The Hattiesburg Zoo is rolling out three new animal experiences which allow guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with several unique species. New experiences are the Anteater Feeding Experience, the South America Yard Experience and the Giraffe Experience.
Anteater Feeding Experience – Patience Reaps Rewards!
The Anteater Feeding Experience is held Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. at the Hattiesburg Zoo. Guests will enter the anteater habitat and have the opportunity to feed “Fred” his daily diet through a clear graduated cylinder so they can enjoy watching him strategically use his long, sticky tongue to grab his food, which is the reward for his patience and diligence. Our anteater keeper will share information about anteaters’ natural behaviors, habitat, and diet, along with giving interesting facts and tidbits about Fred’s personality, likes, and dislikes.
This 30–40-minute encounter is available for those ages 4 and up. The ticket price for all participants is $25 and does not include Zoo admission. Youth ages 4 – 10 require the oversight of a paying guardian or adult.
Please note, the anteater habitat has rough terrain as anteaters dig holes to find prey. Please plan accordingly.
Anteater Experience guests will also receive 10% off the purchase of merchandise in the Zoo’s gift shop.
Six guests will enjoy the Anteater Experience each week. Tickets are available for purchase at the Zoo on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the experience.
South America Yard Experience – Capybaras and Alpacas, OH MY!
The South American Yard Experience takes place Sundays at 11:00 a.m. at the Hattiesburg Zoo. Guests will enter the South America Yard accompanied by a knowledgeable member of our animal care team who will share information about the yard’s habitants, which include Alpacas and Capybaras. Guests will have the opportunity to feed the animals a lettuce-based diet and strategically place enrichment in the habitat for the animals to enjoy. Learn how Alpacas and Capybaras get along with one another and understand how they live and thrive in their natural environments.
This 30 – 40-minute encounter is available for those age 6 and up. The ticket price for participants is $35 and does not include Zoo admission. The South America Yard does contain a small pool. Youth ages 6 – 10 require the oversight of a paying guardian or adult.
South America Yard Experience guests will also receive 10% off the purchase of merchandise in the Zoo’s gift shop.
Six guests will enjoy the South America Yard Experience each week. Tickets are available for purchase at the Zoo on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the experience.
Giraffe Experience – Reaching New Heights!
The Giraffe Experience takes place Sundays at 2:00 p.m. at the Hattiesburg Zoo. Giraffe lovers will be amazed by this experience that will be led by one of our Giraffe care team members. Meet Sue Ellen, Alberta and Grace in this one-on-one encounter. Participants will learn about the diet, natural instincts and daily routine of giraffes. Take the opportunity to tour the giraffe barn, which is a special treat as participants will understand how the barn was constructed specifically to accommodate and care for the world’s tallest land mammal. Feeding the giraffes will be a highlight whether done in their outside habitat or inside the barn.
This 45 – 50-minute encounter is available for those age 6 and up (due to height restrictions on the giraffe barn catwalk). The ticket price for all participants is $50 and does not include zoo admission. Youth ages 6 – 10 require the oversight of a paying guardian or adult.
Giraffe Experience guests will also receive 10% off the purchase of merchandise in the Zoo’s gift shop.
Eight guests will enjoy the Giraffe Experience each week. Tickets are available for purchase at the Zoo on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the experience.
The Sloth Experience will now be offered Saturdays at 1:00 p.m. and is the only experience that can be booked online in advance through the zoo’s website Attractions | Hattiesburg Zoo. All new Animal Experiences begin on Saturday, July 19th.
