Red Panda Wild Encounters are back!
Book your experience today!
Currently booking:
April 2nd, 2024 – June 22nd, 2024
For any questions regarding available dates or the booking process please contact Olivia at ogorman@rossparkzoo.org or call (607) 203-9442
Each encounter accommodates a maximum of 4 people. Your payment of $400 secures your time slot for up to 4 participants.
Please be advised that our program has adapted!
As we strive to provide the best care for our animals we have adjusted our polices to provide you with the best experience possible while maintaining a comfortable environment centered around animal choice.
We appreciate your support as we strive to provide an ethically refined encounter for both our valued visitors and cherished Red Pandas. Elevate your wildlife experience with us to a new level of empathy and understanding!
About the Red Panda Wild Encounters
Updated Policies:
- Up to 4 participants can join the experience.
- After completing payment, our Conservation & Education Manager will send you a waiver that includes the rules to complete for each participant. Please note that ALL participants must have a signed waiver in order to participate in the experience (under 18 will be completed by parent/guardian).
- Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an individual aged 18 or older.
- Although hands-on interactions are restricted, you will get very close and have an opportunity to offer food to the animals.
- Adhere to instructions from our knowledgeable educators and esteemed animal care staff.
- Encounters are non-refundable.
FAQ
With thanks to Williams Toyota of Binghamton, there is a specialized encounter space that participants will enter that is attached to the habitat of the Red Pandas.
Our new encounter program is an in-depth experience into the world of Red Pandas where you will meet with Education and Animal Care staff to learn about their species and even offer food to our Red Pandas, though it is up to our Red Pandas on their level of participation. This shift aligns with modern conservation and education goals, enhancing the well-being of the animals. Though it is different from past encounters we hope to create a memorable experience while maintaining a comfortable environment centered around animal choice.
We do not allow participants to touch the Red Pandas. Zoos nationwide are transitioning to more ethical practices focused on animal welfare, promoting natural behaviors and reducing unnecessary human contact. This shift aligns with modern conservation and education goals, enhancing the well-being of the animals.
At the Ross Park Zoo, we are centered around the concept of animal choice meaning that we allow for the Red Pandas during this experience to choose between participating or not. It is completely up to the animal’s reference as to whether they participate or not. In either capacity, we will do what we can to make this experience as amazing and memorable as possible!
The $400 rate reserves your time slot. There is a maximum capacity of 4 participants per time slot. There is no need to purchase individual tickets.
In the event of inclement weather, categorized as severe storms resulting in the closure of the zoo, we will work with you to reschedule your encounter experience!
The encounter experience is non-refunable.