Metro Richmond Zoo offering "The Poppy Experience" with a chance to meet the pigmy hippo

The big picture: The Poppy Pygmy Hippo Experience starts this week and includes:

• A behind-the-scenes tour of the indoor pool part of the Hippo Haven habitat.
• A wade into hippo waters near the beloved hippos (waders provided).
• The possibility of feeding Poppy and her mom Iris.

Yes, and: "The water may be poopy" and attendees may also be pooped on — and should expect to smell upon leaving, per the zoo.

Yes, but: Interaction with Poppy and Iris isn't guaranteed, and the zoo may reschedule your booking if it fails to book other visitors for the time slot.

Of note: Groups will go in four at a time and participants must be 8 or older.

• Zoo admission is not included in the $175, so expect to pony up another $26.95 for adults or $19.95 for kids.
• The hippo experience will only be offered a limited time and capacity is capped, per the zoo.
• Online bookings can be made here.