Go Behind the Scenes at Reid Park Zoo
A visit to Reid Park Zoo is always a fun way to spend the day in Tucson, but the Behind the Scenes Tour offers something completely different. Instead of just viewing animals from the usual public viewing ares, this tour takes you into restricted areas, gives you a glimpse into the daily operations of the zoo, and lets you see the animals in a way most visitors don’t.
One of the best parts of the tour, aside from the animals themselves, was how engaged the zoo staff were throughout. At every stop, someone was there to answer questions, explain what we were seeing, and share interesting facts in a way that felt casual and approachable.
At the elephant habitat, a staff member took the time to talk to us about how the elephants are trained and cared for. They explained the cues used for routine health checks and even pointed out how the elephants respond to different staff members. It wasn’t a formal demo, just a chance to stand there, ask questions, and hear from someone who works with these animals every day.
That kind of access made the tour feel more personal. The staff didn’t just talk at us. They encouraged questions, shared real experiences, and clearly cared about the animals they work with.
Animal Encounters and Highlights
The tour included a few close-up experiences with animals that made the whole visit stand out. These weren’t quick photo ops or distant views from a walkway. Each stop gave us time to observe, ask questions, and actually interact with the animals in a way that felt relaxed and hands-on.
It started with a blue-tongued skink, a small lizard with smooth, shiny scales. The guide talked about where skinks are found, what they eat, and how they behave in the wild. We were allowed to gently pet it, and it was a surprisingly calm and friendly little reptile.
Next, we visited the rhino habitat, where we got to reach through the fence at the back of the enclosure and scratch Yebonga, the Southern white rhino. She is 51 years old and has been at Reid Park Zoo since 1976. Being that close to such a massive animal was unforgettable. Her skin was thick and textured, and Yebonga seemed totally at ease, leaning into the fence like she enjoyed the attention.
Later on, we walked over to the giraffe platform for a feeding session. The giraffes came right up to us, reaching out with their long tongues to grab lettuce and carrots. It was a strange mix of gentle and goofy, and one of those moments that makes you appreciate just how unique these animals are.
Each of these stops gave us time to observe the animals without crowds or distractions. The pace was never rushed, and the staff took time to answer every question, which made the whole thing feel more meaningful.
A Memorable Experience
The Behind the Scenes Tour is a great way to experience Reid Park Zoo in a more interactive way. Whether you’ve been to the zoo before or it’s your first time visiting, this tour adds an entirely new perspective. While the scheduled encounters were definitely the highlight, walking through off-limits areas also provided a different perspective on the zoo. You are able to see animals from a different angle than you normally would as a regular visitor, which made for a cool experience on its own.
