This is specifically a review of the giraffe Wild Encounter experience. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly, and first showed us behind the scenes in the giraffe pens and some of their enrichment and food. But the real highlight which we were all there for were the giraffes themselves! The keepers did an excellent job of keeping them near us most of the time and answering all our questions. There was plenty of time to take tons of pictures and videos, and to ask as many questions as you wanted. No rush at all. They lured the giraffes to you with food so you can get really close up shots, I even had one of their heads right next to mine at one point! It was a great experience to be so up close to these gentle giants and learn so much about them. My only complaint is that, because of COVID, you can't touch them and feed them as you otherwise could, which is understandable, but the price you pay for the experience is still the full price even without that benefit. I think the price should be lowered if you can't take full advantage of everything you otherwise would have been able to do in the experience. Otherwise I think these Wild Encounters are a win-win for the zoo. Many other zoos and aquariums have them, so it was long overdue they did this here too. I would love to go back another year and do more, such as the experience with the African penguins and the one with the meerkats. It is really a great draw to have people return to the zoo for a new experience!

Scenic Safari - It was interesting in concept but not in reality. Whilst it was nice to be in an air conditioned car in 31C outdoors, it felt a little expensive to not see very much. We saw hyenas (vaguely) mountain goats, yak, wild horses, flamingos, zebras, a macaw parrot, a camel and a pelican. NO lions, tigers, cheetahs, orangutans, apes, spider monkeys, polar bears, giraffes or elephants, the usual kind of animals you go to a zoo to see. Timewise it took 1 hour and 15 minutes which was not bad. We came from Aurora and turned onto Zoo Road, as per GPS instructions, only to find the road closed to incoming traffic. We had to go back the way we came and find another entrance that then took us through the parking lot which is the line for the scenic safari. We were looking for signs to the washroom but failed to find it. They sold ice cream and drinks along the tour - at rip off prices. We downloaded the podcast and that at least made it more enjoyable. At least we knew what to look out for, even if we didn't see them as we'd hoped. There are signs to tell you when to hit play on the podcast after it told you to pause. It was also a good thing that at the play button it told you where you should be on the podcast. A car for 2 of us was $49 and change after tax, so not a cheap hourly drive. Just not really that impressive for the price.

My husband and I decided to last minute pack up and head to the zoo! We were able to walk the zoo and it was perfect. They have done such a good job with limiting the amount of visitors in that it didn't feel crowded at all. Also many paths were one way onlys. All indoor buildings were mandatory masks for anyone 2 years old and up. Everyone was following the guidelines. The longest line was for the bathrooms but the staff were only allowing 1 person/1 family in at a time than going in to clean after so worth the wait. We saw soo many animal's even with it being over 30+ degrees. It was very hot walk. The baby giraffe is adorable!! But it was a great feeling of normality almost back due to Covid. I highly recommend anyone who is debating on a visit go. You won't regret it.