Take a ride "around the world" in ten to twelve minutes! The Zoo train is a family favorite, filled with fun facts about our animals, conservation efforts, historic information, and a behind-the-scenes look at some of our exhibits.

Open daily from 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., weather permitting.

Saturdays & Sundays, 9 a.m. (must book in advance)

Come aboard and learn to be a Santa Barbara Zoo Railroad engineer! Get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to be a part of one of the top attractions at the Santa Barbara Zoo. Participants will tour the Santa Barbara Zoo Railroad maintenance shed, help an engineer with daily morning activities, participate in daily train safety checks, ride with an engineer on the locomotive, blow the whistle, ring the bell, and help announce a narrated tour on the train.

To look the part, you will receive an engineer’s cap, bandana, train whistle, and a special button. You will also take home a special certificate, suitable for framing, as a reminder of your day on the Santa Barbara Zoo Railroad! Experience lasts 30–45 minutes.

Cost: $160/person, $130/person for SB Zoo Members

Get up close and personal with the tallest residents of the Zoo! Hand feed Masai giraffes and have the experience of a lifetime.
Please call ahead to check on giraffe feeding schedule and times or check at the admissions upon your arrival; feeding schedule is flexible based on the animals’ behavior and therefore not guaranteed.

Children (Under the Age of 12) must be accompanied by a paying Adult or Guardian. 

Open weekdays from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., and weekends from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Climb for Condors on our 26-foot climbing wall, where you can experience what it takes to save a California Condor.

Climbing wall open during weekends, holidays, and school breaks. Times may vary due to weather.