Photography Tours

This tour offers participants the opportunity to capture great wildlife shots. You will have access to areas off of the regular tour path and the chance to safely take photos against the fencing with the aid of an experienced staff member.

Because we have such a small staff, we strongly encourage You to use our online reservation system.

We appreciate your understanding in this matter.

Groups of up to 5 photographers are welcome, however, keep in mind that throughout most of our facility, only 1 or 2 individuals can safely take photographs against the fence.

"It was quite humbling for my wife and me to be so close to these wonderful animals. Having the opportunity to photograph big cats without traveling thousands of miles or dealing with the crowds at a zoo was a fantastic experience I will never forget!" - Tracey Ruark

All tours must be scheduled in advance and require a deposit. We offer tours most Saturdays and Sundays and weekday opportunities are also periodically available. All tour participants are required to fill out an adult waiver. No participants under 18 are permitted on Photography Tours.

All tours require a 50% deposit (either a check or online here via PayPal).
If you need to cancel or change your tour time, you must give us 72 hours notice by calling 336-421-0883 or email us. If you do not provide 72-hour notice of cancellation or if you do not show up for your scheduled tour, you waive your deposit. Tours start promptly at the scheduled time. If you arrive late, we may not be able to accommodate your entire scheduled time slot.

If you are particularly sensitive to the heat or cold, please keep in mind that the Conservators' Center is an outdoor facility. Please dress appropriately for the weather.

Please check the Tour Status at the top of this page the day of your scheduled tour to ensure that there have been no changes. In the event of inclement weather we may need to reschedule tours. We will contact you about rescheduling your tour and you will not lose your deposit.

Tour Costs
General Public: $125.00 per hour
Members of the Pride*: $100.00 per hour

*Learn more about our Member and Adopter Programs

Please note that no more than 5 individuals may participate in a single photography tour. Also, no participants under the age of 18 are permitted.
To schedule a tour, please use our online reservation system.

Important Notes about Visiting the Conservators' Center:

The Conservators' Center is not a zoo; it is a special haven for animals where they need to feel respected and at peace. The facility was built for the care and well-being of the animals, first and foremost. The animals are all in cages, but the barriers in front of cages are there as a visual reminder to everyone that going closer is not safe.
Although our tour guides make every effort to encourage our residents to greet tour groups, you may not see every animal along the tour path. Most are happy to see visitors, but a few disappear into their den boxes at certain times of day. It is highly unlikely you will see our nocturnal species (genets and kinkajous) during a daytime tour.
You may be walking in some muddy areas; therefore we do not recommend open-toed shoes or heels.
Strollers are not allowed on site.
Do not bring your animals to the Conservators' Center.
This is a walking tour. If someone in your party may have difficulty walking the entire length of the tour path (3/4 mile), please inform the tour coordinator when you schedule your tour.

Things to Do and Places to Go When You Visit the Conservators' Center