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, marshmallow roast, and early wake-up activity and train & carousel ride. Scout groups can complete a craft or badge activity for an additional fee. One adult (aged 18+) may participate free per every 5 kids. Minimum of 15 paying participants, and a maximum of 30 participants.
Fee: $45 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. Minimum of 10, and a maximum of 30 participants.
Fee: $30 per person
*Additional $5 per person for dinner included–hotdogs over the fire.
