Brown Bear Encounters at Alaska Zoo (Most Saturdays)

Encounters are limited to 4 total participants and all must be age 9 and older. Masks are required for all participants. There are no exceptions allowed to these restrictions due to the very close proximity of this encounter to the brown bears in the enclosed den building. If you forget to bring a mask, we will have disposables to provide you.

This encounter involves walking on uneven and hilly surfaces with potentially muddy conditions while entering the den building, the outdoor habitat and the rooftop access. Proper footwear (boots or rugged shoes) is required and all participants must be willing and able to navigate these trail conditions and hilly terrain.

Photos are encouraged for your personal use and documentation of this experience, however the den building (the first part of the encounter) is a close and dark confined space in the keeper access hallway. Photo opportunities are limited inside the building due to these conditions, so participants should be aware that the best photos are from the rooftop access in the last part of the encounter.

The bears are normally locked in their den building at this time of day for their morning feeding. We ask participants to arrive at the front of the zoo no later than 8:45am to meet the zookeeper and walk back to the brown bear habitat. The bears will be eager to eat indoors and be released into the outdoor yard so being on time for this experience is essential. Staff reserve the right to cancel the encounter with no refund if participants are tardy.

If you have a schedule issue or COVID concerns within your group, please contact us ahead of time to reschedule. We are happy to work with you! Refunds will not be given for no-shows or late arrivals.

Tickets for encounter dates are open until booked or 48 hours from the encounter date. If you have questions, contact the Alaska Zoo.