easy
15 minutes
No special fitness level required; suitable for all ages and abilities.
Get up close with capybaras, lemurs, and fennec foxes in a private hands-on encounter at Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo. Learn from expert zookeepers and make unforgettable wildlife memories in New Braunfels, Texas.
15 minutes • All ages
Experience the thrill of an Animal Encounter at the Zoo, where you can connect with amazing creatures like lemurs, fennec foxes, and capybaras. Enjoy a hands-on, 15-minute session with a zookeeper, fostering a deeper appreciation for wildlife and conservation. Create unforgettable memories while learning about these incredible animal ambassadors!
Admission is separate and required to participate in an Animal Encounter
Book an animal encounter for an experience of a lifetime for you and your loved ones!
15 minutes
Our animal encounters are focused on the importance of conservation while encouraging compassion for Mother Earth. Through these hands-on encounters, we strive to make real-world connections for our guests with the use of our animal ambassadors. There is no better way to connect with our residents than getting to spend one on one time with them and their zookeeper. Your appreciation for our natural world is sure to grow as you watch how agile our lemurs are as they scamper around your lap, feel how soft and gentle our resident fennec foxes are, or look in the eyes of one of our baby capybaras as you hand them their favorite treat.
Make memories that will last a lifetime by meeting Joe our fennec fox, Tilly the brown lemur, Enzo the capybara, Waffles the pancake tortoise, and many more!
Animal encounters include a private encounter with a zoo keeper and an animal ambassador of your choosing.
FREE PARKING!
THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS
Can we take photos during the encounter? Absolutely! We encourage all parties to bring a cellphone or camera!
Do we get to hold the animals? That all depends on which animal ambassador is selected! Though all encounters are hands-on opportunities, some animals are comfortable being held while others are not.
How early should we arrive? We ask that you show up 15 minutes early, that way you have plenty of time to park and purchase your admission tickets.
Can my service dog come? Service dogs may come into the Zoo, but they are not permitted to join the animal encounter for the safety of the animal ambassadors.
Arriving 15 minutes early helps with check-in and gives you time to prepare for your private encounter.
Although the session is short, closed-toe shoes ensure safety when moving around animal areas.
Refrain from wearing perfumes or lotions as strong scents can disturb sensitive animals during the encounter.
Listen carefully to staff guidance for the safety and comfort of both you and the animals.
Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo has been serving New Braunfels since 1963, emphasizing education and wildlife care.
The zoo supports regional conservation efforts by providing education and rehabilitation programs for native and exotic species.
Protects your feet and provides stable footing around animals.
Comfortable attire accommodates mild temperatures during the encounter.
spring specific
Protects from sun exposure during outdoor zoo visits before or after your session.
summer specific
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months in Texas.