To add on to my previous review (see below), I am reviewing the zoo's new animal encounters. Yesterday I did the Sea Lion Wild Encounter for $60 per person. It lasted about 30 minutes. I got to stand right next to the trainers and sea lions during a public show. (The public was on the other side of the swimming pool, so I had a MUCH better view.) I watched the female sea lions up-close performing tricks and eating fish. I got to take a photo with a sea lion. Afterward, I went inside a building where the male sea lion stayed. He was over 1,000 pounds--HUGE! He waddled up to me. He performed handstands. He barked loudly. The zoo also offers encounters for reptiles, sharks, red pandas, flamingos, and other animals. I hope that the zoo continues to offer these interactive encounters.