A day at the zoo is always such a fun treat. No matter how many times you go, you can always spot new animals or new behaviors, and there’s always something cool to learn as you walk around. Rhode Island’s very own Roger Williams Park zoo is ideal for a day trip because they have a wide variety of animals, awesome exhibits, and even some great some great things to snack on while you explore. But have you ever wondered what it would be like to get up close and personal with some of the animals? Well you don’t have to wonder if you sign up for your own private animal encounter with the unbeatably adorable red pandas.
The zoo offers these unique experiences to pairs of two, so it will just be you, your loved one, and an experienced zoo keeper.
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We all know red pandas are the absolute cutest, but they only get cuter the closer you get!
Hina Ichigo/Flickr
Your encounter allows you the opportunity to step inside the red panda enclosure and get up close and personal with these precious little beasts.
Hina Ichigo/Flickr
Fun fact, they are much more closely related to racoons than pandas.
Hina Ichigo/Flickr
During your animal encounter, the zookeeper will show you how you how the red pandas are fed, trained, and given enrichment to keep their minds sharp.
Eric Kilby/Flickr
If you’re lucky, you may get a chance to feed one of them!
Bengt 1955/Flickr
But just remember, any interaction you have with these special creatures is up to them! Make sure to enter with an open heart and a willingness to accept that they may not be ready to meet you up close just yet. Either way you are still guaranteed an unforgettable time.
Heartlover177/Flickr
Maybe you have other animals in mind you have always dreamed of meeting though.
Gary Brownell/Flickr
There are also encounters available with the sloths and the giant otters!
Tracie Hall/Flickr
Are you just raring to go and get up close and personal with the red pandas? At 350 dollars, these animal encounters are a little pricey, but we can promise it is a truly on-of-a-kind experience that anyone is bound to love. Encounters book up quickly so you may have to look ahead a few months, but who doesn’t like the chance to build up some excitement? You can reserve your spot at the zoo’s website under the animal encounters tab.
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Hina Ichigo/Flickr
Eric Kilby/Flickr
Bengt 1955/Flickr
Heartlover177/Flickr
Gary Brownell/Flickr
Tracie Hall/Flickr
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Address: Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI 02907, USA