Private Animal Feeding & Encounter
Enjoy a Private Animal Feeding and Encounter with our wolves, black bears, cougars, and bison and elk herd! This 1.5 hour program allows up to 4 guests to ride in a UTV or truck with a knowledgeable WPP staff member to visit these animals behind the scenes. Learn about these animals and their daily care, while you get an up close look and a chance to feed or give them enrichment. Depending on the weather, instead of going into the bison and elk pasture, you or WPP staff may opt to go inside Forest Hall Education Center for an encounter with a snapping turtle, skunk, or turkey vulture.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Meeting Location: Outside the Visitor Center
Participants must be 2 years and older.
Schedule
September 8, 2026 - October 30, 2026*
Available Every Day:
9:15 to 10:45 a.m.
3 to 4:30 p.m.
Times will be honored for previously scheduled Private Animal Encounters at 10am and 1pm.
Private Animal Encounter already booked in November will still be honored.
*Not available Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or New Year's Eve, New Year's Day.
Memorial Day - Labor Day in 2027
Gift a Wildly Unforgettable Adventure
Buy a Wildlife Prairie Park gift card for a special someone to use when booking their Private Animal Feeding and Encounter.
Questions
If you have any questions, please call us at (309) 676-0998 ext. 312 or email programming@wildlifeprairie.org.
Please Note
This program will take place outdoors. Please dress for the weather.
Photos will be allowed behind the scenes.
Children of all ages are welcome. Children 17 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult on the experience.
Stay Overnight in the Wild
Complete your immersive experience in the wild by staying overnight in one of our unique lodging accommodations including the serene Cabin on the Hill, converted Train Cabooses or Grain Bins, the beautiful Legacy Cabins adjacent to the bison and elk pasture, and a relaxing lakeside view at Prairie Stables.
