Red Panda Encounter

Please note this encounter time is subject to change due to exhibit maintenance.

• Encounter booking does not include zoo entry. A member return booking or online day ticket is required.
  
• Minimum age of 10 and a minimum height of 1.25m applies. All children must be comfortable in the presence of animals. 
• Red panda encounters are held once per day at 9:30am for a maximum group size of 4.
  
• All participants up to 16 years must be accompanied by a paid participating adult. All participants up to 18 years must have an adult or guardian present at check-in to sign and acknowledge the waiver form.
• Anyone aged 16 or over will need to show a government-approved proof of COVID-19 vaccination or medical contraindication form to participate in the encounter. Please note that Sydney Zoo’s ‘fully vaccinated’ requirement consists of three vaccinations inclusive of the first, second, and booster Covid-19 vaccination. Dated evidence for the three vaccinations will need to be sighted upon arrival.
• As a Covid safe precaution, a face mask is required to be worn at all times during the encounter, including during photography sessions.
• Encounter bookings are non-refundable. Any changes to your booking must be made at least 7 days prior to your visit date. Please call us on 02 7202 2560.
• This encounter is suitable for wheelchairs, walking aids, or people with compromised mobility. Other encounters are also available for people with compromised mobility. Please call us on 02 7202 2560 to discuss what other encounters may be suitable.
• Please check in at the information desk at the zoo entrance at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled encounter time. Encounters go ahead on time as scheduled.
• The encounter runs in all weather conditions. We recommend wet weather attire on wet days. Sydney Zoo reserves the right to cancel the encounter in extreme weather conditions. A reschedule date will be offered based on availability. 
•  Sydney Zoo reserves the right to cancel the encounter for any unseen circumstances. A reschedule date will be offered based on availability.
• Clothing requirements: For your comfort and safety, please wear enclosed footwear suitable for varied surfaces and to provide safety in the habitat. Visually ostentatious garments (i.e. costumes, novelty hats, etc.) are not permitted. Upon check-in, staff will be required to sight the shoes worn and the full mobility of each participant to ensure the highest level of safety for the duration of the animal encounter.
• Please note that any visitors who have been impacted by government health warnings (eg recent contraction of Covid-19 or Foot and Mouth disease) are required to contact our Visitor Experience team on 02 7202 2560 prior to booking.