ANIMAL
ENCOUNTERS
Hear from our experts, ask questions, meet your favorite animal and discover something new during these exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences!
The Rosamond Gifford Zoo has a commitment to providing our visitors with high quality, safe learning experiences that create memories last a lifetime and foster a respect for wildlife and nature conservation.
Animal encounters offer an opportunity for you to learn more about an animal, observe and, in some cases, interact with an individual animal and the zookeeper(s) caring for the species. Your exclusive encounter will allow you to engage with our dedicated professional staff and learn about the attentive care the animal receives, their behaviors, their unique features and the zoo’s extraordinary work to help save threatened and endangered species.
For more information or to reserve your encounter, please contact Heidi Strong, Director of Development
hstrong@rosamondgiffordzoo.org | (315) 435-8511 x8526
Encounters must be scheduled a minimum of 2 weeks in advance
Sloth Encounter
Hang with a Hoffmann’s two-toed sloth!
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Have you ever wondered how much time a sloth
spends upside down, or how long it takes a sloth to eat?
Here’s your chance to find out. During your time with this
fan favorite you will learn what goes into the daily care of
our sloth ambassador.
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Each encounter is $50 per person for up to four (4) guests. Minimum of two guests.
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This experience may last up to 30 minutes.
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Open to guests 5 years and up. Ages 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
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Masks are required by all guests.
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While guests will be able to feed the sloths, touching is not allowed.
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Closed-toed shoes are required - please do not touch the armadillos even though they may scurry around your feet!
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No photography will be allowed behind the scenes and during the feeding.
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Admission to Rosamond Gifford Zoo is included
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Encounters are non-refundable, reservations may be changed up to 3 days before the scheduled date.
Penguin Encounters
Available 2022
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Each encounter is $50 per person for up to 6 guests. Minimum of two guests.
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This experience may last up to 30 minutes
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Guests minimum age is 5 years old (accompanied by an adult).
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Masks are required by all guests.
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Photography is not allowed indoors.
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Rain, Snow or SHINE. Encounters run in all weather. Closed-toed shoes are required.
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Admission to Rosamond Gifford Zoo is included.
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Encounters are non-refundable, reservations may be changed up to 3 days before the scheduled date.
Visit with some of our favorite feathered friends at Penguin Coast. This intimate meeting with a Humboldt penguin ambassador and zookeeper will provide a glimpse into the daily care the colony receives.
Elephant Bath
Wonder what it’s like to care for Asian elephants? Join our Elephant Team and learn firsthand what goes into the daily care of our herd -- while you bathe an elephant! With the support of our keeper staff, you’ll be able to assist in giving an elephant a bath while learning about these amazing animals.
Experience includes:
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Bathing an elephant and education about elephant care at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo.
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An unforgettable experience lasting 30 to 45 minutes.
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Admission to Rosamond Gifford Zoo after your experience.
Cost per Experience:
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This program is for up to four (4) guests.
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A minimum of two (2) guests are required for this experience.
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Each encounter is $100 per person.
PLEASE note:
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All guests must be age 12 or older. Ages 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
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Closed-toed shoes are required.
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Photography is not allowed behind the scenes at the zoo (including elephant baths).
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All guests are required to wear masks while indoors.
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Encounters are non-refundable; reservations may be changed up to 3 days prior to the scheduled date.
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Elephant baths take place Saturdays and Sundays at 9 a.m.
Hawk Walk
Available 2022
For two adventure seeking guests. Take a walk with our majestic birds of prey, Alex and Anakin the Harris hawks. Watch them in flight and learn about the care these birds receive as well as their free-flight training. Join their team and learn about the ancient sport of falconry.
Experience for two guests includes:
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Admission into Rosamond Gifford Zoo
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Photo opportunity of a lifetime
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An unforgettable 30-minute experience with two birds of prey and members of our animal care team
PLEASE note:
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All guests must be 12 years old or older and be accompanied by an adult
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Closed-toe shoes are required
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Hawk walks take place outdoors and therefore are weather dependent and may be rescheduled due to storms, rain and the safety of the birds
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Encounters are non-refundable, reservations may be changed up to 5 days prior to the scheduled date.
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Hawk walks take place on Fridays in the spring and summer months at 1 p.m.
Purchase Now to reserve your dates beginning in May.
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For more information or to reserve your encounter, please contact Heidi Strong, Director of Development
hstrong@rosamondgiffordzoo.org
(315) 435-8511 x8526
Waterfowl Pond Feeding
Available 2022
Join our animal care team for an early-morning or late-afternoon feeding of the animals who call the Rosamond Gifford Zoo’s courtyard pond home. Get up close and personal with our flock of Chilean flamingos, ducks, and geese. Learn from our experts about the unique characteristics within each species, the subtle relationships and the social skills exhibited daily. This experience is something you will not soon forget!
Experience includes:
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Each encounter is $30 per person for up to two (2) guests.
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All guests must be at least 5 years old and accompanied by an adult.
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This experience may last up to 30 minutes.
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Masks are required by all guests.
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Guests will need to navigate uneven terrain.
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Rain, Snow or Shine - encounters run in all weather. Closed toe shoes are required.
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Admission to the Rosamond Gifford Zoo is included.