Step into the Zoo from an insider’s perspective as expert guides share surprising animal stories, conservation insights, and close-up moments most guests never experience!
Travel through the Columbus Zoo aboard a private cart while expert guides reveal the unique personalities of our animals, the behind-the-scenes care they receive, and the impactful conservation work happening every day. Along the way, enjoy exclusive access to four featured animal areas and experience wildlife through new sights, sounds, and behaviors, making every tour truly one of a kind.
No two Zoo Insider Tours are exactly alike. Seasonal animal rotations and the daily needs of the animals in our professional care help create a fresh experience throughout the year, making return visits just as exciting as your first adventure.
- Exclusive Access at Every Stop: Each featured area includes a special behind-the-scenes opportunity—whether it’s stepping inside a habitat, visiting a private care space, or even feeding an animal their favorite treat. Every experience offers a new way to connect with wildlife.
- Tour stops rotate every few months, so there is always something new to discover.
- May and June 2026 featured animal areas: Cougar, Sloth Bear, Donkey, Elephant
- July, August, September 2026 featured animal areas: Lion, Aldabra Tortoise, River Otters, and Sloth
Know Before You Go
- Admission to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is required and NOT included.
- Reservations for tours and experiences must be made at least two days in advance.
- Minimum age limit of 10 years old. Guests ages 10-17 must be accompanied by a ticketed adult.
- Please note that once you have booked a tour, you have secured your exclusive reservation. If you do not attend on your scheduled date or cancel within 48 hours of your tour date, no refunds will be issued.
- Due to the location of tours within animal habitats and the disruptions external animals can cause, service animals are not permitted on this tour. Please call 614-645-3400 for further information.
- This experience is not ADA-accessible, but we may be able to accommodate most mobility challenges. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact us at 614-645-3488.
- Animal experiences may vary based on daily care routines and animal wellbeing.
