Behind the Scenes Weekend
March 13 & 14, 2010
Sponsored by Tri City National Bank

Behind the Scenes

Do you know what our tiger cubs’, Tula and Nuri, favorite toy is?
Or…
Do you know what Snow Lilly the polar bear’s favorite treat is?

These, and other interesting questions, will be answered during Behind the Scenes Weekend sponsored by Tri City National Bank March 13 and 14, 2010.

Tours take place from 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., and are free with regular Zoo admission.

We invite guests to take part in this special weekend when visitors can view areas not normally open to the general public.

In addition to tour locations, including the Small Mammals kitchen and the Big Cat Country’s off-exhibit lion dens, guests can also visit additional areas of interest: Remains to be Seen Carts and our Sensory Safari.

Try to plan your visit to include all locations listed; each has been chosen to give you an appreciation for the care involved in taking care of our animals.

You’re also encouraged to ask questions of our zookeepers and trained Zoo Pride volunteers leading the tours. 

Brief waiting times and early closings may occur at the more popular locations. Because of the nature of some of the tours, we apologize that certain areas are not handicapped accessible. 

Behind-the-Scenes Locations include:

Mahler Family Aviary
The Zoo’s Aviary is home to hundreds of exotic bird species.  Your tour will take you into the Aviary kitchen where you’ll see what are feathered friends like to dine on! 

Aquatic & Reptile Center (ARC)
In the ARC’s Marine Lab, you’ll learn how thousands of gallons of water are delicately maintained and balanced for our underwater exhibits.

Florence Mila Borchert Big Cat Country
Our striking felines are some of the Zoo’s most popular animals, and at this tour stop, you’ll see the off-exhibit lion dens and various enrichment “toys” that keep the big cats active and healthy. 

Winter Quarters
From the upstairs Big Cats, venture underground to the Winter Quarters area
where our warm-weather animals reside during the winter. Peek into several of the stalls where you’ll see our hoof-stock in their heated habitats! Your tour concludes with a look into the Camel Barn / outdoor exhibit, and you’ll learn how our Bactrian camels handle the cold winter.

Small Mammals
This building uniquely houses both animals of the day and night.  In the kitchen you’ll see the different foods that complete the animals’ diets and which enrichment items they most enjoy.

Moose – Brown Bear – Wolf Woods
Part of the Zoo’s North American section, here you’ll see the behind the scenes holding “carousel” for the bears, the outdoor Moose Barn, and the hidden areas of the Wolf Woods Exhibit.

Zoo Library
Established in 1988, our Library is a central location of information on topics from animal nutrition and management to zoological science and zoo administration.  Learn more about the scientific and veterinary journals housed in the Library, as well as the historical archives and the history and background of our Zoo that can be found here too.

Sensory Safari
See how the Zoo caters to our special needs’ visitors through Sensory Safari. View the animal mounts that allow visitors to touch, feel and experience what a live animal is like.
Located in the U.S. Bank Gathering Place

Remains to be Seen Carts
Visit these special carts, filled with fun facts on mammals, birds, fish and reptiles — all of whom call the Zoo home.  These carts feature authentic animal artifacts and volunteers to answer your queries.
Located throughout the Zoo

Zoo Pride
Visit our valuable volunteers, and purchase candy bars and wristbands, which benefit general Zoo support and capital projects.
Located near the indoor Orangutan Exhibit

From “A” to “Zoo!”
Learn interesting and fun animal facts such as, why flamingoes are pink, posted throughout the park. You’ll become an “animal expert” in no time at all!
Located in Apes of Africa

For further information on Behind the Scenes Weekend, call the Zoo at (414) 256-5466.

Special thanks to our Behind the Scenes Weekend sponsor:
Tri City National Bank