Animal Encounters at Virginia Safari Park

Get up close during animal encounters with two-toed sloths, African penguins, and rhinos at Virginia Safari Park in Natural Bridge.

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Rhino Encounter

Experience the excitement of an up-close encounter with our Southern White Rhinos. Learn from our animal care specialist what it takes to care for these majestic animals and how Virginia Safari Park is helping this species in the wild.
Cost: $50.00 per person
 

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

  • Rhino Encounter Time – 1 PM Daily, weather permitting.
  • Encounter is limited to 10 participants for each time slot.
  • Participants under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
  • Not suitable for children under the age of 10 - no exceptions.
  • Please check in 30 minutes prior to the scheduled encounter time.
  • The encounter begins promptly at the assigned time. Late arrivals will not be permitted to join the experience.
  • Encounters are outdoors, weather permitting.
  • Closed-toe shoes highly recommended.
  • Duration and availability of encounters are subject to change without notice; payments are forfeited in the event of no-shows and late arrivals.

*Encounters can be added after admission tickets are purchased online. Encounter times vary by season. Check the calendar to browse availability and purchase encounter tickets.

Penguin Encounter

Are you passionate about penguins?

Join this encounter (no tuxedo required) and get to know our resident African penguins and their zookeepers. Join one of our animal care specialists to learn how we feed and care for our resident birds. Interact with these loveable creatures and hear about what it is like to work with these unique and charismatic birds.
Cost: $40.00 per person

 

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

  • Penguin Encounter Time – 11 AM and 3 PM daily, weather permitting
  • Encounter is limited to 10 participants for each time slot.
  • Participants under the age of 12 must be accompanied by paying adult.
  • Please check in 30 minutes prior to the scheduled encounter time.
  • The encounter begins promptly at the assigned time. Late arrivals will not be permitted to join the experience.
  • Encounters are outdoors, weather permitting.
  • Closed-toe shoes are highly recommended.
  • Duration and availability of encounters are subject to change without notice; payments are forfeited in the event of no-shows and late arrivals.

*Encounters can be added after admission tickets are purchased online. Encounter times vary by season. Check the calendar to browse availability and purchase encounter tickets.

Sloth Encounter

Meet our cute and gentle Linnaeus's two-toed sloths, Flash and Priscilla, during a sloth encounter experience. You' 'll be able to get up close to feed them while learning about these slow-movers who are loaded with personality. Whether they are just hanging out, taking a snooze, or moseying along to reach a tasty treat, they are as delightful as sloths can be. Being notoriously slow makes them great for posing for photos, so bring your camera!
Cost: $40.00 per person
 

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

  • Sloth Encounter Time – 10 AM and 2 PM daily, weather permitting
  • Encounter is limited to 10 participants for each slot.
  • Participants under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
  • Please check in 30 minutes prior to the scheduled encounter time.
  • The encounter begins promptly at the assigned time. Late arrivals will not be permitted to join the experience.
  • Encounters are outdoors, weather permitting.
  • Closed-toe shoes are highly recommended.
  • Duration and availability of encounters are subject to change without notice; payments are forfeited in the event of no-shows and late arrivals.

*Encounters can be added after admission tickets are purchased online. Encounter times vary by season. Check the calendar to browse availability and purchase encounter tickets.