The Hamill Family Wild Encounters Exhibit emphasizes direct encounters with animals to provide a deeper and emotionally rich experience for guests while also improving animal welfare and management.

Exhibits invite guests to personally participate in feeding, touching and more closely observing animals in their habitats as well as exploring scientific comparisons and recording animal behaviors. Self-guided explorations are ideal for an intimate experience, while adventures guided by zoo staff and volunteers create an opportunity for reflection and discussion among guests.

The 5,000 SF Parakeet Aviary provides an immersive environment where visitors can feed a few of the 900 inhabitants. Other permanent exhibits include areas for visitors to touch wallabies and emus and various outdoor habitats featuring llamas, reindeers, alpacas and red panda. Areas for special changing exhibitions are also featured.