Skip to Content
All Encounters

Behind the Scenes at Kipp Aquarium

How do we make salt water? How do you feed an octopus? Walk behind the tanks with our expert aquarists and learn all that goes into creating an ocean environment at the Houston Zoo.

Tuesdays from 1:15 – 2:00 p.m.

Members $65 per person
Non-Members $90 per person


Get the Details

All day Zoo admission included!
The Zoo opens daily at 9 a.m. Explore the Zoo at your leisure before or after your Animal Encounter.

Ages 8 and Up

Behind the Scenes Size Limit

Capturing the Moment

Animal Encounters FAQ

What happens on an animal encounter?

Our Animal Encounters are unique opportunities that take you behind the scenes to meet our zookeepers and get up close to your favorite animals. Each encounter is an interactive experience designed with our animals’ welfare in mind. Animal Encounters are 45-minutes long beginning with a 15-minute front of scenes tour led by our Conservation Education staff.  We’ll spend the remaining time with our keeper meeting the animal(s), learning about how they are cared for and the challenges these animals face in the wild.

Interactions with the animals will be determined by our zookeepers. Our staff are experts in determining what is appropriate based on the animal’s behavior that day. Our Animal Encounters, which are conducted following AZA standards, allow guests to be as close as possible to their favorite animals while keeping the animals’ well-being at the forefront of every interaction.

How early should I arrive?


Where do I park?


Where do I meet?


Do we need to print our tickets?


What is the dress code?

Plan on walking with Zoo staff throughout this Animal Encounter, and please dress comfortably for the weather. Closed-toe shoes are required.

What happens if it rains?


What else do I need to know?



What if I need to cancel?


Any Other Questions?
