Wild Connections

Wild Connections

Get up close and personal with your favorite Zoo animal by booking a Wild Connection today!

Get in touch with your WILD side as you join an RWPZ 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 vet teams as well as what you can do help support animals like them in the wild. All while making a connection that will undoubtedly last a lifetime.

Please Note: This add-on experience does not include admission to the zoo. Wild Connections guests must reserve timed Zoo admissions tickets in advance to ensure entry to the Zoo prior to their scheduled experience. We suggest arriving at least 30 minutes early to park, be admitted and to connect with your Zoo host. Masks are required for the duration of this experience.

Animal Encounter Details

Duration: 15-20min (unless otherwise noted)

Capacity/Age Restrictions: Wild Connections are experienced in various exhibits and behind the scenes locations around the zoo, each with it’s own capacity, age restrictions and levels of accessibility. See each individual offering below for more details. Children ages 5-11 must be accompanied by a paid adult with one adult present for every two children age 5-11.

Pricing: See each individual offerings for pricing

Booking: Each Wild Connection is available at pre-designated time(s) per week. These experiences have limited availability and require advance reservations. NO EXCEPTIONS CAN BE MADE TO THE DAYS AND TIMES WILD CONNECTIONS ARE OFFERED.

To book a Wild Connections experience or for more information, contact us at programs@rwpzoo.org or (401)-785-3510 ext. 358

2022 Wild Connections Animal Encounters
Programs are currently being booked through September 2022.
NEW! Aldabra Tortoise

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 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?) You are tort-aly going to love it!   

  • Capacity: 4
  • Min Age: 5
  • Wheelchair Accessible: No
  • Availability: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2:00pm

Member Pricing: $250 (includes 2 participants) and $50 for each additional participant

Non-member Pricing: $300 (includes 2 participants) and $60 for each additional participant.
 

CLICK HERE to view available dates and to claim your timeslot for this Wild Connections experience. NOTE: You will be required to create an account and provide all registration information. We will contact you by phone to confirm membership and to secure payment.

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.

Giant River Otters (Sold out)

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 our newest exhibit, Faces of the Rainforest!

  • Capacity: 4
  • Min Age: 5
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
  • Availability: Sundays at 11:30am
  • Member Pricing: $300 (includes 2 participants) and $60 for each additional participant
  • Non-member Pricing: $350 (includes 2 participants) and $70 for each additional participant

CLICK HERE to view available dates and to claim your timeslot for this Wild Connections experience. NOTE: You will be required to create an account and provide all registration information. We will contact you by phone to confirm membership and to secure payment.

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.

Sloth (Sold out)

They might not be in a hurry, but you should be if you want to book this experience! Join one of our sloth keepers as you come face-to-face with a loveable sloth in their all-new outdoor enrichment space. You will learn about their diets, vet care, training and more as part of this unforgettable encounter.

  • Capacity: 4
  • Min Age: 5
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
  • Availability: Saturdays at 11:30am
  • Member Pricing: $300 (includes 2 participants) and $60 for each additional participant
  • Non-member Pricing: $350 (includes 2 participants) and $70 for each additional participant

CLICK HERE to view available dates and to claim your timeslot for this Wild Connections experience. NOTE: You will be required to create an account and provide all registration information. We will contact you by phone to confirm membership and to secure payment.

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.

Private Rainforest Experience + Sloth Encounter (Sold out)

Make like a sloth and hangout in our newest exhibit, Faces of the Rainforest! In this extended Wild Connection, visit the zoo when we are closed to the public and spend 30 minutes with a rainforest keeper as you come face to face with one of our sloths. You will learn about their 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 Toucan’s learn about each animal’s personality and unique needs! (This experience is only offered through March when the zoo is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.)

  • Capacity: 4
  • Min Age: 5
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
  • Availability: Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 11:30am
  • Member Pricing: $350 (includes 2 participants) and $70 for each additional participant
  • Non-member Pricing: $400 (includes 2 participants) and $80 for each additional participant

CLICK HERE to view available dates and to claim your timeslot for this Wild Connections experience. NOTE: You will be required to create an account and provide all registration information. We will contact you by phone to confirm membership and to secure payment.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I touch the animals?

Remember that these are wild animals, and many do not like to be touched, therefore we ask you not to touch them. Some experiences may allow for a feeding opportunity, but those are never guaranteed as the animal may choose not to engage. However, the Zoo's farmyard provides ample opportunity for you to reach out and connect with a member of our goat herd!

How should I behave when in the encounter area?

Maintain calm and gentle behavior when around the animals. Remember, you are new to them and they need to feel safe around you. In addition, follow all instructions by the keeper, who is there to ensure your safety as well as that of the animal. If you are asked to step back or stop what you are doing, please do so immediately. We want to ensure everyone has a wonderful experience!

Can I take pictures during the feeding?

Yes, guests may take pictures during their Wild Connection. Selfies and video recording are prohibited.

What if it rains?

Most Wild Connections are rain or shine. We will attempt to contact you as soon as a decision has been made if extreme weather or lightning will cause the experience to be cancelled or rescheduled.

How will the zoo use the revenue generated from Wild Connections?

Revenue generated from these experiences help support the care of our animals as well as our education and conservation programs both here locally and abroad.

Can I bring my own food to feed the animals?

No, all animals at the Zoo are on a strict diet for their health and safety. What they eat and the amount eaten daily is monitored carefully by our veterinary staff.

What if the animals do not want to visit with us?

They are wild animals and choice and control over their actions. We cannot guarantee that they will want to visit or eat according to our schedule. Feed and touch opportunities are not guaranteed, and no refunds will be made for their absence.

Do I have to wear a mask? What if I am vaccinated?

Yes. Vaccinated guests do not have to wear masks when exploring the zoo, except for when visiting the Faces of the Rainforest exhibit and participating in a Wild Connection. Unvaccinated guests will be required to wear a mask when entering any building, participating in a Wild Connection or when 3 ft of social distance cannot be maintained consistently. Note: Out of an abundance of caution for the animals in our care, we are not able to make any exceptions or exemptions to this policy.

Are any of the Wild Connections wheelchair accessible?

Because these experiences take place behind the scenes and in some cases inside an animal exhibit their accessibility is limited. Please check out the experience descriptions for more information on their accessibility. If you have specific questions or concerns, please reach out and we’ll try to be as accommodating as possible. 

Does my Wild Connection include admission to the zoo?

No. This is an add-on experience, and you will need to purchase a timed entry ticket for that day to ensure you are able to enter the zoo and participate in your Wild Connection. Zoo members receive free admission and do not need to make reservations ahead of their visit.

Can I book a Wild Connection on a day or time not listed here?

Our Wild Connection timeslots cannot be adjusted or changed. They fit into the animals’ existing routine and preferences and allow for staff to facilitate these special experiences.

Can you make an exception to the age restrictions?

Absolutely not. 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.

What happened to the other offerings? There were others offered last year.

We are constantly evaluating our offerings and while some experiences are not being offered this year we have lots of exciting things in the works, so look for more announcements in the future!