Animal Encounters

Giraffe Feeding

Get Up Close and Personal with Giraffes at Hemker Park & Zoo’s Giraffe Feeding Station!

Want to experience something truly incredible? Feed the giraffes at the Hemker Park & Zoo’s Giraffe Feeding Station and get the chance to stand face-to-face with these majestic creatures. Giraffe feedings are held three times a day, at 11:00 am, 2:00 pm, and 4:00 pm. It costs $5.00 per person to participate in the feeding. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to learn more about the tallest land mammal!

*Note: All encounters will be conducted in a protected contact situation. In most cases touching the animal will not be available. (Please note Giraffe feedings happen when the real feel temperature is above 40 degree)

Give an Otter a Snack

Dive into the aquatic world of otters as they splash and play in their very own pool! These furry little cuties can’t resist a delicious fishy snack and will swim right up to you for a treat. While you’re tossing fish to the otters, their keeper will share some otterly interesting facts about these playful mammals. Trust us, this experience will leave you feeling over-the-top otter-ly amazing!

*Note: All encounters will be conducted in a protected contact situation. In most cases touching the animal will not be available.

Hand Feed A Rhino

Partake in an Unforgettable Rhino Feeding Experience with Our Zookeepers!

Are you ready to make unforgettable memories? Join our team of skilled zookeepers as they guide you through a unique Rhino feeding experience. Assist our professionals in feeding these beautiful creatures and learn all about their unique characteristics. Our team will also be sharing how Hemker Park & Zoo is contributing to worldwide rhino conservation efforts.

Space is limited to 20 Spots. Available daily to first come. 

*Note: All encounters will be conducted in a protected contact situation. In most cases touching the animal will not be available.

Buddy Up to The Budgies

Have you experienced the beaming smiles and squeals of delight of bird feeding in the Budgie Buddy House?

Experience one of the Best at Hemker Park & Zoo at the Budgie Buddy House!

At Hemker Park & Zoo, we offer a special treat for bird-lovers – the Hemker Budgie Buddy House! Our feathered friends are the talk of the town, and you won’t want to miss out on the fun. Grab a seed stick and prepare to be serenaded by the cheerful chirps and playful flutters of these adorable creatures. They may even engage in a little chit-chat with you!

Feed the Colorful Koi

At Hemker Park & Zoo, visitors can enjoy watching these stunning fish swim and interact with each other while feeding them. It is truly a unique and peaceful experience that is perfect for all ages. So come visit Hemker Park & Zoo and discover the beauty of Koi fish for yourself!

Red Panda Experience

Experience an Unforgettable Encounter with our Adorable Red Pandas!

Join us for an exclusive opportunity to meet our red pandas and learn about their conservation. Spend time with our Animal Care team and get an inside look at the red pandas’ habitat. This unique experience is the perfect way to connect with these bamboo-munching cuties and is sure to melt your heart. Don’t miss out on this tailor-made experience, designed especially for animal lovers like you!

Admission to Hemker Park & Zoo is required and NOT included.  All guests under 14 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult. Groups will be combined for a tour of up to 5 guests. We recommend you wear closed-toed shoes as part of this experience. This experience requires some standing and walking. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact us at 320-836-2426.

Please note that once you have booked an experience, you have secured your exclusive reservation. If you do not attend on your scheduled date or cancel within 48 hours of your tour date, no refunds will be issued.

Get up close With an American Alligator

Have you been eye to eye with an Alligator?

Discover the thrill of adventure and witness the awesomeness of these fascinating creatures! Allow us to introduce you to one of our very own American Alligators! Get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Cuddle with Cookie

Introducing our fabulous friend, Cookie the ten-foot Boa Constrictor! Yep, you read that right, but don’t freak out, she’s a real softie. Cookie’s got this mesmerizing coat of colors that always turns heads. Believe it or not, this giant snake is a total cuddle bug! We know some folks might be scared of her kind, but trust us, Cookie’s a real sweetheart. So, don’t miss out on meeting this charming lady one day!

Are you brave enough to have your photo taken cuddling Cookie, the 8-foot-long boa constrictor?

Pet Ruby The Penguin

Have you ever touched a penguin?

We have a private area for you and/or your group to go and talk with the zookeepers that care for the penguins here at Hemker Park & Zoo. During this time, you will be able to touch one of our penguins while our zookeeper holds the penguin.  Guest are not able to hold the penguins. During this time our zookeepers will discuss where the penguins are from, their adaptions they have, how we care for them, what types of enrichment we do with them, and more fun and interesting facts. This usually lasts about 15/20 minutes. Bring your camera for a photo. At first enjoy the experience and at the end you are welcome to take photos, no video recording is allowed. All proceeds go towards penguin preservation at Hemker Park & Zoo. You can schedule your penguin encounter when you pay your admission.

Don’t walk past this unique experience. Where else can you touch a penguin?

Roo  Rendezvous

Hop on over to meet the most charismatic animals from the outback and get up close with one of our kangaroos! This usually lasts about 15/20 minutes. Bring your camera for a photo. At first enjoy the experience and at the end you are welcome to take photos, no video recording is allowed. 

• Animal encounters offer an opportunity for you to learn more about an animal, observe and, in some cases, interact with an individual animal and the zookeeper(s) caring for the species. Your exclusive encounter will allow you to engage with our dedicated professional staff and learn about the attentive care the animal receives, their behaviors, their unique features and the zoo’s extraordinary work to help save threatened and endangered species.

Don’t hop past this unique and fun experience. 

wild about warthog

Experience the Fun and Charm of our Zoo’s Most Entertaining Creatures!

Are you ready for a wild and enlightening escapade? Come and see our playful warthog, who are sure to put a smile on your face and a skip in your step!

This experience usually is 15/20 minutes.

Bring your camera for a photo. At first enjoy the experience and at the end you are welcome to take photos, no video recording is allowed.