Summer Experiences

Memorial Day through Labor Day - 2025 offerings coming soon!

Page last updated 1/9/2023

 

Visit the only zoo in the Land of the Midnight Sun. We are open daily from 9am to 8pm, last entry at 7:30pm. Our summer experiences run Memorial Day through Labor Day.

  • A free summer shuttle is offered. The 2025 schedule will be online soon.

  • Animal feeding experiences (daily, pay at gate). Details coming soon.

  • The guided tours and VIP tours have concluded for the season.

 

Reserve Online - VIP Tour with Education Director Rich Capitan. Available weekly on Wednesdays at 8am all year!

The VIP tour must be reserved in advance online and includes:

  • 2-hour, behind-the-scenes tour led personally by Education Director Rich Capitan.

  • VIP tours are held on Wednesdays only throughout the year, including summer.

  • VIP tours begin at 8am, one hour before the zoo opens. The tour ends at 10am.

  • VIP tours are $1,000 for up to 4 participants, with each extra participant over 4 people being $250. A maximum of 6 participants allowed (or two guest add ons to the original group of 4 people).

  • The base ticket of $1,000 must be purchased. The guest tickets are just add ons for groups who want to have a total of 5 or 6 participants.

  • Participants must be age 9 or older.

  • Tour must be purchased in advance online at least 1 day before the preferred tour date.

  • VIP tour behind-the-scenes stops include polar bears, the commissary and more. Stops may be added or changed as new animals arrive or if animals have health concerns.

  • Your tour purchase is non-refundable. If you need to cancel, we can reschedule for you or convert your tour purchase into a zoo donation. The tour will not be cancelled for weather.

  • Email Education Director Rich Capitan here if you would like to discuss the tour with him before purchasing.

Pay at the Gate Options - Animal Feedings (2025 Offerings Coming Soon)

Daily Animal Feedings: 30-minute session with a trained guide to feed an animal at the Alaska Zoo. Ask questions, appreciate these amazing animals up-close and take pictures. Ages 2 and under are free. No advance reservations, pay at the zoo entrance on the day you wish to do your feeding experience.

7 Days a week through sept. 1st


10:15-10:45am

Carbou Feeding

Purchase at the zoo entry before the feeding. 30-minutes with a trained guide, feed a zoo caribou.

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12:15pm-12:45pm

Camel/Muskox Feeding

Purchase at the zoo entry before the feeding. 30-minutes with a trained guide, feed a zoo camel and muskox.

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2:15-2:45pm

Black Bear Feeding

Purchase at the zoo entry before the feeding. 30-minutes with a trained guide, feed the adult zoo black bears.