Animal Care: Behind the Scenes Member Tours
Go beyond the public exhibit areas and discover what it takes to care for more than 2,100 animals at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo.
On this exclusive member tour, you can explore some of the off-view animal care spaces and learn how keepers support the physical and behavioral well-being of a wide range of species. From carefully prepared diets and specialized veterinary care to enrichment activities that encourage natural behaviors, you'll see how Zoo experts meet the unique needs of some of our species.
This tour is available to Director Council ($2,500) members and up.
- Reservations are required.
- Tour participants must be ages 9 and older.
- All attendees in your reservation should arrive in a single group.
- Each reservation may include up to 5 total attendees.
Questions about the tour? Looking to upgrade your existing membership to participate? Email [email protected] or call 202-633-2922.
Want a tour but don't have a membership? Find out how to become a member.
Explore More Member Tours
| Membership Level | Animal Facts | Nutrition | Behind the Scenes | Science and Research |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sponsor Circle | ✓ | |||
| Benefactor Circle | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Director Council | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Explorer Council | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ambassador Council | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
To upgrade your membership, please contact Zoo Membership at 202-633-2922 for assistance.
Animal Facts ›
Join a guide from the Zoo to learn about our wild and wonderful residents!
Nutrition ›
Discover what it takes to feed the animals of the National Zoo! On this guided Nutrition tour, you’ll learn how animal diets are prepared and formulated for each species.
Science & Research ›
Visit our Conservation Biology Institute campus in Front Royal, Virginia, for the scoop on the site’s husbandry science and research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. If you’re planning to park at the Zoo, you should reserve your Parking Pass ahead of your visit. Member parking benefits may be used for this event. Benefits must be used in advance online; they cannot be redeemed onsite.
Day-of Parking Passes can be purchased onsite for $40 while space is available. Parking Passes are non-refundable and exchanges are subject to availability.
No. Members can walk through the Zoo’s pedestrian entrances without reserving Entry Passes. Simply present your membership card on your phone or provide a copy printed from home.
Please note:
- Your membership allows up to six people (including named cardholders and regardless of age) to enter without reserving a pass.
- You must provide a valid ID that matches the name of the cardholder to access membership benefits.
The welfare of our animals is our top priority. The exhibit featured on this tour will be selected by staff based on what is best for the wellbeing of our animals and the availability of our animal care staff. We are not able to accommodate special requests.
Each qualifying membership includes one tour during each year of membership.
You are welcome to reserve space for up to five total individuals, including yourself.
Yes. For this tour all participants must be at least 9 years old.
We suggest members be prepared to walk up to 1 mile. The Zoo sits on a hill with an incline, so please wear comfortable shoes.
You will receive an email from membership staff with the starting location of your tour. Please make sure to arrive at the Zoo with enough time to navigate to that location before the start time of your tour.