ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS FOR CURIOUS HUMANS
Come meet the animals you never expected to love.
A hands-on Once in a Wild experience where curious questions, animal stories, snacks, and real connection all belong. Choose the date and location that work for you.
📅 Next date: Sunday, Oct 25 · 🕙 10 AM-5 PM · 📍 Refuge Coffee + Beer Garden · ✅ Come by anytime
New dates every month. See all dates below.
See what it feels like
It is not just petting animals.
It is feeling a millipede walk on your hand while a zookeeper explains what all those legs are for.
Curiosity becomes empathy.
Hold a tarantula, feel how lightweight it is, and understand how fragile it can be.
Every animal has a story.
Ask questions. Meet animals you may never have chosen. Leave seeing them differently.
RESERVE YOUR TICKETS NOW!
Door tickets are limited. Save when you buy online.
Real Café & Cuddles moments
SAY HELLO TO SOMETHING NEW
Every animal has a story.
The best part is seeing an animal differently after you meet them up close.
Ready to meet them?
Pick your date, grab your tickets, and come by anytime during the event.
How the experience works
Small moments. Big animal love.
01
Grab your card
Kids get a fun animal activity card that gives them reasons to notice, ask, and explore.
02
Meet & learn
Professional zookeepers guide safe interactions and explain what makes every animal amazing.
03
Share it back
Guests repeat what they discovered, so the animal lesson actually sticks.
04
Celebrate
Finish the experience, earn a prize, and leave with a new favorite animal.
Check dates & reserve tickets
Choose from the currently available Café & Cuddles dates and locations below. Your ticket is valid for the full event and you can come and go anytime during its listed hours. We can’t wait to see you at this one of a kind experience!
Current location
Refuge Coffee + Beer Garden
11011 Shaenfield Road
San Antonio, TX 78254
Good to know
- All ages welcome
- Animals may be touched only when a zookeeper invites you
- No feeding, chasing, running, or rough play in the animal area
- Food and drinks are available at the host location
Frequently asked questions
Q: Do I need a ticket?
Yes. Animal encounter tickets are $18 online + applicable fees. Limited tickets may be available at the door for $20 + applicable fees. Military, first responders, and seniors receive discount $15 online / $18 at-door pricing + applicable fees.
Q: Can I get a refund if I can’t make it?
Tickets are nonrefundable, so please check your selected date and location before you reserve.
Q: Will there be food and drinks?
Food and drink options are available from the host location. Availability may vary by date and location.
Q: What activities will be available for kids?
Kids may enjoy coloring books, scavenger hunts, a playground area where available, and the animal encounter experience.
Q: Can we feed the animals?
No. For the safety and health of the animals, guests are not allowed to feed the animals.
Q: Are there rules for interacting with the animals?
Yes. Guests should stay calm and respectful around the animals. No yelling, running, chasing, or rough behavior is allowed in the animal area.
Q: Is Café & Cuddles family-friendly?
Yes. Café & Cuddles is designed for families, kids, animal lovers, couples, and guests of all ages.
Q: Are there special ticket arrangements?
Military, first responders, and seniors are $15 online or $18 at the door. Please bring a valid ID. Zoo Club students and teachers receive complimentary admission. Tickets at the door are limited.
Q: Is Café & Cuddles accessible for guests with disabilities?
Accessibility varies by location. For the current Refuge Coffee + Beer Garden date, the venue has stairs and limited mobility, hearing, and visual accommodations. Please contact Once in a Wild before the event with access questions.
