Best Animal Encounters in Atlanta and Beyond

Zoo Atlanta Wild Encounter

Do your kids love animals? There are plenty of ways to get up-close and personal with all kinds of creatures around Atlanta! Check out these animal experiences and behind-the-scenes tours.

Check websites for availability, advance registration, ages and other requirements.

Zoo Atlanta

With over 1,000 animals from around the world, Zoo Atlanta is a not-to-miss destination. Visit the African Savanna and wander the Ford African Rain Forest to see elephants, zebras, gorillas, leopards and much more. Kids also love visiting the petting zoo, Treetop Trail, and KIDZone play area. Atlanta.

• Mornings at the Zoo
  Before the Zoo officially opens, enjoy exclusive access with a knowledgeable Interpretive Guide to select public viewing areas and the opportunity to observe your favorite animals as they begin their day. $55; April 19, May 31, June 28 and July 26; 8:30-9:30 a.m.
• Petting Zoo Painters
  Take home a masterpiece painted by “VanGoat” or “Baahlo” and learn about positive reinforcement training. Saturdays; $75 per group of four, plus Zoo admission.
• Wild Encounters
  Meet and greet some of your favorite animals all while learning more about their natural history, how the Zoo cares for them, and the ways they are working around the globe to save wild animals and wild habitats. Current encounters include elephant, lemur or warthog. $45-$130 plus Zoo admission; select dates and times.
• Kids’ Night Out
  Parents can enjoy a well-deserved night off by sending their kids to the Zoo for a wildly fun and educational evening! Children ages 5-11 will enjoy a guided after-hours tour of the Zoo, games and activities, crafts, story time and a pizza dinner. June 6 and 27, July 5, August 8 and 22, 5-9 p.m. $42 per child.
• More Not-to-Miss Programs
  See what happens in the Zoo at night during Twilight Trek, sleep with the animals during a Nightcrawler or feed the giraffes at Twiga Terrace.

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  Georgia Aquarium Beluga Encounter

Georgia Aquarium

One of the largest aquariums in the world, there’s plenty to see and do at Georgia Aquarium, from sharks and whales to jellyfish, otters, rays, eels and dolphins. Atlanta, georgiaaquarium.org

• Animal Encounters
  Touch, feed and talk to sea otters, help train harbor seals or dolphins, meet penguins, sea lions, sharks and rays, or belugas. Encounters are available most days. The minimum age is 7; prices range from $79.99+.
• Journey with Gentle Giants
  Don a wetsuit and snorkel or dive with whale sharks, manta rays and more. Check the calendar for dates. Participants must be 12 or older; prices range from $399.99+.
• More Not to Miss Opportunities
  Explore the Aquarium in a Behind the Seas tour – there are three levels to choose from. During Sleep Under the Sea, spend the night at the Aquarium and enjoy tours and special activities.

North Georgia Wildlife Park

North Georgia Wildlife and Safari Park

Visitors to this safari-style park can take a drive-through tour for up-close encounters with native and exotic animals – camels, zebras, warthogs, ostriches, llamas and more. You can also take a guided wildlife walk in the zoo area. Cleveland.

• Animal Experiences
  Interact with a range of animals, including penguins, owls, reptiles, capybaras, lemurs, a honey badger and more. Some age restrictions apply. $75+ plus admission.
• Tours
  During a private VIP tour, meet even more animals and take part in enrichment training. A Behind the Safari tour includes a guided walking tour of the safari park. $500+.
• Shadow a Zookeeper
  Spend time with one of the park’s zookeepers, meet animals and learn how they’re cared for during this special tour. Ages 12 and older; prices range from $225+.

More Animal Encounters

Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary

Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary

Yellow River’s mission is to benefit animals and educate humans. Walk the trails to see and learn about everything from bears to bison. During an animal encounter, spend time learning about bears, lemurs, raccoons and more. $100 includes admission to the park. Lilburn.

Wild Animal Safari

Many of the residents at this wild animal park, including camels, elk, zebras, wildebeests, will greet you at your car! Learn more about animals’ habitats, behavior and conservation efforts during a reptile, hedgehog, capybara or sloth encounter. Ages 5 and older; $15+ plus admission. Pine Mountain.

Chestatee Wildlife Preserve

Most of the animals at this preserve are rescued or orphaned. Walk the trails and see over 100 exotic and native animals, including white tigers, camels, zebras, birds, wolves, and reptiles. Register for the sloth encounter to spend time with two-toed sloths Flash and Sissi. $100; check the website for age restrictions. Dahlonega.

Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary

Noah’s Ark is a safe haven for more injured, abused or orphaned animals. Take a self-guided tour of the habitat and see exotic cats, birds, reptiles and primates. On a “Wow” tour, go behind the scenes and meet capuchins, Balloo the bear, Liberty the lioness and Golden the tiger. Tours are $75-$125 per person. Locust Grove.