Activities

Animals in Action Talks

Learn about these animals through special presentations:

• Gorilla/Bonobo — 10:30 a.m. Daily — Apes of Africa
• Aquatics/Reptiles — 11 a.m. Weekends — Aquatic & Reptile Theater
• Elephants — 11:30 a.m. Daily — Elephants in Action Pavilion
• Bats — 11:45 a.m. Weekends — Small Mammals Building
• Camels — 2:15 p.m. Daily — Camel Habitat or Theater
• Harbor Seals — 3 p.m. Daily — Harbor Seal Habitat

Animal Feeding Schedule

• Aquatic & Reptile Center — 2 p.m. (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday. Time subject to change.)
• Small Mammals Building — 2:30 p.m.
• Big Cat Country — 3 p.m. (Sign will indicate species.)
• Harbor Seal Outdoor Habitat — 3 p.m.

Giraffe Experience presented by Miller Lite

Giraffe feeding time is a tall task! This unique experience allows you to get eye-to-eye with the tallest animals at the Zoo.

Opportunities are subject to animals’ appetite, weather, special events, and construction.

Goat Yard

Kids with kids! Get up close with the friendliest and furriest animals on the Zoo farm. All of our more than 30 Nigerian dwarf goats are even-tempered and wonderful with children.

Please remember to wash your hands after petting Farm animals.

Gorilla Trek Virtual Reality Experience

Visitors are transported to the forests of Rwanda to meet mountain gorillas face to magnificent face! This unique 4D experience features platform seating to take your adventure to the next level of virtual reality! Located in the Otto Borchert Family Special Exhibits Building behind Macaque Island.

Kohl’s Wild Theater

Treat the kids – and yourself – to fun theater at the Zoo! Actors use drama, songs, and puppetry to inspire and empower visitors of all ages to care about our natural world. Watch two different 15-minute shows!

Located in the Northwestern Mutual Family Farm.

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Summer Exhibit — Dinosaur Discovery sponsored by Sendik’s Food Market

Stomp back in time to meet some of the most formidable predators from the past! Be astounded by full-size and scientifically-accurate animatronic displays — moving, breathing, spitting, and more. Touch and feel what these dinosaurs were like, as you appreciate the role of predators in the ecosystem and be inspired to conserve their modern-day counterparts.

Located outside, behind the Small Mammals Building.

Wild Connections: Animal Encounter Tours

Your very own secret safari! Our up-close encounters with a variety of furry, feathered and finned animals let you go nose to whisker with some of our most popular residents. Get the secrets on animal care, adaptations, behaviors and even their favorite foods.

Zoo Expeditions sponsored by Meijer

Give your feet a rest and join us on our Expedition Shuttle. With five convenient stops around the Zoo, your favorite animals are a quick ride away! Visit the Meijer Zoo Expeditions Headquarters for more information.

Shuttles are subject to weather, special events, and construction.

Zoo Playground

A real jungle gym! One of the more popular destinations we have, the Zoo Playground is divided into two age-appropriate sections (2-5 years & 6-12 years).