PREMiERdrum Posted December 28, 2011 Share Posted December 28, 2011 http://www.colszoo.o...rs/default.aspx The more affordable, "Wild Encounters" Tours: See the Zoo the way the keepers do! Take a guided tour behind the scenes for a closer look at one of the animal areas listed below. These exciting tours are not to be missed! Discovery Reef You’ve seen it from the front, now come see our 90,000 gallon Aquarium from behind and above! You’ll be amazed to hear about and see all of the hard work that goes into running our own little ocean! Dr. C. Joseph Cross Animal Health Center What do you do when a tiger has a toothache? When a snake has the sniffles? Take a tour of our state-of-the-art veterinary facility, and see how the Zoo is prepared to care for species of every size. Times and Dates: Winter: Tours are offered daily from November 21-March 30 and must be purchased 2 weeks in advance. 11:30 Animal Health Center 3:00 Discovery Reef Cost: Members: $15 Non-Members: $20 And the more expensive ($300-$450 per tour, not person), unique, hands-on tours: JACK HANNA'S JUNGLE Get up close and personal with celebrities that have made Jack famous on David Letterman, GMA, Ellen, Larry King Live, etc. You may encounter penguins, cheetahs, flamingoes, a python, parrots and so much more. ** Tour for a minimum of two people and a maximum of 10. There is no age limit for this tour; however, limited interaction may occur with younger adults. Tour price: $450 per tour for non-Zoo members and $400 per tour for Zoo members Tour schedule: Two hours total at the Zoo. Includes 45 minute orientation and travel to area plus one hour in the animal area. Available times: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. or 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily Jan. 2 through March 17. DIVE IN DISCOVERY REEF Do an actual dive and assist the keeper in feeding more than 65 species of fish and five species of sharks in a 100,000 gallon saltwater environment. ** Tour is for one person. Must be 18 years or older and be a certified diver. Tour price: $350 per tour for non-Zoo members and $300 per tour for Zoo members Required equipment: Must bring a diving mask and boots. The Zoo will provide all additional gear. Tour schedule: Three hours total at the Zoo. Includes 45 minute orientation and travel to area, one hour diving orientation and one hour in the animal area. Available times: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday Nov 18 through Dec 30; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily Jan. 2 through March 17. KARE FOR KOALAS Learn the many different types of Eucalyptus we feed the koalas and work side-by-side with the keeper assisting in feeding, cleaning the exhibit and weighing these marsupials. **Tour for a minimum of two people and a maximum of six. This tour is available for guests two years and older. Tour price: $450 per tour for non-Zoo members and $400 per tour for Zoo members Tour schedule: Two hours total at the Zoo. Includes 45 minute orientation and travel to area plus one hour in the animal area. Available times: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. daily Nov 18 through March 17. BONKERS FOR BECO Get up-close and personal with our Asian elephants for a once in a lifetime opportunity. Learn about the intimate relationship between a mother, Phoebe and her calf, Beco. **Tour for a minimum of two people and a maximum of 10. There is no age limit for this tour. Tour price: $450 per tour for non-Zoo members and $400 per tour for Zoo members Tour schedule: Two hours total at the Zoo. Includes 45 minute orientation and travel to area plus one hour in the animal area. Available times: 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. daily Nov 18 through March 17. TIGER TRAINING Observe a one on one training session with a keeper and tiger designed to capture behaviors for husbandry and medical procedures. ** Tour is for one person. Must be 18 years or older. Tour price: $350 per tour for non-Zoo members and $300 per tour for Zoo members Tour schedule: One and a half hours total at the Zoo. Includes 45 minute orientation and travel to area plus 45 minutes in the animal area. Available times: 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily Nov 18 through March 17. A nice feature video and article on the "Kare for Koalas" tour by the Columbus Dispatch... Sometimes, watching the animals from the other side of the glass at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium just isn’t enough.Sure, spying on favorite animals — whether they’re tigers, manatees, sharks or koalas — as they scurry, swim or prowl around their cages or tanks can be exciting. But for the especially inquisitive and adventurous patrons who have some holiday money left over, the zoo offers a selection of behind-the-scenes tours that show the fun — and often dirty — side of zookeeping. “This is an opportunity for people to get behind the scenes and see what the keepers do every day,” said Jen Compston, animal-care and conservation assistant. The tours have been in place for about two years. The sixth, about tiger training, was added recently. Continued at http://www.dispatch....s-up-close.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PREMiERdrum Posted December 28, 2011 Author Share Posted December 28, 2011 My thoughts... The prices are a bit high, but that blow is softened knowing the money goes directly to the zoo's conservation efforts. The pricing is per tour, not participant, so six friends could do the Koala tour for $67/each (provided one's a member of the zoo), which is quite reasonable for the experience. I think we'll be looking into doing this with Avery next offseason (they're only offered during the offseason), as she has a crazy love of animals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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