Getting Close, Since 1966
We believe the best learning and the strongest memories are achieved through doing, not just looking.
That’s why we offer Animal Programs and Encounters at various exhibits throughout the preserve.
These options allow you to get even closer or learn more about the animals from the staff members who care for them.
- Keeper Talks Available daily, times and location vary. Included with your admission ticket.
- Japanese Koi Pond Hundreds of colorful fish await you. Included with your admission ticket. Fish food is available for purchase. View details.
- Safari Rides Open daily. Requires ticket upgrade. View details.
- Tortoise Feeding Encounter Open weekends, 11:00-3:00. View details.
- Sloth Encounters A micro-group experience. View details.
All activities are weather permitting, and are subject to availability.
Optional add-on prices listed are per person and are subject to change without notice.
Keeper Talks
Available May-September, times and locations vary.
Curious about our animals and how we care for them? Then get answers, straight from the Keeper Team!
A short overview of each animal is shared, often while the animals get a special snack, enrichment exercise, or health check-up.
There’s even a Q&A period at the end for anything still on your mind.
Safari Ride
Truck departs weekends at 11:00, 12:00, 2:00 and 3:00, weekdays at 11:00 and 2:00 weather permitting.
Requires ticket upgrade.
Hop aboard a guided, ride-through Safari Ride, the only one in the mid-Atlantic area.
Your adventure ride winds through four different paddocks of exotic animals, encompassing twenty-five wooded acres.
Encounter Tokens unlock several of our optional visit upgrades.
Tokens cost $5 each and are sold only at the Admission Booth, the Safari Outpost, and the Giftshop.
Each participant, regardless of age, will need an Encounter Token for experiences including:
– Omnivore Zoofood (petting zoo and other select exhibits)
– Tortoise Feeding Encounter
– Koi Pond Fish Food
– Safari Ride food refills
Japanese Koi Pond
Home to hundreds of beautiful fish, the exhibit one of the most admired exhibits at the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve.
Feed the fish by hand with the special koi food available for purchase in nearby vending machines. Or purchase Koi Food in advance with an Encounter Token.
In this “splash zone,” the fish are eye level, even for children! It’s a very special personal experience for the young and the young at heart.
A naturalized waterfall and a staggering variety of Asian trees, shrubs, grasses and water plants impress most horticulturists.
Tortoise Feeding Encounter
Open weekends, 11:00-3:00, weather permitting.
One Encounter Token per person ($5 each). Includes greens for feeding.
Have you ever seen a dinosaur eat in slow motion? At the Tortoise Feeding Encounter, you might feel like you have.
These tiny tanks will surprise you with personality and persistence as they patiently pursue the treats you can offer them.
It is very important to obey all posted guidelines and instructions.
Remember to pre-purchase your Encounter Tokens.
Tokens cost $5 each and are sold only at the Admission Booth, the Safari Outpost, and the Giftshop.
Each participant, regardless of age, will need an Encounter Token for experiences including:
– Omnivore Zoofood (petting zoo and other select exhibits)
– Tortoise Feeding Encounter
– Koi Pond Fish Food
– Safari Ride food refills