Want to wow your guests at your next Corporate picnic, birthday party, social gathering...?
Have your guests hand feed the giraffes, or mingle with a penguin! Do you have kids at the party? The Zookeepers will come and give a fun education exclusive talk to your group! There are options for every type of event!
Animal Encounters
Animal Encounters:
As a special treat, you can arrange to have an animal brought out to your group for an intimate encounter. A zookeeper will bring your selected animal(s) to your event site to mingle with your guests for approximately 20 minutes. During this time the keeper will talk about your selected animal and answer any questions your guests may have. Animals included for Encounters fr 30 min are: snake ($150), lizards ($150), turtles and tortoise ($150), and armadillo ($150).
Please keep in mind the Zoo is committed to the safety and well-being of our animals. While the Zoo will make every effort to ensure that your requested animal can make an appearance at your event, occasionally, there are unforeseen circumstances with wild animals that prevent this from happening. In the event your preferred animal is unable to attend your event, we will substitute another animal for your encounter or prorate the fee. Animal Encounters can be arranged in advance for both daytime and evening events at most event sites; time restrictions may apply. You may choose up to four animals per event, based on availability.
Bird Greeting
$150 per half hour
A zookeeper can be positioned with your selected bird(s) at either the front gate or at your event site to greet your guests as they arrive. Available birds include: Red-tailed Hawk, Tawny Frogmouth, Scarlet, Gold or Blue Macaws.
Bird Greeting may be arranged in advance for both daytime and evening events at most event sites. This option is available for a half hour only. If your requested bird is unavailable on the day of your event for any reason, you may make a suitable substitution or the fee will be pro-rated accordingly.
Party Favors & Decorations
Prices vary
The Zoo Gift Store offers party favors and decorations for your event. From fun merchandise, such as stuffed animals, to elegant options like candles and picture frames, the Zoo Gift Store can help add that “something wild” to your event.
Contact your Zoo representative or the Gift Store at (805) 962-5339, ext.118 for more information.
Commemorative Plaques
Prices vary
The Zoo’s Commemorative Plaque Program honors a special day or a special someone. Benches, gardens, and trees are available for sponsorship. A cast bronze plaque is placed at that location with the wording of your choice. You can sponsor a tree for $5,000, a bench for $10,000 or a train bench for $3,000. For more information or to purchase a plaque, please contact our Development Team at (805) 962-5339, ext. 113.
Foster Feeders
Starting at 25.00
Foster Feeder Sponsorships make an unforgettable gift for any occasion! All Foster Feeder donations go directly to the Zoo’s animal food costs. More than 400 animals from around the world call the Santa Barbara Zoo home, and with that many mouths to feed, the Zoo can always use help!
Show that you care about the natural world by helping us feed our animals, and in turn you receive a personalized Foster Feeder certificate, recognition on the Foster Feeder Board, a color photo and informative fact sheet about your animal, a year’s subscription to Zoo News, and invitations to special events throughout the year. Pricing for Foster Feeders range from $25 to $1,000, based on the animal. For more information, or to become a Foster Feeder, please contact our Development Team at (805) 962-5339, ext. 113 or visit sbzoo.org.
Important Information for Zoo Options
All Zoo Options must be reserved and confirmed with payment at least one month before your event date. Cancellations and/or changes must be received in writing at least two weeks before your event date to avoid being held responsible for full payment. The Zoo’s first priority is the welfare of our animals. In the case of inclement weather or if the Zoo cannot provide your requested Zoo Option(s) for any reason, an equivalent substitution is made or the fee(s) pro-rated accordingly. Pricing and availability is subject to change at any time with or without notice.
Zoo Exclusivity
Would you like to reserve the whole Zoo exclusively for your evening event? Give your guests the opportunity to really “spread their wings” after hours. None of the Zoo’s other event sites will be reserved for another private event on your date. Available for Hilltop evening events only, based on availability.
Giraffe Feeding
Fri. - Sun. 500.00 per hour | Mon. - Thur $450 per hour
Each of your guests have the unique opportunity to hand-feed one of our giraffes. Masks required during feeding.
Giraffe Feeding can be arranged in advance for both daytime and evening events. Time restriction will apply based on availability. We can allow up to six guests at a time on the Giraffe Deck. If for any reason the giraffes are not eating at the time you have arranged, the fee is pro-rated accordingly.
Train Rides
Fri. - Sun. 375.00 per hour | Mon. - Thur. $350 per hour
You and your guests can take an exclusive ride on the Zoo’s famous miniature train. The handcrafted replica of an original 1863 locomotive circles the perimeter of the Zoo on a 10 to 12 minute tour, which includes a peek “behind the scenes” and some unique exhibit views.
Train rides may be coordinated in advance for both daytime and evening events. For daytime events, individual tickets are $7.00 per adult and $6.50 per child. For evening events, the train must begin at 5:00 p.m. (one-hour minimum); with additional half-hour increments available at half-price.
The train is available for up to three hours maximum, daylight permitting. An extra train is recommended for events with guest attendance over 200. In the event of rain, the train is not available. If your event is affected by this policy, the fee is pro-rated accordingly.
Sun and Sparrow Photography
Keeper Talks
100.00 for daytime events; 150.00 for evening events
Curious about elephants? Fascinated by giraffes? Schedule one of our expert zookeepers for a 15 to 20-minute private talk about the animal of your choice. The zookeeper tells your guests about the animals’ day-to-day lives and also answers questions. Based on availability, your Keeper Talk may also include an exclusive enrichment experience with the animal of your choice; a true treat for both your event guests and our animals.
Keeper Talks can be arranged in advance for both daytime and evening events; time restrictions may apply. Keeper talks can take place at the animal’s exhibit or at your event site.