Capybara Encounter

The Zoo is located inside of Forest Park. If you have never been to The Zoo before, we encourage you to arrive at least 20 minutes early. Use GPS address 293 Sumner Ave., Springfield to locate The Zoo.

The 30-minute capybara encounter at The Zoo in Forest Park allows you to get closer than ever to everyone's favorite giant rodent! The experience is 30-minutes and includes an introduction from our Zoo Educator outside their enclosure before moving into their space for an encounter with the capys. All participants will also get greens to feed the capybaras.

Each time slot is limited to 8 total participants, and your group may be paired with other small groups. Participants must be at least three years old to take part in the encounter, and any guest 3-17 MUST have a paying adult accompany them.

Pricing is $60/person + the price of admission for Saturdays, Sundays and Oct. 12. (A processing fee does apply.) Admission is paid for at The Zoo's ticket booth upon arrival and costs $13/adult and $7/child. For bookings on weekdays, (excluding Oct. 12) admission is not required and only includes the encounter and not access to The Zoo grounds, as we are closed to the public.

All participants must wear closed-toe shoes and clothes they are comfortable getting dirty!

Parking is managed by the city of Springfield and not The Zoo in Forest Park. The Zoo charges $3-$5, cash only to park. This fee is not managed or collected by The Zoo.

PLEASE NOTE: The safety of our animals is our top priority. Anyone not following rules or behaving poorly will be asked to leave the encounter without refund. The educator will make a reasonable effort to encourage the capybaras to participate in the encounter, but we do not force our animals to participate in encounters if they do not show interest in being pet or eating greens.