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Animal encounters

Peek into the daily life of a zookeeper and deliver a special treat to your favorite animal! At the same time, you’ll learn more about the species, animal welfare and natural behaviors, and support the conservation of endangered species. An animal encounter is an unforgettable gift for an animal lover or a unique treat for yourself.

Learn about the encounters Book your encounter

What does the encounter include?

During the one-hour long animal encounters, you’ll be accompanied by a zookeeper and a guide as you visit behind-the-scenes areas and meet animals at Korkeasaari Zoo. The encounter takes place on the animals’ terms: you’ll get to see them up close, but touching is not allowed. From the animal’s point of view, the programme corresponds to its normal daily routine. The content of all experiences is designed so as not to cause stress to the animals.

Each animal encounter can accommodate up to three participants. Depending on the encounter, the minimum age is 8, 12, or 15 years, and at least one adult must be present. The price includes the selected animal encounter, zoo admission for all participants, a small gift, and a certificate.

As the encounters are scheduled according to the animals’ daily routines, they are only available on certain weekdays and within limited time slots. Some encounters take place in the morning before the zoo opens, while others are scheduled in the afternoon during suitable feeding times. We will provide more detailed information about available times and any restrictions when confirming your booking. Animal encounters take place outside the regular visitor areas and are not fully accessible. Please check with us in advance to see if your desired encounter can be adapted to meet accessibility needs.

Check the detailed descriptions and prices of the encounters below!

Tiger Encounter

Come face to face with a tiger and support the conservation of endangered species! During the Tiger Encounter, you’ll get a glimpse into the daily work of the Cat Valley’s zookeepers. You’ll visit the Amur tigers’ behind-the-scenes care area and deliver an enrichment item into the tiger enclosure together with the keeper – though you won’t be entering the same space with the tiger! You’ll learn more about Amur tigers, the individuals living at Korkeasaari Zoo, and how they are cared for. You’ll also get to observe from the keeper’s perspective as a tiger investigates a scent-based enrichment or pounces on a food item presented as prey.

Duration: 1 hour
Participants: Up to three people. Minimum age 15 years, participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Not suitable for pregnant visitors.
Package price: 490 € (inc. VAT) per group, of which 50 € supports the conservation of endangered species. Admission to the zoo is included.

Monkey Encounter

Deliver enrichment snacks to white-faced sakis and support the conservation of endangered species! During the Monkey Encounter, you’ll get a glimpse into the daily work of the Amazonia House zookeepers and bring joy to the residents of the Monkey Corridor with tasty treats. Together with a zookeeper, you’ll prepare an enriching snack for the white-faced sakis: nuts being their absolute favorite! You’ll also learn more about the small monkeys living in the Amazonia House and how they are cared for. Alongside the zookeeper, you’ll bring the enrichment into the monkey enclosure and get a close-up view of how the curious sakis enjoy their snack.

Duration: 1 hour
Participants: Up to three people. Minimum age 12 years, participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Please note that nuts are handled during this encounter.
Package price: 450 € (inc. VAT) per group, of which 50 € supports the conservation of endangered species. Admission to the zoo is included.

Camel encounter

Feed the camels and support the conservation of endangered species! During the Camel Encounter, you’ll get a look into the daily routines of the zoo’s ruminant keepers and meet Korkeasaari Zoo’s Bactrian camels. Together with a zookeeper, you’ll help deliver their afternoon hay – although you won’t be entering the same enclosure with these massive animals. Along the way, you’ll learn more about these two-humped survivors of cold and harsh environments, and how they are cared for at Korkeasaari Zoo.

Duration: 1 hour
Participants: Up to three people. Minimum age 8 years, participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Please note that dusty hay is handled during this encounter and may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Package price: 390 € (inc. VAT) per group, of which 50 € supports the conservation of endangered species. Admission to the zoo is included.

Mongoose Encounter

Create enrichment for dwarf mongooses and support the conservation of endangered species! During the Mongoose Encounter, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the daily work of the Africasia House zookeepers and help enrich the mongooses’ day. Together with a zookeeper, you’ll craft an enriching breakfast for the mongooses: did you know that insects are their favorite treat? You’ll also learn more about this social species that lives in family groups. Finally, you’ll get a close-up view as the curious mongooses explore the enrichment you’ve created.

Duration: 1 hour
Participants: Up to three people. Minimum age 8 years, participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Please note that insects are handled during this encounter.
Package price: 390 € (inc. VAT) per group, of which 50 € supports the conservation of endangered species. Admission to the zoo is included.

Submit a booking request!

We respond to booking requests in the order they are received. During busy periods, it may take up to two weeks for us to get back to you.

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