easy
15 minutes
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical activity required.
Experience an unforgettable 15-minute private encounter with amazing animals in Texas. Get hands-on with lemurs, fennec foxes, and capybaras while learning about conservation efforts.
15 minutes • All ages
Experience the thrill of a lifetime with our unique Animal Encounters! Spend 15 unforgettable minutes connecting with amazing animal ambassadors like lemurs, fennec foxes, and capybaras, all while learning about conservation. Enjoy hands-on interactions and create lasting memories alongside a knowledgeable zookeeper. Capture every moment with your camera!
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.
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled encounter to complete any necessary briefings and enjoy a calm start.
Photography is allowed, so bring a camera or smartphone to capture special moments during your animal interactions.
Choose lightweight, comfortable clothing suitable for indoor and outdoor settings to stay comfortable throughout the visit.
For your safety and the animals’ welfare, make sure to listen carefully and adhere to all guidance provided by the zookeeper.
New Braunfels was founded by German settlers in the 1840s, blending rich cultural heritage with Hill Country charm.
Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo is committed to conservation education, focusing on protecting endangered species through hands-on learning.
Supportive shoes ensure comfort while walking through the zoo and during the animal interaction.
Capture memorable moments with animals throughout your encounter.
Stay hydrated, especially in the warmer summer months.
summer specific
An extra layer provides comfort during cooler fall mornings and evenings.
fall specific