BREMEN ZOO FIELD GUIDE
Behind the Barriers: A Two‑Hour VIP Encounter with Sloths, Otters and Kangaroos in Bremen, Ohio
A two-hour, small-group VIP behind-the-scenes tour at Paws and Claws Encounters that puts you face-to-face with sloths, fennec foxes, binturong, otters, kangaroos and other rare animals.
Behind the Barriers: A Two‑Hour VIP Encounter with Sloths, Otters and Kangaroos in Bremen, Ohio.
Adventure brief
Behind the Barriers: A Two‑Hour VIP Encounter with Sloths, Otters and Kangaroos in Bremen, Ohio
At Paws and Claws Encounters in Bremen, Ohio, the VIP Experience is an all‑access, two‑hour behind‑the‑scenes tour that moves you out of the public enclosures and into the daily care spaces. In small groups you meet and learn about a roster of unusual animals—sloths, fennec foxes, binturong, otters, coatimundis, kangaroos, warthog and others—while keepers explain feeding, habitat and husbandry practices.
At Paws and Claws Encounters in Bremen, Ohio, the VIP Experience puts you behind the curtain of a working animal farm where keepers translate daily care into close-up encounters. For two hours you move through barns, pens, and quieter holding areas with a small group (max six), meeting sloths, fennec foxes, a binturong, playful otters, coatimundis, kangaroos, and even a warthog. The pace is deliberate: handlers demonstrate feeding, enrichment, and habitat setup and explain how diets, substrate, and social needs differ from species to species. This is not a staged photo op but a hands-on education session. Visitors will learn about enrichment puzzles for otters, the slow-metabolism adaptations of sloths, and the nocturnal instincts that shape a fennec fox’s world. Staff discuss veterinary routines, record-keeping, and the conservation messaging that guides responsible animal care at the farm. You’re invited to ask questions, observe keeper routines, and—when animals and staff allow—participate in light, supervised interactions. What makes this VIP Experience stand out in the Midwest is its scale and access. Small groups mean more time with each animal and deeper explanations from an expert staff member who stays with your party. The farm setting—with its mix of open pens, sheltered barns, and behind-the-scenes prep areas—gives a fuller picture of daily operations than a standard encounter. It’s ideal for families with older children (minimum age 7), animal lovers studying zookeeping or vet techs, or anyone curious about hands-on animal welfare. Practical details are straightforward: the program runs two hours, arrive ten minutes early to check in at Paws and Claws Encounters, and sign waivers in advance. Closed-toe shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty are required because you’ll be on a working farm. Every person attending needs a ticket, and children under 16 must be with an adult. Photography is allowed when keepers indicate it’s appropriate; expect staff to guide safe distances and timing. The experience also connects visitors to conservation topics—how captive care supports education and rehabilitation—and offers a chance to explore the rest of the farm after your VIP session. If you want an intimate, informative look at how a small animal facility balances animal needs, visitor engagement, and conservation education, the VIP Experience at Paws and Claws Encounters in Bremen delivers a rare, up-close perspective that’s equal parts classroom and adventure. Book early; sessions are intentionally limited to protect animal welfare and ensure focused interactions. The VIP Experience pairs well with regional outdoor plans—take it on rainy days when hiking is off the table. Discuss mobility or special needs when you book so staff can prepare. Tipping is appreciated for excellent keeper care. Bring a notebook; keepers often share specific, memorable facts that deepen the visit and photos.
Route Schematic
Route & Stops
The tour proceeds through a sequence of keeper‑led stops that showcase different animals and care routines.
Paws and Claws Encounters — Meet & Briefing
Gather at the facility for an orientation with staff before moving into behind‑the‑scenes areas.
Small Mammal and Nocturnal Species
Visits to areas housing sloths, fennec foxes and binturong with keeper commentary on diet and habitat needs.
Aquatic and Playful Species
Time with playful otters and other aquatic species, focused on enrichment and feeding behaviors.
Larger Mammals and Paddocks
A look into the kangaroo paddock and other larger mammals such as warthog, covering space and husbandry considerations.
This is a working farm environment; the operator may modify routes or stops as needed. Children under 7 are not permitted and kids under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Face‑to‑face with rare and curious species
This VIP pass brings you close to an eclectic group of animals—from a slow‑moving sloth to playful otters and inquisitive fennec foxes—many of which aren’t normally on public display.
Behind‑the‑scenes with knowledgeable staff
Throughout the two‑hour visit, experienced keepers guide the group, answering questions and demonstrating aspects of daily care, diet and habitat management.
A compact tour that covers many species
In a focused window of time you’ll move between areas highlighting aquatic species, small mammals and larger paddocks—sampling the variety of animals that make up the farm’s collection.
What the day feels like
What the VIP Experience Feels Like
The pace is intimate and hands‑on: over two hours a keeper escorts a small group through behind‑the‑scenes areas, pausing at enclosures to introduce animals, explain husbandry routines and demonstrate parts of daily care. You’ll meet species ranging from sloths and foxes to otters and kangaroos, with opportunities to observe—and in designated moments interact with—animals in their working environment.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this VIP Experience suits—and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The experience runs for two hours.
This is a working farm—wear closed‑toe shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirty; the operator supplies any additional gear needed for interactions.
Meet at Paws and Claws Encounters in Bremen, Ohio.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the VIP Experience?
The tour lasts two hours.
Where do we meet?
The meeting point is Paws and Claws Encounters in Bremen, Ohio.
Are there age restrictions?
Children under 7 are not permitted; kids under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
What should I wear?
Closed‑toe shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirty are required because this is a working farm.
Which animals will we see?
Expect to meet species such as sloths, fennec foxes, binturong, otters, coatimundis, kangaroos, warthog and other animals—including some not normally on public display.
Who leads the tour?
The tour is led by the facility’s keepers or knowledgeable staff who guide interactions and answer questions.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-12T12:12:02.220Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.