easy
15 minutes
No specific fitness requirements; this is suitable for all ages and mobility levels.
Get up close with lemurs, fennec foxes, and capybaras in a personal 15-minute session at Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo. Experience wildlife education and create lasting memories in New Braunfels, Texas.
15 minutes • All ages
Experience the thrill of an Animal Encounter, where you can connect with beloved zoo residents like lemurs, fennec foxes, and capybaras. Enjoy a hands-on, 15-minute session with a zookeeper, fostering a deeper appreciation for wildlife and conservation. Capture unforgettable moments while creating lasting memories with these amazing 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.
Private encounters have limited availability, so reserving your spot early ensures you won’t miss out.
Always listen closely to the zookeeper’s instructions for handling and interacting with animals safely.
Don’t forget your camera or smartphone to capture these unique animal moments, but avoid flash photography.
New Braunfels can get warm, so wear breathable clothing and bring water for comfort before and after your encounter.
Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo has been a community favorite since 1963, emphasizing education and conservation.
The zoo actively participates in breeding and protection programs for endangered species, promoting sustainable animal care.
To capture memorable photos during your private animal interaction.
Light, breathable fabrics help you stay cool during warm Texas weather.
summer specific
For hygiene after touching animals and maintaining cleanliness.
Staying hydrated is important during your visit in warmer months.
summer specific