Wild Encounters

We have suspended our wild encounter program as we re-evaluate our education programs at the Ross Park Zoo.

Overview

Wild Encounters consist of education-based programs with up-close and personal animal experiences! There are several packages to choose from, dependent on the type of animal you’re interested in interacting with.

Wild Encounters allow participants to go beyond the public barriers and/or behind the scenes. Participants will learn about the animals featured in the encounter, their adaptations, threats and individual personalities, as well as how our staff care for the animals. Program length varies based on animal interest, though is typically 30 to 45 minutes. Each package offers a unique feature dependent on the species.

Wild Encounters have returned! Contact Kathi at (607) 724-5461 ext. 100 to book your Wild Encounter today!

The Details

• New World Tropics: Wild encounter with two-toed sloth and prehensile-tailed porcupine offered on Saturdays at 11am. $300

Red Panda Wild Encounter: Sundays at 11am. $350

Both Wild Encounters include 2 participants, photos taken during the encounter and emailed to participants. Two additional participants can join the encounter at $25 each. Wild encounter participants must be 13 years or older in age. Face masks are required at all times during wild encounters. 

Book your wild encounter today by contacting Kathi at 607-724-5461 x100 

Children’s Zoo

Enjoy a visit in our Children’s Zoo and get up close and personal with your favorite goat!

Time

Returning in 2022

Cost

Returning in 2022

African Penguin

Spend some time in our penguin yard and learn about one of the most endangered species in the world.

Time

Returning in 2022

Cost

Returning in 2022

New World Tropics

Visit our two-toed sloth and prehensile-tailed porcupines!

Time

Saturdays at 11:00 am

Cost

$300

Red Panda

Enjoy a behind the scenes visit with our red pandas.

Time

Sundays at 11:00 am

Cost

$350

Snow Leopard

Due to COVID concerns, we are unable to offer our Snow Leopard Wild Encounter at this time.

The Details

• Wild Encounters are offered on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
Packages/pricing is valid for up to 3 participants (additional 1 or 2 participants can be added for $25.00 per person)
All participants must be 7 years or older. Participants under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult
Zoo admission is included in the package (if zoo is closed, participants will receive complimentary admission passes for a future date)
Book at least 2 weeks in advance (popularity of program may push back availability – book early!)
Ross Park Zoo members receive a $15.00 discount
All participants will receive a waiver to read through and sign, with the understanding that if they do not follow instructions, they will be asked to leave the Wild Encounter
Boots or sneakers are required
An education staff member will greet participants and give an introduction to the animal as a species in general, including their native habitat, diets, and behaviors. At this time, experience procedures will be reviewed and the waiver should be signed.
Participants will then meet the zookeeper assigned on the day of the program and begin their up-close animal experience.
Education staff will be present during the entire Wild Encounter to capture the interactive experience, and participants will receive a photo emailed to them after the experience (not included in leopard encounter, no photos will be allowed during this experience).
10% of your Wild Encounter admission will be added to the Ross Park Zoo’s Global Conservation Fund for this year!

Children’s Zoo

Enjoy a visit in our Children’s Zoo and get up close and personal with your favorite goat!

Time

Returning in 2022

Cost

Returning in 2022

Children’s Zoo

Enjoy a visit in our Children’s Zoo and get up close and personal with your favorite goat!

Time

Returning in 2022

Cost

Returning in 2022