Extraordinary Experiences at Scovill Zoo!
Have you ever wanted to get up close to some of Scovill Zoo’s animals? Then consider this extraordinary experience for a special occasion, birthday gift, anniversary gift, or just to learn more about some of the animals at Scovill Zoo. Please call 217/421-7435 for more information or to reserve your Scovill Zoo experience.
We also have amazing overnight or after-hours experiences for your group! Check out the details at the bottom of the page or give us a call for more information!
Scovill Zoo Penguin Tour (~30 minutes)
- Assist the keeper in prepping fish and feeding the penguins.
- Behind-the-scenes look in the penguin building mechanical room, indoor holding area, and nesting area.
- Tours are offered April-July, and once they have gone through their annual molt, we can usually provide encounters in October before the breeding season begins.
- Tour is offered for up to 6 people, ages 8 and up. Children under age 10 must be accompanied by an adult (1 adult for every two kids preferred).
- Cost: $300
**For your safety, birds may not be touched unless instructed by the keeper. Penguins can bite!
Note: For an additional $200 we can also include a painting session which will end with you getting to take home a piece of art created by one of the zoo’s penguins!
Scovill Zoo Reptile Encounter (~45 minutes)
- This encounter is offered for up to 6 individuals-ages 6 and up.
- Guests will help make diets and watch a feeding.
- Guests will be given the opportunity to see several reptiles up close (for example: Galapagos tortoise, Russian Rat snake, Leopard gecko, European glass lizard, etc.).
- Cost: $300
Scovill Zoo Cheetah Experience (~45 minutes)
- Walk with a keeper down to the Cheetah exhibit for a private keeper chat
- Watch a feeding and training session with 2 of our 4 cheetahs.
- Learn what types of enrichment the cheetahs enjoy most.
- Experience is offered for up to 4 people, ages 8 and up.
- Cost: $300
Scovill Zoo Wolf Experience (~45 minutes)
- Help make enrichment for the wolves and watch the keepers deliver the enrichment
- Watch a training session
- Experience is offered for up to 4 people, ages 8 and up.
- Cost: $300
Note: For an additional $100 we can also include an exclusive tour inside the wolves’ habitat (with the wolves shifted off-site for safety) to tour their territory and see the different paths and dens they’ve created.
Scovill Zoo Ambassador Animal Encounter (~45 minutes)
- Interact with some of our amazing animal ambassadors!
- During this experience, you will be able to brush a rabbit, feed a dove, toss fish to a pelican, give a box turtle a bath, and help make a HUGE salad for our 11 exhibit guinea pigs.
- This encounter is offered for one to six people, ages 5-10
- Cost: $150
Scovill Zoo Camel Encounter (~30 minutes)
- Meet our two male camels, Jack and Finn!
- Guests will be given the opportunity to feed a camel, although cooperation is not guaranteed!
- Encounters not offered October-April due to the camels being in rut.
- This encounter is offered for one to six people, ages 8 and up.
- Cost: $300
Zoo Snooze – Group Camp Out
Gather your group for an amazing overnight with the animals at Scovill Zoo! Your outing will include an evening animal presentation, tour, bonfire, marshmallow roast, and early wake-up tour. Scout groups can complete crafts or badge projects for an additional fee. One adult (aged 18+) may participate free per every 5 students. Minimum of 10 paying participants, and a maximum of 30 participants.
Fee: $40 per person
*Additional $5 per person for a craft activity
*Additional $5 per person for dinner included–hotdogs, chips, drinks.
After Hours S’mores & Tours
If your group is not available to sleepover at the zoo, book an evening with us instead! Your outing will include an animal presentation, tour, bonfire with s’mores, and a late night train ride. Scout groups can complete crafts or badge projects for an additional fee. Minimum of 10, and a maximum of 30 participants.
Fee: $30 per person
*Additional $5 per person for a craft activity
*Additional $5 per person for dinner included–hotdogs over the fire.
Family Camp Out – June 21, 2024
This fun campout includes dinner around the campfire, an evening tour, animal encounters, train ride and light breakfast. Bring your tent and sleeping bag. Cost is $40/person or $160/family (up to 6). Limit 30 campers!
