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red panda

Behind-the-Scenes Tours

Go behind the scenes to see the Zoo from a new point of view! On these exclusive tours, you'll meet some amazing animals and have your questions answered by our Educational Specialists.

Please note that tickets are per person, not per group.

Red Panda: Franklin Park Zoo

Prepare to be bamboozled by the undeniable cuteness of these ring-tailed rascals! Also known as the "firefox," "bear-cat," or "first panda," this ancient species is full of unique characteristics! You'll have the opportunity to participate in a training session and feed our red panda a healthy snack!

  • When: Daily, 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
  • Where: Franklin Park Zoo (Meet at Zebra Entrance)
  • Who: Ages 4 and up
  • Price per person: Members: $65 | Non-Members: $75

Please Note:

  • Tickets are per person, not per group.
  • Tickets may be purchased online or at the gate (purchasing at least 24 hours in advance is recommended). Red panda behind-the-scenes tickets do not include general admission to the Zoo. Admission tickets are required, and must be purchased separately here.
  • Encounters accommodate up to six guests per group and are not private, so you may share the experience with other visitors.
  • All guests above the age of 4 must be accounted for in the group size. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Closed-toed shoes are required for this tour.
  • Photos are not permitted in behind-the-scenes areas. 
  • Red panda tours are not wheelchair accessible.
  • Touching or petting animals is not permitted.
  • Though we do our best to engage them, it’s ultimately up to the animals as to whether they want to participate in the feeding experience. You're still guaranteed to get plenty of attention from our care team, who will guide your experience, so have your questions ready!

Sloth: Stone Zoo

Sloth devotees, get ready to hang with these two-toed tree-dwellers! Don't miss out on an up-close and personal look at the world's slowest mammal and learn from the keepers who work with them every day. You'll have the opportunity to participate in a training session and feed our sloth a healthy snack!

  • When: Daily, 11:00 - 11:30 a.m. through December 31
  • Where: Stone Zoo (Meet at Main Entrance)
  • Who: Ages 4 and up
  • Price per person: Members: $50 | Non-Members: $55

Please Note: 

  • Tickets are per person, not per group.
  • Tickets may be purchased online or at the gate (purchasing at least 24 hours in advance is recommended). Sloth behind-the-scenes tickets do not include general admission to the Zoo. Admission tickets are required, and must be purchased separately here.
  • Encounters accommodate up to six guests per group and are not private, so you may share the experience with other visitors.
  • All guests above the age of 4 must be accounted for in the group size. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Sloth tours are not wheelchair accessible.
  • Though we do our best to engage them, it’s ultimately up to the animals as to whether they want to participate in the feeding experience. You're still guaranteed to get plenty of attention from our care team, who will guide your experience, so have your questions ready!

Yak: Stone Zoo

Enjoy an exclusive, up-close experience with our yak ambassador! Discover the important role yaks have played in Zoo New England's history, ask questions, and see firsthand what makes these incredible animals so special.

  • When: Daily, 2:30 - 3:00 p.m. daily, through December 31
  • Where: Stone Zoo (Meet at the Main Entrance)
  • Who: Ages 4 and up
  • Price per person: Member: $30 | Non-Member: $35 

Please Note:

  • Tickets are per person, not per group.
  • Tickets may be purchased online or at the gate (purchasing at least 24 hours in advance is recommended). Yak behind-the-scenes tickets do not include general admission to the Zoo. Admission tickets are required, and must be purchased separately here.
  • Encounters accommodate up to six guests per group and are not private, so you may share the experience with other visitors.
  • All guests above the age of 3 must be accounted for in the group size. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Yak tours are not wheelchair accessible.
  • Touching or petting animals is not permitted.
  • Though we do our best to engage them, it’s ultimately up to the animals as to whether they want to participate in the feeding experience. You're still guaranteed to get plenty of attention from our care team, who will guide your experience, so have your questions ready!

Cancellation Policy

  • All tours cancelled seven or more days in advance of the scheduled date will receive a full refund. All tours cancelled less than seven days in advance of the scheduled date will not receive a refund. Tours can be rescheduled to an available date for an additional $35.00 fee.
  • Late arrivals cannot always be accommodated due to previously-scheduled feedings and procedures. If you arrive more than 10 minutes late for your tour, please contact the Education Administrator at 617-989-3742 or email Education@zoonewengland.org to discuss rescheduling options. Late arrivals will be subjected to a $35.00 rescheduling fee.
  • No shows will receive an automatic cancellation, will not receive a refund and will be subjected to a $35.00 rescheduling fee.

     

     

Contact Us

Please contact the Education Department if you have questions about our booking requirements.