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There's more to do at the zoo than visiting the exhibits. Watch animal feedings, ride the train and get up close to lorikeets, porcupines, alpacas, llamas and camels during the spring and summer months!
Year-round activities
Spring and Summer
Listen for the trumpeting calls heard throughout the zoo when it's chow-time. Sea lions perch on the rocks and seals jump out of the water to gulp down several pounds of fish.
When: Daily at 10:30 am and 3:30 pm.
Where: Seals and Sea Lions exhibit across from the Cottonwood Cafe
Stop by the polar bear exhibit when the keeper comes by to feed the bears. The bears will know the keeper is coming before you do--they can smell the fish he's carrying from a long way off.
When: Daily around 2:30
Where: Inukshuk Bay, the polar bear exhibit on the other side of the green from the bandshell.
The Thunderbird Express, a three-quarter scale train sponsored by Sandia National Laboratories and Lockheed-Martin Corporation, operates in a loop through the zoo. Passengers board the train at the Train Station in the Africa exhibit area.
When: Tuesdays-Sundays, 10:00 am to 3:30 pm at 20 minute intervals.
Where: Purchase tickets at the Africa gift shop--$2 for adults and $1 for children.
Lorikeet Feeding
Have an encounter with these colorful and sociable Australian parrots.
When: 9:30-11:30am and 1:00-3:00pm daily, from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Where: In the "Lorikeet Feeding" Exhibit in Australia.
Cost: For $1.50, visitors can purchase a cup of fruit and nectar and feed the 'keets.'
From September-May, the Lorikeet Feeding exhibit is closed for the season. Visitors may still observe the lorikeets from outside the exhibit.
Giraffe Feeding
Everyone knows that giraffes have long necks and can eat leaves from high in the trees. Did you know that giraffes have long tongues too? A giraffe's tongue is about 18 inches long! Come see for yourself just how long a giraffe's tongue is as you feed these amazing mammals.
When: 11:00am-1:00pm, Thursday-Sunday, from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Where: At the Giraffe Exhibit
Cost: $1.50 (Tickets can be purchased from the snack stand at the Colores Kids play area across from the Giraffe Exhibit.)
From September-May, visitors are not able to feed the giraffes. Visitors may still observe the giraffes as usual at the exhibit.
Alpaca and Llama Cruising
Touch a llama or alpaca, feel how their hair is different from sheep and why these two-toed personable pack animals are valued by mountain dwellers in both South and North America.
When: Llamas are brought out at 10 am and/or 1pm depending on the availability of volunteer staff.
Where: Green lawn next to the Cottonwood Cafe.
Camel Rides
Take a ride on a this very old form of desert transportation. Camel rides are offered from the spring through the fall.
When: Schedule is subject to weather conditions.
- From APS's spring break through Labor Day Weekend:
- Tuesday through Friday, 10am to 4pm
- Saturdays and Sundays, 10am to 5pm
- Open on holidays and Monday holidays from 10am to 5pm, but closed the Tuesday after a Monday holiday.
- The weekend after Labor Day weekend through Halloween weekend:
- Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- Closed November to spring break.
Where: Across from the Cottonwood Cafe, near the Seals and Sea Lions exhibit.
Cost: $3.50 per person
Weight limit: 175 lbs per person
Porcupine Stroll
African Crested or Prehensile-Tailed porcupines show off some of their finer points during the spring and summer. Docents help you take a closer look at these prickly rodents and their fascinating natural history.
When: Daily at 11:00 am (volunteer schedules permitting)
Where: Backyard Habitat exhibit
Rainforest Wonders
Meet a yellow-collared macaw and learn about other this and other tropical forest species.
When: Tuesdays, 11:30 am
Where: Tropical America
Animal Encounters Show
You’ll be amazed by animals as they fly, crawl, and climb across the stage. This interactive and entertaining show will teach you about animals from across the globe and what you can do to protect them and their wild habitats. Meet-and-greet with the stars before and after each show.
When:
- From Memorial Day through Labor Day - Thursday-Sunday, 11:00am and 2:00pm
- From Labor Day through mid-October - Saturday and Sunday only, 11:00am and 2:00pm. These late-season shows are dependent on good weather and may be canceled if it is rainy or unseasonably cold.
Where: Nature Theater