Guide to Zoo Atlanta: 15+ Things to Know

There’s always something happening at Zoo Atlanta! It’s a top destination for Atlanta families and out-of-towners with more than 1,000 animals representing more than 200 species from around the world. The Zoo connects us to animals through education and by inspiring conservation.

Experience the African Savanna and learn about elephants, zebras, giraffes, ostriches and warthogs. Wander the Ford African Rain Forest, home to gorillas, monkeys and an array of reptiles and amphibians. See giant pandas, naked mole rats, clouded leopards and more in the Asian Forest.

Events and Experiences:

Adventure Cubs
This program designed for children ages 2-5 introduces kids to a new animal through a game, craft, story and singalong. At the end of the program, visit the animal and go on a themed scavenger hunt. $26; additional child, $5. April 16, May 2 and 31, June 6 and 18, July 11 and 16; 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Mornings at the Zoo
Start your day with a wild hello! 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.

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.

Wild Encounters: Petting Zoo Painters
See how the talented “VanGoat” and “Baaahlo” create unforgettable paintings. Choose two colors for this unique work of art that you’ll get to take home as a keepsake. $75 per group of up to four people. Saturdays at 3:15 p.m.

Giraffe Feeding
Come face-to-face with the tallest animals on the savanna and feed the giraffes at Twiga Terrace. $4. Daily, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-3:30 p.m.

Rollins Animal Health Center Tours
During this 45-minute tour, discover the collaboration, innovation, and individualized care that allows animals at Zoo Atlanta to thrive. View treatment areas and learn about the care the Zoo’s veterinary team provides to different animals. $20 plus Zoo admission. Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, 1-1:45 p.m.

Nighttime at the Zoo

Ever wonder what happens after-hours at the Zoo? Get a different perspective though these family-friendly experiences.

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.

Family Nightcrawler
Spend the night at Zoo Atlanta! Families will explore the Zoo with an Educator, stopping along the way to observe the nocturnal behaviors of the animals that call the Zoo home. Use night vision technology to discover the nocturnal world of frogs, lizards, snakes, and turtles, and go behind the scenes at the Zoo’s veterinary complex. Sleep in an ind00r, climate-controlled room and enjoy breakfast in the morning. Designed for families with children ages 6 and older. $110. May 16, 6 p.m.-9:30 a.m.

Twilight Trek
At this after-hours tour, learn about the ways accredited zoos help animals survive and thrive, and discover how you can become a conservation hero with engaging activities. $27; ages 2 and younger, free. Check the website for upcoming dates.

Must-See Animals

Lions: Hondo, Hatari and Azizi truly have no worries thanks to their newly upgraded habitat that features a pool. Visitors can watch these impressive creatures enjoy the space that was designed with their well-being in mind from three separate areas, including an observation deck with seating.

Giraffes, zebras and ostriches: The African Savanna features a mixed-species area, where guests can get a ground-level view of the earth’s tallest living mammals.

African elephants: Kelly and Tara are always up to something. Kelly loves to throw mud on herself and scrape bark off the logs in her habitat for a snack, and she occasionally paints.

Western lowland gorillas: The Zoo is home to the largest population in North America, with family groups in five natural habitats.

Reptiles: The Zoo’s Scaly Slimy Spectacular has kids oohing and aahing at snakes, lizards, turtles, alligators and other creatures that slither and snap.

Besides seeing awesome animals, the Zoo has tons of exciting events and places to play. Here are some of our favorites:

Play Areas to Explore:

• Treetop Trail: This adventure is situated atop the playground near the main gate, and it is shaded underneath trees so kids really feel like they are in the canopy. Check out the  Treetop Tykes Trail for kids under 48 inches.
• KIDZone: Kids can play climb, slide and burn off energy in KIDZone, which has a rock wall, Canopy Climber and Naked Mole Rat playground.
• Splash Fountain: Playing in the spray is a perfect way to cool off on a hot day.
• Outback Station Petting Zoo: It’s fun to reach out and touch goats, sheep and other critters.
• Carousel: Take a ride on one of the Endangered Species Carousel’s 38 carved wooden animals.
• Zoo Train: This replica of an 1863 locomotive is one of the Zoo’s most popular attractions.

More Fun at the Zoo

Wildlife Presentations and Keeper Talks
Check the Zoo’s daily calendar for in-depth presentations on mammals, birds, reptiles and more, held throughout the Zoo (included with admission).

Animal Tales: Storybook Readings
Listen to stories and participate in hands-on activities at Amy’s Tree Theater (included with admission), Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.

The Details:

Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta
404-624-9453; zooatlanta.org
General admission: $29.95-$38.20; ages 3-11, $23.95-$35.45, ages 2 and younger, free. Some kids’ activities are extra.