Fort Worth Zoo - Keeper Chats and Stage Shows are back!
Chat with a zookeeper, watch an animal show!
Have you ever wondered how much water an elephant can hold in its trunk? Are
you curious about what the Zoo's primates eat or how much a giant Aldabra
tortoise weighs? Join the Zoo's interpretive specialists and zookeepers daily
throughout the park for Wild Encounters as they share facts and stats about
Zoo animals. Experience, learn and ask your wildest animal questions.
Get an up-close look at the mammals, birds and reptiles in the Zoo's animal
outreach collection. Every day at noon and 2 p.m., pop into the Outdoor
Learning Theater for an exciting animal show. Watch an ibis soar overhead,
see the vibrant colors of the rainbow boa shine in the sun and find out how
strong a macaw's beak is! These shows are designed to showcase the natural
behaviors of these animals and introduce viewers on their unique adaptations
and traits.
This is not your normal conference call. Dial in and you might be surprised to find the joining participants have beaks, tails or even scales! We are now offering programs in a place where pajamas are welcomed, can you guess? At home! Viewers will get to see firsthand how zookeepers take care of the wildlife, what kind of diets the animals require, and learn some fun facts along the way.
Take a look below to learn more about these virtual animal adventures.
Virtual Field Trip
Every seat is the best in the house on this field trip! Up to 100 participants can join this 30-minute personalized animal program. This is great for school, business or club meetings! You'll have the opportunity to choose and learn about three amazing animals, which include a range of birds, small mammals and reptiles, both native and exotic.
Creature Feature
Sometimes field trips leave us with more questions. Wouldn't it be nice to get some one-on-one time with the experts? Now you can! Go live with a zookeeper and two animals of your choice. This 20-minute chat is designed for small groups (think families, individual classes and animal lovers of all ages) looking for a personal, interactive experience. Customize a list of animals in order to really make this experience your own.
Monthly Menagerie
Like the Creature Feature, this 20-minute chat is also designed for small groups. But in this program, you will learn about a specific animal theme and discover two animals that relate to the theme. Monthly topics can be viewed as you register.
Breakfast with the Beasts
The only place kids get a pass to talk with their mouths full! Feel free to turn off the morning ‘toons while your kids tune in to an interactive and educational virtual breakfast experience with the animals.
Virtual Zoo Careers Program
This 30-minute virtual program focuses on the ins and outs of numerous Zoo careers. Join a Zoo Education staff member as we explore career options and chat with another Zoo employee. Students can ask questions in this interactive program. This program can also be customized to fit specific needs. Click the button to schedule.
Virtual Storytime
Bring a naptime story to life! This 20-minute program includes one animal-themed story, one animal visitor and virtual social time with participants. This offering, geared toward pre-k and kindergarten-aged children, is sure to be a story they'll never forget!
Don't see a program wild enough for you? We are happy to curate an experience for any occasion!
Personalized Video Message
Animals have a unique way of making people smile! Celebrate a new job, let someone know you are thinking about them, or encourage a friend with their very own video from a favorite animal at the Fort Worth Zoo.
Your video will include a personalized message to whomever you wish with an animal experience specific to you. Need help getting started? Let someone know you are just “popping in” to check on them with a video from the meerkat mound or encourage a friend to “keep your chin up” with help from a giraffe. These 30- to 45-second videos will give you an up-close view of your favorite animal for an unforgettable encounter. You can share your message with friends and family and post on social media. All proceeds from personalized video orders will go toward the care and feeding of our Fort Worth Zoo animals.
Virtual Gift Ideas
1.Surprise your child's favorite teacher with a Virtual Field Trip for the class.
2.Make happy hour at work a little wilder with a Creature Feature!
3.Send a grandchild or even a grandparent a personalized message from their favorite animal.
4.Grab your neighbors for a Saturday morning Virtual Breakfast Club.
5.Switch up the kids' storytime routine and read along with a furry friend.
Here are just a few of the animals you might encounter during your virtual adventure!
Fort Worth Zoo Curator of Ectotherms Diane Barber shares what made this recent
Texas horned lizard release so important.
Earlier in October, we released 105 Texas horned lizards into their native range at
Mason Mountain Wildlife Management Area. In total, 260 lizards were released this year
and 205 of those hatched here at the Zoo. This is a record number of lizards hatched
and released in one year for us. We will track their movements and behaviors over the
next few weeks and we are thankful to play a part in increasing their numbers along
with the Texas Parks & Wildlife and other Texas zoos.
And, we're proud to be part of a team that cares deeply about increasing populations
of species, like the Texas horned lizard, that are threatened or endangered, both here
at home and across the globe.
In compliance with the executive order of Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley and the Tarrant County Commissioners Court, all Zoo staff and guests 10 years of age and older are required to wear a face covering (that cover both nose and mouth) to enter Zoo grounds.
If you are consuming food or beverage, or can remain socially distant, masks
may be temporarily removed.
The requirement of a face covering does not apply if covering the nose and
mouth poses a significant mental or physical health risk to the individual.
Do your part! Help us keep everyone safe. Maintain social distance. Be mindful
of other groups, especially around popular exhibits. Give each other at least 6
feet of space and mask up in these areas. We all have a personal responsibility
to adhere to these guidelines.
Guest Responsibilities:
Six Feet of Safety: Please practice social distancing and keep at least 6 feet of space
between your party and other Zoo guests and staff.
Masks and Face Coverings: In compliance with the executive order of Tarrant County Judge
Glen Whitley and the Tarrant County Commissioners Court, all Zoo staff and guests 10 years
of age and older are required to wear a face covering on Zoo grounds.
Hand washing: Please wash your hands often, especially after encountering high-touch areas.
The Zoo provides restrooms and temporary handwashing stations throughout the park.
Stay Home: If you or someone in your group is feeling ill, or if you are high-risk and are
uncomfortable in public groups, please stay home. We look forward to your visiting at a
later date.
Reservations Required: Everyone (except children 2 and younger) must have a reservation.
All reservations must be made online before arriving at the Zoo – ticket booths will be
closed. Reservations become active and available on the website 3 days prior to the day
you visit.
Member Reservations: Members must also make reservations, but they are free. Multiple
reservations can be made under one member ID; however, when entering the Zoo, each member
ticket must be accompanied by a member ID.
Timed Entry: Choose the time block you want to enter the Zoo, then stay as long as you
like. There will be no re-entry. Please ensure that you have everything with you before
entering the Zoo.
Touchless Entry: Print your reservations at home, or have the barcode ready to scan from
your mobile device. Each member ticket must be accompanied by a member ID.
Sanitation & Safety Protocols: A designated “Clean Team” will disinfect restrooms and
high-touch areas on a schedule throughout the entire day. All Zoo staff will be wearing
masks.
Limited Capacities: A limited number of people will be admitted each day. Restaurants,
shops and attractions will operate at a limited capacity.
Safety Reminders: Signage throughout the Zoo will remind guests of the importance of
social distancing, wearing masks and handwashing. Markers on the ground and at exhibits
will indicate social distancing placement.
