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.
backstagepass@nashvillezoo.org for more details on how to purchase a gift certificate. Not available for seasonal tours.
Want to gift a tour but don't have a date? EmailClosed-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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Giant Tortoise* Seasonal Tour
$30 Members | $40 Non-Members
Includes Zoo admission
Go behind the scenes and meet our giant tortoises up close
Includes a feeding opportunity
This tour is NOT wheelchair accessible
All ages welcome; children under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult - all adults and children must have a tour ticket