A visit to the zoo is great and all, but have you ever wished you could get closer to the animals? Well, we’ve got some great news for you – you can! And it’s all thanks to Wild Connections, a new animal encounter program at Milwaukee County Zoo. Take a look:

Spanning 190 acres and home to a few thousand animals, Milwaukee County Zoo is a great visit for animal lovers of all ages.

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As if an incredible menagerie of wildlife wasn’t enough, the zoo recently introduced Wild Connections, an animal encounter program, which offers visitors the chance to get up close to a variety of animals.

Milwaukee County Zoo/Facebook

Which animals you get “up close” to is up to you. The Wild Connections program includes an assortment of encounter options, including a Giraffe Encounter, Rhinoceros Encounter, and Red River Hog and Alpaca Encounter.

Milwaukee County Zoo/Facebook

An Aviary Tour and Aquatic and Reptile Center Tour are also part of the Wild Connections program.

Milwaukee County Zoo/Facebook

Fun for all ages, every encounter takes visitors on a behind the scene tour of the zoo.

Milwaukee County Zoo/Facebook

Basically like your very own safari, you’ll get to experience the animals in a more personal way during your tour.

Milwaukee County Zoo/Facebook

As part of the experience, you’ll get the inside scoop from keepers on what it’s like to care for the animals. You’ll also learn about the animals themselves as well as their favorite foods and snacks.

Milwaukee County Zoo/Facebook

One of the most exciting things about the encounters, though, is that you get to feed the animals.

Milwaukee County Zoo/Facebook

The encounters, which must be booked in advance, range in price from $25 to $50 per person and are held on varying days throughout the week.

Milwaukee County Zoo/Facebook

For more information, call (414) 256-5412. You can also e-mail zoo.wildconnections@milwaukeecountywi.gov. To book your encounter or get more details, visit the zoo’s website.

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Milwaukee County Zoo/Facebook

So, did you know about Wild Connections? Have you gone on a behind-the-scenes tour? If so, what’d you think? Tell us in the comments section.

This isn’t the only option for animal-related fun. Read about another here.

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Address: 10001 W Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA