Louisville Zoo Backstage Pass Experiences

Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Learn about the importance of the Zoo’s conservation work, how our dedicated keeper staff care for the Zoo’s animals and get VIP access to areas not available to the public. Some experiences are seasonal as indicated in their descriptions. Please check back if your desired experience is currently on a break.
Each experience will be guided by a member of the education department and depending on the tour may include entering off-exhibit spaces, spending time with animal keepers and/or the animals themselves. Animal engagement is not guaranteed as animals are given choice to participate in each experience. However, you will be given access to a Zoo expert for the full length of the tour. Every experience is unique and may be modified depending on staff and animal needs of the day.

All Backstage Pass programs  are for ages 6 and older, and all children ages 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult who is also a ticket holder for the same tour.

Accessibility
While all the Zoo’s public spaces and guest amenities are fully accessible, some of the behind-the-scenes areas may not be. Not all experiences are wheelchair accessible as some areas of the Zoo have stairs or other restrictions that are not suited to wheelchair mobility.  Accessibility is listed in the descriptions below.

Service Animals
Service animals may not enter any behind the scenes areas.

Please contact us at (502) 238-5358 in advance of booking your experience if you have any questions or specific needs. We will make every effort to be both accessible and inclusive to guests without endangering people or the wellbeing of our animals.

Backstage Experience Locations
Check out our Zoo Backstage Pass Map for the location of all behind-the-scenes experiences and plan your visit with ease.


Current Experiences

Animal encounters included in Backstage Pass Experiences will change based on season and availability. Check back often to see if new encounters are available!

Cassowary Backstage Pass

Fall Dates Coming soon
Returns Spring 2027

Thursdays at 2 p.m. (select dates)

Get an unforgettable up-close moment with one of Australia’s most impressive and curious creatures and explore how it earned its famously fearsome reputation.

Prices

$50 per person
5 visitors per tour

Schedule your Experience

Conservation Center featuring Black Footed Ferret
Backstage Pass 

Fall and Winter Dates Available
Returns Spring 2027

Mondays at 2:30 p.m. (select dates)

Get a behind the scenes look at the Zoo’s Conservation Center and learn how the animal care team continues to contribute to the survival of the endangered black-footed ferret.

Not Wheelchair accessible

Prices

$50 per person
5 visitors per tour

Schedule your Experience

Koala Backstage Pass

Fall and Winter Dates Available
Continues in Spring 2027

Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. (select dates)

Spend the morning with our koala keepers and get a rarely seen, up-close view of these mellow marsupials as you observe and assist with their care routine.

Not Wheelchair Accessible

Prices

$120 per person
5 visitors per tour

Schedule your Experience

Penguin Backstage Pass

Fall and Winter Dates Available
Returns Spring 2027

Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m. (select dates)

Waddle on over for an up-close encounter with one of the Zoo’s resident penguins and get a rare peek into how the Zoo’s team cares for the colony behind the scenes!

Wheelchair Accessible

Prices

$90 per person
5 visitors per tour

Schedule your Experience

Red Panda Backstage Pass

Fall and Winter Dates Available
Returns Spring 2027

Thursdays at 2:30 p.m. (select dates)

Join the panda-monium! Get an up-close encounter with the one of the Zoo’s resident red pandas and discover what the Zoo is doing to support conservation for this special species.

Wheelchair Accessible

Prices

$120 per person
5 visitors per tour

Schedule your Experience

Rhino Backstage Pass

Returns Spring 2027

Mondays at 1:30 p.m. (select dates)

Meet the Zoo’s resident rhinos; learn about their historical significance to the Zoo and discover what zoos are doing around the globe to help this critical species.

Wheelchair Accessible

Prices

$50 per person
5 visitors per tour

Seals & Sea Lions Backstage Pass

Returns Spring 2027

Tuesdays at 1:45 p.m. (select dates)

Make a splash with the Zoo’s seals and sea lions. Tour our award-winning Glacier Run exhibit; learn how keepers care for our pinnipeds; and top it off with an unforgettable front row seat for the seal and sea lion presentation.

Wheelchair Accessible

Prices

$90 per person
5 visitors per tour

Sloth Backstage Pass

Fall and Winter Dates Available
Returns Spring 2027

Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. (select dates)

Slow down for an up-close encounter with the Zoo’s Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth and learn how the Zoo cares for these lovable tree dwellers.

Wheelchair Accessible

Prices

$90 per person
5 visitors per tour

Schedule your Experience

Warthog Backstage Pass

Returns Spring 2027

Fridays at 2 p.m. (select dates)

Get social with the Zoo’s resident warthogs! Learn about their playful behavior and unique personalities while you treat them to some much-loved brushing.

Not Wheelchair Accessible

Prices

$50 per person
5 visitors per tour

Pygmy Hippo Backstage Pass

Returns Spring 2027

Wednesdays at 2:45 p.m. (select dates)

Soak up stories from our keepers while you enjoy a close‑up encounter with the rare pygmy hippo. Learn what keeps these African plant‑eaters happy and healthy, while you share some treats of your own.

Not Wheelchair Accessible

Prices

$90 per person
5 visitors per tour

Aldabra Tortoise Backstage Pass

Returns Spring 2027

Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m. (select dates)

Step inside tortoise terrain! Join us for a guided visit with our Aldabra tortoises to learn about the special care keepers give these long-lived, slow-moving giants.

Not Wheelchair Accessible

Prices

$50 per person
10 visitors per tour

Creature Connections Backstage Pass

Returns Spring 2027

Saturdays at 2 p.m. (select dates)

Make a connection with us! In this unique backstage pass, guests will be given the chance to connect with a variety of animals, which may include meeting a North American beaver, getting an up-close encounter with our prehensile tailed porcupine or participating in the thrill of watching our Harris hawk take flight. Anything is possible in this interactive tour experience.

Wheelchair Accessible

Prices

$90 per person
10 visitors per tour

Islands Exhibit Backstage Pass

Returns Spring 2027

Sundays at 2:15 p.m. (select dates)

Get a never before seen, behind-the-scenes look into at the world’s first multi-species rotational exhibit to learn how our keepers use operant conditioning and animal rotation to simulate the way animals live in the wild and provide them with the highest quality of care.

Wheelchair Accessible

Prices

$120 per person
5 visitors per tour

Giraffe Backstage Pass

Fall and Winter Dates Available
Returns Spring 2027

Sundays at 9:30 a.m. (select dates)

Get an unforgettable view as you stand toe to toe with the Zoo’s tallest residents! Learn about their behavior, and unique care while hand feeding them their favorite treats.

Not Wheelchair Accessible

Prices

$50 per person
5 visitors per tour

Schedule your Experience

Backstage Pass Experience Rules

  • All activities are subject to animal participation.
  • We ask that guests are always respectful of the animals. Guests should not approach an animal unless they have been instructed to by Zoo staff.
  • Please refrain from making loud noises or sudden movements that may startle the animals as this may have a negative impact on your experience. All guests are required to respect Zoo animal barriers at all times.  Zoo animal barriers are for the safety of our animals and Zoo guests. Guests should not enter any areas unless their guide has instructed them to do so.
  • Once your experience has started, guests will be expected to remain with their guide. Guests may not leave the group for any reason. If a guest leaves the group during an experience, they may not be permitted to rejoin the tour.
  • All guests participating as a part of a Backstage Pass experience must complete a Zoo behind-the-scenes waiver. Your guide will contact you prior to the tour with information and the waiver form. Children aged 6 – 18 must have a completed waiver signed by a consenting adult.
  • Guests that are not a part of the tour will not be permitted to participate in the experience or tag along with the group.
  • Please be respectful of other guests on your tour. We ask that you refrain from any behavior that may be a distraction or considered inappropriate. Cell phones should be placed on silent during the experience. Please refrain from taking phone calls during experiences.
  • Cameras are permitted but we ask you do not use flash photography. Some areas may not permit picture taking, your guide will inform you what is allowed.
  • Guests with children are responsible for them at all times. Children may not run or play in behind-the-scenes areas.
  • Food and drinks are not permitted in behind-the-scenes areas.
  • Guests should always be respectful of Zoo staff instructions. The experience may end without refunds at any time if guests do not follow staff instructions.

Backstage FAQs

General Questions

What happens after I book an experience? 
All Backstage Pass Experience ticket holders will receive a confirmation email upon purchase. A member of the education department will reach out to you before the date of your tour with additional information regarding your specific experience including expectations, date and time confirmations, waiver forms and meeting locations.  (If you do not receive confirmation email or are not contacted by an education department member prior to the day of your experience, please reach out to us at (502) 238-5358 as this may indicate an error with your purchase.) 

Is this a walking tour? 
All Backstage Pass experiences involve at least a small amount of walking. Guests are expected to be able to get to the designated meeting spot. Some tours will use a cart to transport participants to/from areas of the Zoo that are at a greater distance or inaccessible to guests. Please check the descriptions of each tour for accessibility and reach out to the education department with additional questions at (502) 238-5358 or zooeducation@louisvilleky.gov. 

Where do we meet for the experience? 
Each experience has a designated meeting location. Prior to your tour, a member of the education department will reach out to you with additional information including expectations, date and time confirmations, waiver forms and meeting locations.

What happens if I am late to my experience? 
Experiences will begin on time. Guests who are not at the location by the start of the tour may forfeit their experience without a refund.

How many people can participate in an experience? 
Most Backstage Pass experiences are limited to five (5) guests per session. Those who do not purchase all five tickets may have share their experience with guests from another party. Guests that are not paid ticket holders will not be permitted to watch the experience or tag along in off-exhibit areas. Guests under the age of 18 are required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian with their own ticket.

Who can participate in an experience? 
Backstage Pass experience participants must be at least 6 years old. Guests under the age of 18 will need a parent or guardian to accompany them on the tour with their own ticket. Infants in arms and toddlers or any children under age 6 will not be admitted.

What if there is bad weather? 
Backstage Pass experiences are rain or shine. In case of inclement weather that requires the Zoo to be closed to the public, experiences will be canceled and guests will be notified in advance.

How should I dress? 
All Backstage Pass experiences occur either partially or completely outdoors and may have wet or slick surfaces. Guests should wear closed-toe, non-slip, gym-style shoes and season-appropriate outerwear as some walking and standing may be required as part of the tour. It is also recommended that scented lotions, colognes and sprays are not used as our animals can be sensitive to scents.

What should I bring? 
The Zoo does not have secure areas to hold belongings such as purses, umbrellas, wagons, hats, water bottles or sunscreen. All personal items must be carried. Cameras are permitted and encouraged but please refrain from using flash photography and follow all directions from your guide pertaining to picture taking. Food and beverages are not allowed in animal areas.

Are there any restrictions on photography or videography? 
The Louisville Zoo does not allow live streaming during the Backstage Pass experiences. Photos and videos may be taken in specific areas which will be identified by your guide. Also, lighting equipment is not allowed. Cameras are permitted and encouraged but please refrain from using flash photography and follow all directions from your guide pertaining to picture taking.

Are there any restrictions for people with disabilities? 
Not all Backstage Pass Experiences are wheelchair accessible. Please see the individual descriptions to review the list of wheelchair accessible and non-accessible tours before purchasing your tickets.  (Note: Service animals may not enter any behind the scenes area.)

If you have any questions, please contact the Education Department at (502) 238-5358. We will be happy to discuss how we can best accommodate any needs within the limitations of our facilities, regulations and staffing.

Other considerations… 
Backstage Pass experiences occur in areas where our animals live. Strong animal odors as well as food smells such as fish are common and should be expected. Allergens like peanuts, fish, shellfish, fur, and feathers may be present. Please communicate any allergen concerns before participating in an experience.

Purchase Questions

What is the Cost of a Backstage Pass Experience? 
Costs vary and are determined by many factors including tour length, staffing requirements, and animal needs. A portion of each ticket sold goes directly to the Zoo’s Conservation Fund. Backstage Pass tickets do not include Zoo admission. An admission ticket and parking fee (per vehicle) is required for guests who are not members. We recommend arriving early to enjoy the Zoo before your scheduled tour. General admission tickets may be purchased online in advance or on the day of your experience at the admission windows.

Can I purchase a Backstage Pass Experience as a gift? 
Yes! Backstage Pass experience tickets can be transferred to another person. In the case of a ticket transfer, the Zoo must be notified in writing of the new ticket holder to ensure they are able to participate. To notify the Zoo of a ticket transfer, please email us at zooeducation@louisvilleky.gov with the name and email of the person you are transferring your ticket to.

Cancellations and Rescheduling

What if I need to cancel my experience? 
There are no refunds for this program. If you are unable to attend your experience, you may transfer your ticket(s) to another person. In the case of a ticket transfer, the Zoo must be notified in writing of the new ticket holder to ensure they are able to participate. To notify the Zoo of a ticket transfer, please email us at zooeducation@louisvilleky.gov with the name and email of the person you are transferring your ticket to.

Can I reschedule my Backstage Pass Experience? 
Backstage Pass experiences cannot be rescheduled. If you are unable to attend your experience, you may transfer your ticket(s) to another person. In the case of a ticket transfer, the Zoo must be notified in writing of the new ticket holder to ensure they are able to participate. To notify the Zoo of a ticket transfer, please email us at zooeducation@louisvilleky.gov with the name and email of the person you are transferring your ticket to.