Go Behind the Scenes at the Phoenix Zoo’s Wildest VIP Experience

Meet a rhino, hang with a centenarian tortoise and watch a viral anteater take a bubble bath.

Most Phoenix Zoo visitors spend their day strolling shaded paths and admiring animals from afar. But on the zoo’s Backstage Adventures tours, guests get something far more memorable – a chance to meet some of the park’s biggest stars up close.

Led by zoo professionals, these small-group experiences (capped at just 10 guests) offer behind-the-scenes access to select animals and the people who care for them. On our recent tour, that meant face time with Chutti the rhino, a herd of Galápagos tortoises and Beaker, the internet-famous giant anteater.

First up was Chutti, affectionately known as “Chutti the Cutie.” The 11-year-old Greater One-horned rhinoceros weighs several tons but has the playful energy of an oversized puppy, occasionally breaking into what zookeepers lovingly call “zoomies.” Despite looking like he’s wearing medieval armor, Chutti’s distinctive plates are actually folds of thick skin that help regulate his body temperature. His single horn? Not bone at all, but compressed keratin—the same material found in human hair and fingernails. Basically, he’s a unicorn with a really impressive manicure.

Next came the Galápagos tortoise crew, including Mary, the zoo’s oldest resident. Estimated to have been born around 1917, Mary has witnessed more than a century of history while steadily proving that slow and steady really does win the race. The zoo’s tortoise program also plays an important conservation role, helping breed and hatch endangered Galápagos tortoises for future generations.

Then there was Beaker.

At 16 years old, the giant anteater has become one of the zoo’s most beloved residents thanks to his viral bubble baths, two-foot-long tongue and quirky personality. During enrichment sessions, Beaker enjoys exploring new scents and textures – including mountains of bubbles made from animal-safe baby shampoo. Most days, he spends about a minute cooling off in his pool. Add bubbles, however, and suddenly he’s booked himself a luxury spa treatment.

While the Backstage Adventures are available throughout the year, summer may be one of the best times to visit. The zoo shifts to early morning hours, crowds are lighter, and guests can cool off at misting stations and splash pads throughout the park. Seasonal promotions, including monthly “$20 Tuesdays,” add extra value with entertainment, foam parties and family-friendly activities.

Additional backstage experiences feature flamingos, stingrays, reptiles, horses and more, depending on the season.

Tours start at $139 per person and require separate zoo admission. For animal lovers, aspiring zookeepers or anyone who’s ever wondered what happens beyond the exhibit fence, it’s a rare opportunity to experience the zoo from the inside out.

For information and reservations, visit phoenixzoo.org/visit/tours.