SAN ANTONIO – Guests will have the opportunity to witness some of nature’s most powerful predators in action when San Antonio Zoo brings back its popular WILD BITES: Get a Taste of the Wild experience on Saturday, June 6.
Taking place from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the immersive event offers visitors a rare chance to observe carnivores engaging in species-specific feeding enrichment activities that highlight their natural instincts, strength and problem-solving abilities.
Throughout the day, guests can watch a variety of animals, including hyenas, bears, jaguars, lions, tigers and African wild dogs, participate in enrichment experiences designed to encourage natural behaviors while supporting their physical and mental wellbeing.
Zoo officials say the event serves as both an educational opportunity and a demonstration of the important role enrichment plays in modern animal care.
Animal Care Specialists will be stationed throughout the zoo during each presentation to explain the animals’ behaviors, discuss training techniques and provide insight into the evolutionary adaptations that make each species unique. Visitors will learn how predators use specialized skills ranging from the stealth of clouded leopards to the remarkable jaw strength of hyenas.
“WILD BITES gives our guests the opportunity to witness the incredible strength, instincts, and behaviors of some of the world’s most fascinating carnivores in a way that is both exciting and educational,” said Tim Morrow, president and CEO of San Antonio Zoo. “It also showcases the importance of enrichment in animal care by encouraging natural behaviors, while inspiring guests to better understand and appreciate wildlife.”
The event is part of the zoo’s ongoing commitment to animal wellbeing. Enrichment activities are designed to promote movement, encourage instinctual behaviors and provide opportunities for mental stimulation and social interaction, all of which contribute to long-term animal health.
WILD BITES Schedule
9:30 a.m. – Hyena
10:00 a.m. – Black Bear
10:15 a.m. – Spectacled Bear
11:00 a.m. – Fishing Cat
11:00 a.m. – Fossa
11:30 a.m. – Jaguar
1:30 p.m. – Nile Crocodile
2:00 p.m. – African Wild Dogs
2:30 p.m. – Lion
2:45 p.m. – Tiger
WILD BITES is included with regular zoo admission and is free for San Antonio Zoo members.
Because whole-prey feeding demonstrations may not appeal to all visitors, alternative pathways will be clearly marked during enrichment times for guests who wish to avoid the presentations. Each enrichment session is expected to last approximately 30 minutes.
For more information, visit San Antonio Zoo’s website.