Brunch for the Wild Bunch - August 13, 2022

Go behind-the-scenes and venture into Zoo habitats to participate in one of four different food spreads: Elephant All-You-Can-Eat, Baboon Breakfast, Sun Bear Buffet, or Grizzly Grub, and also, Giraffe Meet-n-Munch!

This event allows you the rare opportunity to place food around habitats before the animals go out for the day. Spread produce for the elephants, hide seeds for the baboons, spread snacks for the sun bears, or toss treats around the grizzly yard. Do you love giraffe and want to help support them in the wild? We are also offering the opportunity to feed a giraffe!

Tickets are $15-$20 per experience with all proceeds going to support Oakland Zoo’s outstanding Animal Care work and our conservation partner the Reticulated Giraffe Project in Kenya.

Please note: Regular Zoo admission is not included with this event ticket. Buy your Zoo admission ticket at the door - you do not need an advanced Zoo reservation if you purchase a ticket for this special experience. Present proof of membership & photo ID or pay for Zoo admission and parking at the Zoo’s Main Entrance when you arrive on the day of the event.

Elephant All-You-Can-Eat, Baboon Breakfast, Sun Bear Buffet, or Grizzly Grub!

• 9:00am-9:30am - Guests check-in at Flamingo Plaza and receive a wristband

• 9:45am* - Guests enter habitats and place food items (All Grizzly Grub guests arrive at this time)

• 10:15am* - Guests enter habitats and place food items

• 10:40am - Animals come out to enjoy snacks as guests enjoy watching them!

*Please plan to arrive at the animal habitat 10 minutes before your scheduled time.

Giraffe Meet-n-Munch!

• 9:30am - Guests are allowed to enter the Zoo

• 11:00am* – First giraffe feedings

• 1:00pm* – Second giraffe feedings

• 3:00pm* – Second giraffe feedings

*Please plan to arrive at the giraffe feeding deck across from the lion habitat 5 minutes before your scheduled time.

Is there an extra cost to participate in this event?

Yes. This event is $15-$20 per person not including regular Zoo admission and you must pre-register to participate in any of the animal experiences. Those that do not pre-register will not be allowed to enter the animal habitat.

Do I need to purchase Zoo admission to participate in the event?

Yes. Regular Zoo admission is not included with this event ticket. At entry, participants will need to either:

• Show proof of membership & photo ID for free admission

• Purchase General Admission Zoo tickets

• Event participants are not required to reserve daytime entry tickets through the Zoo's regular online ticketing system

Is there an age requirement to participate?

Yes. No one under the age of 2 is allowed to participate in the giraffe feeding or go in the elephant, baboon, or sun bear habitat due to safety concerns. Guests must be 6 or older to enter the grizzly bear habitat. Guests 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult to attend.

I bought tickets for my children to participate, but I am just watching. Do I need to purchase a ticket?

Yes. All guests, including supervising adults of children, must have event tickets to enter the animal habitat.

Are strollers or wheelchairs allowed on habitat?

No. Strollers are not allowed in the animal habitats and the habitats are not wheelchair accessible. Please note that the habitats contain uneven terrain and moderate inclines in places.

Do I have to wear a mask?

For the safety of our animals, all participants must wear a mask as guests will be handling food.

What if it is raining?

In the event of rain or mud, keepers will place the produce and food in the animal habitats. This is at the discretion of the keepers for the safety of the public. In the event of rain, no rainchecks will be given, but refunds will be issued.

Can I participate in multiple spreads?

No. Animal spreads take place concurrently and do not allow for guests to participate in multiple food spreads.

How many tickets can I reserve?

Guests are allowed to purchase up to 6 spaces for a spread. Please keep in mind that this event has limited capacity.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

Please print your ticket or have it accessible on your phone. Tickets will be scanned at check-in and guests will receive a wristband to gain access to the animal habitat for their food spread.

Is there a dress code for Brunch for the Wild Bunch?

The animal keepers ask that you wear closed-toe shoes. Do not bring bags into the habitats. Limit jewelry as we do not want anything to fall off in the habitats.

If I am not participating in a spread, can I still enter at 9:00am?

No. The Zoo is open early only for Brunch for the Wild Bunch participants. However, if you have members in your party that cannot participate in the event, they are allowed to enter with you. For example, if you and your child over 2 are participating in a spread, and your partner and child under 2 don't have event tickets, they may enter at the same time with you, but will not be able to participate in the spread.

Host or Publisher Oakland Zoo