Red Panda Encounter

Designed for ages 7 and older, this program takes visitors behind-the-scenes to share in an up close and personal experience with a red panda. Join our zookeepers and get hands-on with one of the most elusive species in the world, and learn all about what makes them so unique and special.

During our memorable red panda encounter, you will get the chance to hand feed a red panda and pose for a photo.

Book early to avoid disappointment as only 4 lucky people will get the chance to feed our red panda each session per day.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: 

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 7 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.
• Our consideration for the welfare of our animals is our number one priority. The animals at Sydney Zoo are not yet vaccinated against COVID-19. After undertaking an extensive risk assessment and mitigation process, we have relaxed our policy on vaccination requirements and the wearing of masks during our close encounters. Visitors will not be required to provide proof of vaccination prior to an Encounter at Sydney Zoo. Visitors will however, be required to complete a declaration regarding their health on arrival at the zoo on the day of your close encounter. We ask that if you have any flu or cold like symptoms, you call us to reschedule to another date. We also ask that you wear solid shoes and that your footwear is clean of any sand, soil or leaf litter. 
  We will continue to monitor the level of COVID-19 in the community and may at times change our policy in regard to vaccination and mask wearing, or other risk mitigation measures.
• 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.