shark feeding ADVENTURE

SCHEDULE: Open select days April 6-November 9, 2024
TIMES: 11:45 AM 
COST: $100 for 1 to 2 participants
LOCATION: The Living Coast

Come on over to the Shark Side! On this Jawsome Adventure, you will assist our animal care specialists in preparing food and feeding the sharks in the Living Coast. You will learn what they eat and how to feed our sharks. Once preparation is complete, you have the opportunity to assist staff with feeding. You will be provided with important instructions on how to safely feed our sharks.

Please note, Zoo admission and parking are not included in the Shark Feeding Adventure price.

Click here for Shark Feeding Adventure Waiver, FAQs, and Info

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ADVENTURE INFORMATION

Age: Participants must be at least 12 years old. A parent or adult guardian must accompany participants under the age of 17. Please ensure you are putting the correct birthdate for each participant. Children under the age of 12 cannot participate in this Adventure. If a participant is not at least 12 years old, they may be refused participation and forfeit their registration fee.
Maximum Group Size: Each adventure is limited to two participants. (The cost for the Adventure is $100 total for one or two participants. It is the same cost, so you might as well bring a friend!) 
Pictures: To keep the animals comfortable and to ensure the safety of all involved, we do not allow camera or cell phone use during Backstage Adventures. While you are in the habitat, if you wish family members or friends will be able to take pictures for you from the guest areas located in front of the habitat. No photos can be taken in any non-public area.
Meeting Area: An animal care specialist will meet you at the public entrance of Living Coast house at the sign that reads “Your Backstage Adventure Meets Here” at 11:45 a.m. Please wait in this area until an animal care specialist meets with you, and do not wander away. Your Adventure will start promptly at 12:00 p.m.
You must be on time: Since you will be participating with a scheduled public feeding, this Adventure must start on time. If you are late, the adventure will proceed without you. Participants that do not show up for their registered session or choose to leave early will not be granted a refund.
Refund Policy: Refunds are only available 14 calendar days before the program date and there will be a non-refundable 25% deposit for each program. Please be aware that though it is rare, Backstage Adventures can be cancelled by Brookfield Zoo Chicago at any time due to animal welfare, dangerous weather, or staff needs. If your program is cancelled, you will be contacted with as much notice as possible to schedule another date for your adventure.

WHAT TO EXPECT

 

• First, you will learn what they eat and how to feed our sharks. Once preparation is complete, you have the opportunity to assist staff with feeding. You will be provided with important instructions on how to safely feed our sharks.
• Animal care staff will also show how to identify each individual shark and also the other species that live in the habitat. You'll learn about shark behavior and why sharks are important to the environment. Some say sharks have been around for at least 400 million years and have adapted to survive five mass extinctions. An incredible animal that you will have the chance to learn about and connect with.
• At the end of the Adventure, after the sharks have had their fill, you will bid them farewell. The care staff will answer any additional questions you have as they guide you back to the public area of the building.
• Communication between you and the host care staff is crucial. You must be able to read, speak, and understand English without the use of an interpreter. If you are unable to participate in the program without an interpreter, please call (708) 688-8338.
• You must be attentive. Although our animals regularly work with their human caregivers, they are still wild animals and their behavior is unpredictable. It is important that you pay close attention to the guidance and instructions of the animal care specialist you are spending the morning with. Never enter any animal area without direction from the care staff. Always wait for instructions and authorization from the staff before approaching any of the animals while participating in observation, care and enrichment, and feeding sessions. Participants must be able to maneuver within the behind the scenes habitat. This does include climbing stairs or moving about in smaller areas.
• All participants are required to complete a signed liability waiver.