headshot of cheetah
Limited Time Only!

Special Edition Animal Adventures

photo of cheetah

Cheetah and Kangaroo Adventure

In this limited-time experience, join Zoo staff for a behind-the-scenes peek at how we care for two very different animals during the winter: cheetahs and kangaroos! Learn about what winter well-being looks like for both a carnivore and an herbivore, including seeing some of their training firsthand from inside their warm winter quarters.

All participants must be at least 14 years old, and participants 14–17 must be accompanied by a paid adult participant 18 years or older.

When: Jan. 17–March 30 | Fridays–Sundays at 11:15am

Where: This program will take guests inside heated animal quarters. Guests will meet staff outside near the Westside Café and be guided to areas in Plains and Kangaroo Crossing.

Cost: $150 per person (does not include Zoo admission)

Cancellation/Rescheduling Policy:

We require at least 48 hours’ notice for any refunds or rescheduling for this experience. No requests for changes or refunds will be honored after that time. Due to high demand and limited availability of tickets for this limited-time experience, rescheduling may not be possible.

Cheetah and Kangaroo Adventure FAQS

Learn More!
How old do I have to be?

All participants must be at least 14 years old. Youth ages 14–17 must be accompanied by a paid adult participant 18 years or older.

How long is the adventure?

Your total adventure will be around 60 minutes.

What should I wear?

Although this experience features time indoors in heated spaces, please dress for the day’s weather conditions to comfortably navigate the Zoo’s grounds. For your safety behind the scenes, closed-toe shoes are required. Participants who do not have closed-toe shoes will not be allowed to take part in this experience.

This experience brings you in close proximity to the animals.  For the safety reasons, all participants must wear a Zoo-provided KN95 mask for the duration of the experience.

Will I get to touch any animals?

Touching a cheetah is not a component of this experience for guest and animal safety. However, touching and feeding a kangaroo will be an option.

Can I take photos?

Guests are welcome to take photos, but no flash photography or video are permitted. Guests must stay in the area designated by Zoo staff while taking pictures.

When should I arrive and where do I go?

Participants should check in prior to the start of the experience. Look for an Animal Adventures check-in sign outside of the Plains exit, across from the Westside Café.

Can I participate if I have a disability or special need?

We make every effort to ensure that our Animal Adventures are accessible to all guests. Please contact us at edustaff@indyzoo.com prior to registering to discuss accessibility.

What if I get exposed to COVID-19 before my experience?

Please note that if you or a member of your party have been in contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), or any mutation or variation thereof, or has confirmed exposure to COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), or any mutation or variation thereof, within the last 14 (fourteen) days, you will be unable to participate in this experience. If you or a member of your party have already reserved your experience, please call us 317-630-2000 or email us at edustaff@indyzoo.com, and we will make every attempt to reschedule you. 

Are there any other animals that I will encounter during this experience?

The kangaroo barn is also the winter home to some of the warm weather birds here at the Zoo.  While the birds will not be in the space you will enter behind the scenes, they will be visible as well as audible during that portion of your experience.  Some of these birds do eat nuts as part of their diet.

Coral reef

Family Ocean Adventure

In this limited-time experience, join Zoo staff to learn all about the animals who call the oceans their home. See an animal feed, see behind-the-scenes for an exclusive peek at some of the smallest animals at the Zoo and end your experience with a special ray-feeding opportunity!

This experience is geared toward families with children age 10 and under and includes interactive games and activities to engage even our youngest ocean enthusiasts. 

All participants 14 and under must be accompanied by a paid adult participant 18 years or older.

When: Jan. 17–March 30 | Fridays–Sundays at 10am

Where: This program will be inside the warm and comfortable Oceans building. Guests will meet staff outside near the seal and sea lion habitat.

Cost: $40 per person (does not include Zoo admission)

Cancellation/Rescheduling Policy:

We require at least 48 hours notice for any refunds or rescheduling for this experience. No requests for changes or refunds will be honored after that time. Due to high demand and limited availability of tickets for this limited-time experience, rescheduling may not be possible.

Family Ocean Adventure FAQS

Learn More!
How old do I have to be?

We welcome participants of all ages for this experience. Youth under 14 must be accompanied by a paid adult participant 18 years or older. Note: This experience is geared towards families with children 10 and under.

How long is the adventure?

Your total adventure will be around 45 minutes.

What should I wear?

Although this experience features time indoors in heated spaces, please dress for the day’s weather conditions to comfortably navigate the Zoo’s grounds. For your safety, closed-toe shoes are required. Participants who do not have closed-toe shoes will not be allowed to take part in this experience.

Will I get to touch any animals?

Your adventure will end at the shark/ray touch pool, where touching is encouraged 

Will I go behind the scenes?

This experience features a combination of exclusive activities as well as a brief behind the scenes peek. Please note that strollers are not allowed behind the scenes. 

Can I take photos?

Guests are welcome to take photos, but no flash photography or video are permitted. Guests must stay in the area designated by Zoo staff while taking pictures.

When should I arrive and where do I go?

Participants should check in 5 minutes prior to the start of the experience. Look for an Animal Adventures check-in sign outside of the seal and sea lion exhibit.

Can I participate if I have a disability or special need?

We make every effort to ensure that our Animal Adventures are accessible to all guests. Please contact us at edustaff@indyzoo.com prior to registering to discuss accessibility.

What if I get exposed to COVID-19 before my experience?

Please note that if you or a member of your party have been in contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), or any mutation or variation thereof, or has confirmed exposure to COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), or any mutation or variation thereof, within the last 14 (fourteen) days, you will be unable to participate in this experience. If you or a member of your party have already reserved your experience, please call us 317-630-2000 or email us at edustaff@indyzoo.com, and we will make every attempt to reschedule you. 

Fezzik close up

Capybara Adventure

Limited-time experience, available only March 21-May 25, 2025

Don’t worry, be capy!  Come meet Fezzik, one of the world’s largest living rodents!

In this limited-time experience, hang out with Fezzik the capybara and learn all about what makes these rodents of unusual size so special.  Participants in this program will meet Fezzik up-close and have an opportunity to touch and offer him a snack.

All participants must be at least 6 years old.  Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a paid adult participant.

When:

  • March 21-May 25 |  Thursdays, Fridays & Sundays at 12:45 pm
  • May 26 – August 31 | Sundays & Mondays at 12:45pm *registration opening Feb 26 at 12pm!*

Where: This program will take place indoors and meets outside of Kangaroo Crossing.

Cost: $50 non member / $45 member (does not include Zoo admission)

Cancellation/Rescheduling Policy: We require at least 48 hours’ notice for any refunds or rescheduling for this experience. No requests for changes or refunds will be honored after that time. Due to high demand and limited availability of tickets for this limited-time experience, rescheduling may not be possible.

Capybara Adventure FAQs

Learn More!
How old do I have to be?

All participants must be at least 6 years old. Youth ages 6-13 must be accompanied by a paid adult participant 18 years or older.

How long is the encounter?

Your total adventure will be around 30 minutes.

Will I get to touch a capybara?

Yes! Touch opportunities are up to the individual animal and how he is feeling that day, but we do provide plenty of time for touch opportunities during the adventure.

Will I get to feed a capybara?

Yes! Guests will have the opportunity to offer Fezzik a favorite snack during your experience. Please note that Fezzik may choose not to eat the food offered to them, and we can’t guarantee that he will take what is offered.

Can I take photos?

Guests are welcome to take photos, but no flash photography or video are permitted. Guests must stay in the area designated by Zoo staff while taking pictures.

When should I arrive and where do I meet?

Participants should check in 5 minutes prior to the start of the experience. Look for an Animal Adventures check-in sign outside of the Kangaroo Crossing habitat near the Crossing Café.

Can I participate if I have a disability or special need?

We make every effort to ensure that our Animal Adventures are accessible to all guests. Please contact us at edustaff@indyzoo.com prior to registering to discuss accessibility.

What if I get exposed to COVID-19 before my experience?

Please note that if you or a member of your party have been in contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), or any mutation or variation thereof, or has confirmed exposure to COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), or any mutation or variation thereof, within the last 14 (fourteen) days, you will be unable to participate in this experience. If you or a member of your party have already reserved your experience, please call us 317-630-2000 or email us at edustaff@indyzoo.com, and we will make every attempt to reschedule you.