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, listen in on a private leopard training, or tour the award-winning Penguin Coast. 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.

Penguin Coast

Penguin Coast habitat

Enjoy a private tour of the award-winning Penguin Coast habitat and learn how our dedicated keepers care for the Zoo’s African Penguin colony. This private tour with penguin keepers gives you the opportunity to visit inside the building and learn how they care for the penguins daily along with learning more about the Zoo’s leading breeding program. Plus at the end of the tour, you’ll be able to take part in a fish toss for the penguins!

*Fish tosses are weather permitting.

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

*This private experience does not include a Penguin Encounter

Giraffe House Tour – Featuring Giraffe & Okapi

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

  • Price: $800 (includes same-day Zoo admission)
  • Maximum Group Size: 6
  • Tour 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

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!