Rise and Dine with the Animals

ARE YOU CRAVING SOME ANIMAL TIME BEFORE THE ZOO OPENS TO THE PUBLIC?

Join us to Rise and Dine with the Animals, where you can enjoy a continental breakfast* by Proof of the Pudding while also enjoying an early morning view of the animals as they get ready to start their day.

Each program will include an educational component to learn more about the species, time with an Animal Care Professional to hear about the individuals in their care, a memorable takeaway connected to the featured animal, and Zoo admission to stay and enjoy the Zoo at the end of the program. 

*Breakfast will include fruit, yogurt, pastries, coffee, hot tea, and juice. Option to add a Mimosa for 21+ guests when you register. 

2025 Dates:
March 29: Reptiles and Amphibians
April 19: Elephants
May 17: Tiger and Clouded Leopard
June 7: Gorillas
July 12: Tiger and Clouded Leopard
August 23: Giraffe and African Savanna
September 13: Gorilla
October 4: Lion

Time: 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Check-in starts at 8:15 a.m.

Cost: $65 (includes Zoo admission)
Member Cost: $52

Age Range:
Program is open to all ages, but content is geared to audiences ages 12+. Children 2 and under are free, but must be registered. All children must be accompanied by a paying adult.

THEMES:

March 29: Georgia eXtremes – Reptiles and Amphibians 
Take your breakfast to the next level, surrounded by extremes of the animal kingdom. Dine inside Georgia eXtremes at Scaly Slimy Spectacular with a view of reptiles and amphibians and learn about these incredible creatures through biofacts and activities. You’ll also get the chance to meet some scaly and slimy Animal Ambassadors up close! 

April 19: Elephants 
As our elephant herd starts their day, you’ll see them searching the habitat for enrichment and surprises left by the Animal Care Team. Hear from a Zoo Educator about elephants’ amazing adaptations, see and touch biofacts, find out how we care for elephants at Zoo Atlanta, and learn about our partnerships with conservation organizations to save elephants in Africa. After breakfast, meet and chat with one of our Elephant Care Team members before enjoying the rest of your day visiting other animals in the Zoo. 

May 17 and July 12: Complex Carnivores – Tigers & Clouded Leopard 
While their breakfasts might be different, join some carnivorous friends as they investigate and patrol their habitats. Come face-to-face with some of the incredible adaptations that help carnivores survive, and hear from our Animal Care and Education Teams about how we take these adaptations into account while caring for animals including tigers, the clouded leopard, and more! 

June 7 and September 13: Gorillas 
Bring your troop to join us for an interactive breakfast and learn more about how we care for this iconic species, including the youngster Floyd and his silverback dad, Taz. During breakfast, you’ll watch the gorillas start their morning as they search their habitat for surprises left for them by the Animal Care Team. You’ll have the opportunity to hear firsthand what it is like to care for gorillas at the Zoo from one of our Animal Care Professionals, and Zoo Educators will have activities and biofacts for you to explore as you learn more about gorillas at the Zoo and in the wild. 

August 23: Giraffes and African Savanna 
Graze alongside the animals of the African Savanna where you might catch glimpses of zebras, ostrich, giraffes and elephants as they start their day. Learn from our Education and Animal Care Teams about the dynamic relationships between the different species on the savanna and investigate how our teams care for multiple species living together. 

October 4: Lions 
Roar alongside the lions as they greet the morning while you snack on some breakfast treats. Learn from our Zoo Educators and Animal Care Professionals about what goes into caring for the lions at the Zoo, the ways the habitat has been designed with their wellbeing in mind, and the steps you can take to help lions on the savannas in Africa.