Wild Encounter - Africa Rainforest

Africa Rainforest

Embark on a captivating journey into the heart of the African rainforest with this exclusive Wild Encounter! Delve behind-the-scenes to witness the enchanting world of the Toronto zoo's Ring-tailed lemur group as they engage in a specially curated enrichment feed. Marvel at the playful antics of our pygmy hippos and meerkats during their own personalized enrichment sessions. But the adventure doesn't end there! Guests have the unique opportunity to actively participate in the experience by feeding  to the vibrant cichlids of our Lake Malawi fish tank. This immersive encounter promises an unforgettable blend of education and enjoyment providing a rare glimpse into the diverse and fascinating lives of Africa's rainforest dwellers.

Yearly Availability: October - May

Capacity: 6

Experience Length: 45-75 minutes

Meeting Location: Twiga Market in Africa

Directions: The meeting location is approximately a 30-minute walk from the Front Entrance Gates. Upon entering the zoo, turn left and proceed into Indomalaya, passing the lemurs and the Malayan Woods Pavilion. Once you reach the Indo-Malayan Pavilion, take the boardwalk to the right and head up to Africa. At the top of the boardwalk, turn left to enter the African Rainforest Pavilion. After exiting the pavilion, the meeting location is on your right at the Twiga Market. 

Age Restrictions: Children aged 2 and under are not permitted on this Wild Encounter

Age Recommendations: Recommended for ages 5+

Rules and Policies

Tickets do not include Zoo admission: Zoo admission must be purchased separately

Drugs & Alcohol: Impairment due to alcohol or drugs is not permitted during your Wild Encounter. Anyone who appears to be intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied participation in their experience. Refunds or alternate dates will not be given.

Guest Requirement: Each guest must provide and wear a medical mask during their Wild Encounter. Staff will provide masks if unable to bring own. 

Interaction: This encounter does not involve any interaction with ring-tailed lemurs, or pygmy hippos. There is an opportunity to toss enrichment ot the meerkats and feed the cichlids of Lake Malawi.  It is up to the animals to choose to participate and we cannot guarantee the duration of time the animals will spend engaging with us. Staff also have the ability to deny feeding, or change the encounter based on the animals’ health, safety, and behavioural needs

Adult Supervision: Children aged 12 years or younger must be accompanied by a paying adult (at least 18 years of age)

Weather conditions: The Wild Encounter program runs rain or shine unless cancelled due to thunder and lightning/extreme weather alerts by the Zoo due to guest, staff, and animal safety concerns. If this occurs, a notice will be sent out upon cancellation for guests to reschedule or receive a refund. 

Reschedule/Cancellation: The Wild Encounters team requires at least 48-hour notice prior to the encounter date to process any refunds or rescheduling. If you do not show up to your encounter on the allotted date and time-slot, your tickets will be forfeited and refunds are not permitted. Please carefully select the date and time of your encounter and ensure that you have selected the correct day and time prior to completing your purchase.

Strollers/Personal Items: There are stroller restrictions at some exhibits and it may be left unattended at times when the tour is inside behind-the-scenes areas.

Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible - areas include stairs. Individuals with a disability and require the assistance of a support person, should email us to discuss before making reservations so we can provide the appropriate support needed to ensure the best Wild Encounter experience. However, at this time, we are unable to accommodate service animals in behind-the-scenes areas. 

Fees: A processing fee of $1.00 per ticket will be applied at checkout.

Please contact us at wildencounters@torontozoo.ca or call us at 289-200-4362 for more information.