Backstage Pass
Travel backstage at the Zoo to learn about animal care, behavior and conservation! Backstage Pass gives you behind-the-scenes access to areas not available to the public. These special tours are filled with experiences and information you cannot get anywhere else.
Want to gift a tour but don't have a date? Email backstagepass@nashvillezoo.org for more details on how to purchase a gift certificate. Not available for seasonal tours.
Closed-toe shoes are encouraged for all tours.
Know Before You Go
- Each tour participant needs a ticket for the tour.
- Children under 16 must be accompanied by a ticketed adult.
- We require that there be a 1:1 child-to-adult ratio for groups attending Backstage Pass tours.
- No food or drink is allowed, except for water bottles with closed lids. Water bottles must remain closed and put away while visiting animal areas.
- All tours meet outside the Gift Shop in Entry Village 10 to 15 minutes before the tour, with the exception of Veterinary Center tours which meet at the Veterinary Center.
- No restrooms are available on the tour. There is a bathroom located near the meeting spot in Entry Village.
- There are no strollers permitted on the tours. You may store strollers at the Rentals building in Entry Village during the tour.
- Service animals are not permitted on these tours.
- No refunds or rainchecks.
- Tours are weather-dependent. Tours canceled by the Zoo because of weather will be refunded.
- Tours may change due to animal medical care.
Tour Options
Travel with your personal guide to visit behind-the-scenes areas and learn more about the animals that call the Zoo home.
Rhino
$150 Members | $170 Non-Members
60-minute tour, offered Saturday & Sunday at 9:30 am
Includes Zoo admission
Visit our rhino barn and meet a rhino up close, then watch them come outside for the day!
Includes a touching opportunity
This tour is NOT wheelchair accessible
Ages 12+ only; ages 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult - all adults and children must have a tour ticket
Giraffe
$75 Members | $95 Non-Members
45-minute tour, offered Thursday-Sunday at 2:00 pm
Includes Zoo admission
Go behind the scenes to visit our giraffe
Includes a feeding opportunity
Wheelchair accessible with advance notice — Email us
Ages 8+ only; ages 8-15 must be accompanied by an adult - all adults and children must have a tour ticket
Sloth
$75 Members | $95 Non-Members
30-minute tour, offered on Wednesdays and Sundays at 10:30 am
Includes Zoo admission
Meet a two-toed sloth
Includes a feeding opportunity
Wheelchair accessible with advance notice — Email us
Ages 8+ only; ages 8-15 must be accompanied by an adult - all adults and children must have a tour ticket
Giant Anteater* Seasonal Tour
$75 Members | $95 Non-Members
45-minute tour, offered Saturday & Sunday at 1:00 pm
Includes Zoo admission
Go behind the scenes to meet our giant anteaters!
Includes a feeding opportunity
Wheelchair accessible with advance notice
Ages 8+ only; ages 8-15 must be accompanied by an adult - all adults and children must have a tour ticket
Mask required for any guests with symptoms of respiratory illness
Red Panda* Seasonal Tour
$60 Members | $80 Non-Members
30-minute tour, offered Wednesday & Saturday at 11:30 am
Includes Zoo admission
Go behind the scenes and meet a red panda up close
Includes a feeding opportunity
This tour is NOT wheelchair accessible
Ages 8+ only; ages 8-15 must be accompanied by an adult - all adults and children must have a tour ticket
This tour is sold out for March and April. Mask required for any guests with symptoms of respiratory illness
Sold Out for 2023. Check back for new seasonal tours coming this holiday season.
Aardvark
$50 Members | $70 Non-Members
30-minute tour, offered Saturday at 10:30 am
Includes Zoo admission
Visit one of our aardvarks
Includes a touching opportunity
This tour is NOT wheelchair accessible
Ages 8+ only; ages 8-15 must be accompanied by an adult - all adults and children must have a tour ticket
Veterinary Center
$40 Members | $60 Non-Members
45-minute tour, by appointment only
Includes Zoo admission
Meet at the sign at the front of the veterinary center
Wheelchair accessible
All ages welcome
By appointment only. Email backstagepass@nashvillezoo.org to schedule
Cassowary* Seasonal Tour
$40 Members | $60 Non-Members
30-minute tour, offered Friday & Sunday at 11:30 am
Includes Zoo admission
Go behind the scenes and meet a cassowary up close
Includes a feeding opportunity
This tour is NOT wheelchair accessible
Ages 6+ only; ages 6-15 must be accompanied by an adult - all adults and children must have a tour ticket