Another New York Zoo is Offering Red Panda Encounters

The Utica Zoo's Red Panda encounters are SO popular, other zoos around New York and around the country are following suit and offering their own encounter experiences.

The Red Panda encounters at the Utica Zoo are a huge hit! Actually, saying it's a huge hit is probably an understatement - The experience has gotten lots of national attention. Well, considering how popular this animal encounter is, it's no surprise that the Utica Zoo books most of these events SO far in advance, and it sells out every year.

That being said, it's only a matter of time before the Utica Zoo sells out of their 2019 Red Panda encounters (we're giving it a few weeks, if it's not sold out already). If this is something you've always wanted to do, you're in luck! Another zoo in New York is offering this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park has announced they will be doing Red Panda encounters. Just like the encounters at the Utica Zoo, you'll go into the Red Panda's enclosure and be up-close to them - No walls, glass, or any sort of barriers. According to News 12 WBNG,

As a part of the encounter, people can feed the red pandas, watch them paint, and sometimes touch them.

But it depends on each situation. Zoo keepers will determine what activities encounter-goers will get to see and do. And it will depend on how the animals are doing that day. Just because it's a great adventure for those who take part in it, in the end it's still about the safety and well-being of the animals, and the safety of the guests.

According to News 12 WBNG, Red Panda encounters at the Binghamton Zoo costs $300 for three people. The Utica Zoo charges $180 for two people. In both cases, the money goes to a good cause.

As for me, and my obsession of Red Pandas, I was lucky enough to receive a gift certificate for a Red Panda encounter at the Utica Zoo (Merry Christmas to me, am I right?!). BUT... I'm sure it will be such a great experience, that I'll have to book my Binghamton Zoo Red Panda Encounter for 2020.

You can get more information on the Red Panda encounters, and the other animal encounters being offered at Binghamton Zoo at: RossParkZoo.com/Wild-Encounters

And you can get more information on Red Panda encounters at the Utica Zoo and the other animal encounters they offer, by visiting: UticaZoo.org/Encounters

[News 12 WBNG]