Red Panda Encounter

Fee: $115 non-members | $105 FOSZ members

Length of Encounter: 30 Minutes
Availability: Thursday, Friday, or Saturday Only
Time: 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., or 2:30 p.m.
Group Size: Maximum of Six (6) People
Meet the zookeeper that provides for the well-being of the Red Pandas in our care at Sunset Zoo.  During your group's private experience, you will go behind the scenes to learn about the individual personalities of the Red Pandas in our care, and you will get an opportunity to feed them.

Due to the health and safety of all participants and animals, everyone will be required to wear a disposable facemask and wear disposable nitrile gloves while behind the scenes.  All participants are also required to wear close toed and closed back shoes.  No sandals, flipflops, Crocs, or other shoes with openings allowed.  Failure to engage in safety measures will result in the cancelation of the group's scheduled experience, and no refunds will be provided in these cases.

All participants must be at least six (6) years of age or older.  Any members of the group younger than six (6) years will need to remain in public spaces of Sunset Zoo at all times.  Parents/guardians will be allowed to engage in a "kid exchange" in public spaces just outside the behind the scenes area to ensure all members of the group six (6) years or older can participate.

Sloth Bear Encounter

Fee: $115 non-members | $105 FOSZ members

Length of Encounter: 30 Minutes
Availability: Thursday, Friday, or Saturday Only
Time: 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., or 2:30 p.m. 
Group Size: Maximum of Six (6) People 
Meet the zookeeper that provides for the well-being of the Sloth Bears in our care at Sunset Zoo.  During your group's private experience, you will learn about the personalities of the Red Pandas in our care, have an opportunity to feed them.  

Due to the health and safety of all participants and animals, everyone will be required to wear a disposable facemask while behind the scenes and wash hands before and after feeding experience.  All participants are also required to wear close toed and closed back shoes.  No sandals, flipflops, Crocs, or other shoes with openings allowed.  Failure to engage in safety measures will result in the cancelation of the group's scheduled experience, and no refunds will be provided in these cases.

All participants must be at least six (6) years of age or older.  Any members of the group younger than six (6) years will need to remain in public spaces of Sunset Zoo at all times.  Parents/guardians will be allowed to engage in a "kid exchange" in public spaces just outside the behind the scenes area to ensure all members of the group six (6) years or older can participate.

Guinea Pig Encounter

Fee: $65 non-members | $55 FOSZ members

Length of Encounter: 30 Minutes
Availability: Any Day
Time: Starts 30 minutes prior to zoo opening; either 9:00 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. depending on the season
Group Size: Maximum of Six (6) People
Meet one of the Zoo's education staff that works with the guinea pigs and helps provide for their well-being.  During your group's private experience, you will learn about the personalities of the guinea pigs in our care, have an opportunity to play and feed them in the Wild Wonders Room.  

Booking Information

Animal Encounters are designed for small groups of up to 6 people. Minimum 24 hour advance notice required.  For more information or to book your Encounter, contact Tammy Jones by email or call 785-587-2737.

Fees for animal encounters are due upon scheduling and are non-refundable.  Sunset Zoo reserves the right to cancel animal encounters due to severe weather or animal safety concerns.  Should the Zoo cancel an encounter, a full refund will be provided.