter, guests can get up close with our black bears. You’ll feed them special snacks, learn about their behaviors and habitats, and take unforgettable photos with these amazing animals.

 

📞 How to Book Your Encounter

To reserve your Animal Encounter, please call our Gift Shop at 361-573-7681. When booking, be ready to provide:

  • Which encounter/s you’d like

  • The number of participants

  • The ages of all participants

Please note:

  • All encounters must be booked at least ONE week in advance.

  • Guests should arrive 15 minutes before the encounter to complete the waivers and payment.