Skip to Content

Up-close and Personal Interactions

Book a Wild Connection!

Get in touch with your wild side as you join a zookeeper and an animal companion for a one-of-a-kind experience! Learn about our animal friends’ individual personalities, the world-class training and care provided by our dedicated keeper and veterinarian teams as well as what you can do help support animals like them in the wild. All while making a connection that will last a lifetime. All Wild Connection experiences last about 20-30 minutes unless otherwise noted.


Note: This add-on experience does not include admission to the zoo. Wild Connections guests must reserve Zoo admission tickets in advance to ensure entry prior to their scheduled experience. We suggest arriving at least 30 minutes early. 

2024 Wild Connection Encounters:

Important Details & Current Experiences

Giant Otter Wild Connection

See if you can match our Giant River Otters’ energy in this truly unique experience. As one of only 8 accredited zoos in North America with Giant River Otters, we are excited to offer you the opportunity to head behind the scenes to discover some of the work and care that goes into keeping these notoriously hungry and energetic boys well fed and happy! Help our zookeepers prepare a delicious snack for the otters, meet the otter boys, and even go into their habitat for an all-new perspective of one of our newest exhibits, Faces of the Rainforest!

  • Maximum Capacity: 4
  • Minimum Age: 5
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
  • Availability: Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30am
  • Member Pricing: $110/per person
  • Non-member Pricing: $123/per person

CLICK HERE to Register for all available Wild Connections

For other questions or more information you can give us a call at (401)-785-3510 ext. 358, or email us at programs@rwpzoo.org.

Please note: At this time, mask use is required during our Giant Otter Wild Connection and will be provided by the Zoo. This policy is subject to change. Smaller groups may be combined with others. Giant Otter Wild Connections have limited availability and are only available on Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30am. All Wild Connections require advanced reservations. NO EXCEPTIONS CAN BE MADE TO THE DAYS/TIMES OFFERED, AGE RESTRICTIONS, OR FOR WHAT SPECIES ARE AVAILABLE.

Sloth Wild Connection in the Rainforest

Make like a sloth and hangout in our newest exhibit, Faces of the Rainforest! In this special extended Wild Connection, visit the zoo when we are closed to the public and spend over half an hour with a rainforest keeper as you come face to face with some of the residents! With sloths, giant otters, tamanduas and more, each Rainforest Wild Connection is sure to be unique and exciting! You will learn about animal diets, vet care, training and more as part of this unforgettable encounter. You will be able to explore the entire rainforest exhibit with a zookeeper at your side. From howler monkeys to toucans learn about each animal’s personality and unique needs!

  • Maximum Capacity: 4
  • Minimum Age: 5
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
  • Availability: Tuesdays at 11:00am
  • Member Pricing: $150/per person
  • Non-member Pricing: $163/per person

CLICK HERE to Register for all available Wild Connections

For other questions or more information you can give us a call at (401)-785-3510 ext. 358, or email us at programs@rwpzoo.org.

Please note: Smaller groups may be combined with others. Sloth Wild Connections have limited availability and are only available on Tuesdays at 11:00am. All Wild Connections require advanced reservations. NO EXCEPTIONS CAN BE MADE TO THE DAYS/TIMES OFFERED, AGE RESTRICTIONS, OR FOR WHAT SPECIES ARE AVAILABLE.

George the prehensile-tailed porcupine, Wild Connection

You may recognize our friend George from one of his enchanting social media posts, whether he was showing off his incredibly boop-able nose or giving us cutest munching noises while enjoying his snacks! Our professional staff will be on hand to answer questions and make sure that everyone, including George, has a wonderful visit!

  • Maximum Capacity: 4
  • Minimum Age: 5
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
  • Availability: Select Sundays in March at 10:30 am
  • Member Pricing: $75/per person
  • Non-member Pricing: $88/per person

CLICK HERE to Register for all available Wild Connections

Please note: Smaller groups may be combined with others. Wild Connections have limited availability and are only available on the days and times listed above and require advanced reservations. NO EXCEPTIONS CAN BE MADE TO THE DAYS/TIMES OFFERED, AGE RESTRICTIONS, OR FOR WHAT SPECIES ARE AVAILABLE.

Josephine the six-banded armadillo, Wild Connection

She’s no teacher’s pet, but Josephine is definitely at the top of her class! Join us for an up-close training session and meet & greet with one of our favorite ‘Dillos! Not only will you participate in a small group encounter, but Josephine will also demonstrate how animal training plays a pivotal role in animal health at the zoo! Our professional staff will be on hand to answer all your burning questions and ensure everyone has a great time.

  • Maximum Capacity: 4
  • Minimum Age: 5
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
  • Availability: Select Saturdays in March at 10:30 am
  • Member Pricing: $50/per person
  • Non-member Pricing: $63/per person

CLICK HERE to Register for all available Wild Connections

Please note: Smaller groups may be combined with others. Wild Connections have limited availability and are only available on the days and times listed above and require advanced reservations. NO EXCEPTIONS CAN BE MADE TO THE DAYS/TIMES OFFERED, AGE RESTRICTIONS, OR FOR WHAT SPECIES ARE AVAILABLE.

Aldabra Tortoise Wild Connection (closed for season)

Registrations for this program are closed for the fall-winter seasons. Check back Spring 2024!

Join us in shell-abrating one of the longest-lived species on Earth. As part of this special experience, you will join a zookeeper in the all-new tortoise habitat where you will meet our Aldabra Tortoises! You might even be able to feed these ancient giants or provide some of their daily enrichment during your time together! (Did we mention they love shell and neck scratches? See for yourself here!) You are tort-aly going to love it! 

  • Maximum Capacity: 4
  • Minimum Age: 5
  • Wheelchair Accessible: No
  • Availability: Thursdays at 2:00pm
  • Member Pricing: $92/per person
  • Non-member Pricing: $105/per person

For other questions or more information you can give us a call at (401)-785-3510 ext. 358, or email us at programs@rwpzoo.org.

Please note: Aldabra Wild Connections are not guaranteed to be private experiences unless you purchase all available tickets. Smaller groups may be combined with others. Aldabra Wild Connections have limited availability and are only available on Thursdays at 2:00pm. All Wild Connections require advanced reservations. NO EXCEPTIONS CAN BE MADE TO THE DAYS/TIMES OFFERED, AGE RESTRICTIONS, OR FOR WHAT SPECIES ARE AVAILABLE.

Please Note:

The Zoo is unable to make exceptions to the age restriction. The age restrictions were developed in tandem with Education, Animal Care staff and zoo leadership to ensure the safety of our staff, animals, and visitors. We are unable to make exceptions to these policies. Due to the nature and location of these experiences, we are also unable to offer a “child swap” option.

Wild Connection timeslots are generally released on a quarterly schedule:

  • January-March dates are released in December
  • April-June dates are released in March
  • July-September dates are released in June
  • October-December dates are released in September

More WILD Encounters

Start your day with a hot breakfast and an unforgettable experience with our keeper staff behind-the-scenes!


OR get wildly connected with our fun virtual animal encounters and experiences! Surprise someone (or yourself!) with a one-of-a-kind virtual encounter.


Are you a homeschool parent or educator? Let the Zoo help support your teaching efforts through programming, resources and events. We design our programs to help families and classrooms explore, discover and observe the natural world. CLICK HERE for more information on these programs and offerings

Back to top