Behind-the-Scenes Bird of Prey Experience

Q: What is included in the Bird of Prey Experience?
A: You will meet a variety of birds of prey up close, watch some of them fly, get to feed storks, and learn about our resident bald eagle. You will be able to take pictures throughout the experience and ask our zookeepers questions! You will also receive a souvenir to remember your experience.

Q: Can I touch the birds of prey?
A: No, you are unable to touch the birds of prey, but rest assured that our zookeepers will get you up close with several of our birds.

Q: Can I take pictures during the Bird of Prey Experience?
A: You may take photos throughout your Bird of Prey Experience under the direction of zoo staff. Zoo staff may also take photos for you upon request.

Q: Where does the Bird of Prey Experience take place?
A: Guests will meet at the bald eagle habitat across from the Animal Actor’s Stage. There, they will meet and learn about General Boone, our resident bald eagle, and then be escorted by zoo staff to behind-the-scenes animal areas.

• Ark admission is not included in the cost of the Bird of Prey Experience. Guests must also purchase tickets to the Ark Encounter to participate in the Bird of Prey Experience. Ticket prices can be found here: ArkEncounter.com/tickets.
• While our zoo staff work hard to ensure a safe and fun experience, every guest participating in the Bird of Prey Experience must sign a waiver of liability while making their reservations.
• Children must be six years old or older to participate in the Bird of Prey Experience.
• Children ages 6–17 must be accompanied by at least one paid adult to participate in the Bird of Prey Experience.
• Stork Feeding Portion:
  • Guests are required to wear provided sanitized plastic glasses.
  • If you choose to feed the storks, you must also wear provided disposable gloves (non-latex), as the storks eat frozen/thawed prey items.
  • Guests may opt out of the stork portion if they are uncomfortable with the glasses, gloves, or prey items.
• Guests must follow the directions of zoo staff and should remain calm, quiet, and respectful throughout the program. If guests do not comply, the Bird of Prey Experience may be ended for those guests with no refund at the discretion of zoo staff.
• For safety reasons, participating guests must wear closed-toed shoes to participate in this experience.

• Guests may cancel their Bird of Prey Experience up to one week in advance for a full refund.
• Guests who cancel their Bird of Prey Experience less than one week in advance will not receive a refund. No-shows will not receive a refund.
• If Ark Encounter or zoo staff must cancel a Bird of Prey Experience, guests will receive a full refund and the chance to reschedule.
• The Bird of Prey Experience will start promptly at 12:30 p.m. Because of our zoo staff’s busy schedule, they cannot postpone the experience for latecomers or no-shows. Please plan to arrive at the Ark Encounter by 11:00 a.m. on the day of your experience to allow ample time for parking, riding the shuttle, bathroom breaks, and walking to the zoo.