Zoo Backstage Pass

About Backstage Pass at the San Diego Zoo

During this 1.5 hour experience, enjoy access to some amazing encounters with our animal ambassadors and their trainers. You’ll be invited to touch and experience many up-close opportunities with some unbelievable critters. We’ll let you in on some insider’s stories about our staff and animal residents, as well as some of the wonderful conservation efforts the San Diego Zoo is involved in.

Your memorable encounter will begin as one of the Zoo’s professional photographers takes a photograph of your family/group posing with one of our animal stars. This memory-making photograph is yours free! Other encounters include a close-up meeting and photo with a cheetah, a visit to our rhino exhibit that includes the opportunity to touch, feed, and brush our gentle giants, and eye-to-eye contact with more of our exotic wildlife friends. We’ll even teach you how to talk to our animals so that they talk back!

Our photographers will be snapping photos of all the fun you’re having, and a CD of images taken during the program will be made available for purchase later that day (of course, you’re free to use your own camera as well). You’ll be side by side with our trainers and might work up a thirst, so we’re providing unlimited beverages, including iced tea, soda, or water. Your program ticket also allows you to spend the rest of your day at the Zoo enjoying special perks like priority bus loading (1-Day Pass Admission or Bus Tour ticket required) and 10% off at the Zoo’s gift stores. This is one animal adventure-filled day to remember!

ADA

• Wheelchair Accessible

Admission

• Admission is NOT included in the price of the Backstage Pass and is required. Please ensure each guest has a valid Admission ticket or Membership.

Age Restrictions

• Minimum age 5 years (no exceptions). Proof of children's ages may be required.
• Maximum of 2 children ages 5 – 15 per adult in a party.

Capacity

• 46 guests (when program is once daily)
• 40 guests (when program is held twice daily - peak periods)

Change / Cancel Policy

• Changes or cancellations are not permitted.

Check In

• Check in upon arrival at any ticket window to obtain Backstage Pass lanyard
• Check in 10 minutes prior to program time at the Backstage Pass Gate in Urban Jungle

Frequency

• Daily; 1.5 hours

Program Advisements (Mandatory)

• No food or beverages allowed (bottled water okay; iced water provided)
• No large or bulky camera equipment such as tripods or large camera bags.
• San Diego Zoo reserves the right to re-route or cancel any tour due to inclement weather, animal health, or safety concerns.
• Proof of children's ages may be required.
• Check in upon arrival at any ticket window to obtain Backstage Pass lanyard.

Ratios

• Maximum of 2 children ages 5 - 15 per adult in party.