Step into the enchanting world of the red panda in this unforgettable encounter. Meet one of Hamilton Zoo’s most beloved residents and discover what makes these tree-dwelling mammals so special. Guided by one of our expert keepers, you’ll learn about their unique behaviours, diet, and the vital conservation efforts helping to protect them in the wild.  

Watch as they explore their habitat, nibble on bamboo, and maybe even come a little closer—on their terms, of course. This experience supports red panda care at Hamilton Zoo and in the wild, with 80% of proceeds going to conservation.

Admission to Hamilton Zoo is not included in the Animal Encounter ticket price and will need to be purchased in addition.

Flat, fully enclosed footwear must be worn as this Animal Encounter requires walking over steep and uneven terrain.

Every Animal Encounter is unique, and the amount of interaction will be led by the animals themselves to ensure their welfare.

All participants must be over the age of 7 years old. All children 15 years of age and under must have an accompanying adult (booked and paid) with them on the Animal Encounter. There must be at least one adult per every three children.

The Animal Encounter lasts approximately 30 minutes overall with a maximum capacity of 4 people. You'll be in close proximity to the animal for a minimum of 15 minutes.

Please read our full terms and conditions before booking.

If you’d like to gift an Animal Encounter but aren’t ready to book a specific date, purchase a gift voucher instead. Simply enter the value of the encounter ($59.00pp) as the voucher amount in the 'choose your own value' field and complete your payment. Once done, you’ll receive a gift voucher that you can either print out or send directly to the recipient via email.

Please note: Admission to Hamilton Zoo is not included in the Animal Encounter ticket price and will need to be purchased in addition. For more details, see our full terms and conditions