Wildlife photography isn’t easy. In search of the perfect shot, photographers wait hours—sometimes days—to catch a wild animal in repose. Patient photogs hide out in bushes, tree blinds, and tall grass hoping for that golden photo-op: a bald eagle with a fish in its talons, a bear cub wrestling with a sibling, or a lion baring its massive teeth. All this after they’ve traveled hundreds, even thousands, of miles to the animal’s natural habitat with no guarantee said animal will even make an appearance.

Unless you work for National Geographic, chances are you don’t have the time or money necessary to facilitate a hobby as an exotic wildlife photographer. But what if you could snap portraits of animals from every corner of the planet in one morning without ever leaving town? This Sunday—at the Denver Zoo Photo Safari—you can. It’s a rare chance to photograph zoo animals before the crowds descend. Not only will you get exclusive, early access to zoo grounds during the animals’ most active time of day, but Denver Zoo photographer Dave Parsons will be on hand to teach techniques, tips, and tricks of the trade.

Frame it right and no one has to know that amazing zebra shot on your wall wasn’t taken in Tanzania. If it feels like cheating to photograph wildlife at the zoo, it shouldn’t. It actually makes a lot of sense—for a few reasons.

The animals are guaranteed to be there. You may still have to wait for the perfect shot, but you won’t be waiting long. Plus, there’s zero chance your subject will eat you. It’s also eco-friendly. You’d have to travel to the mountains, the grasslands, the desert, and the coast to photograph all the animals you’ll see in a few hours at City Park. Best of all, while an African safari will cost you at least $5,000, the Photo Safari is $45—and you can skip the 20-hour flight.

Advance registration is required and limited to 25 people, so don’t delay. Visit the Denver Zoo website for more info and additional dates.