Red Panda Experience

Are you looking for a truly unforgettable and magical experience? Why not take part in our red panda encounter?

This unique experience will give you the chance to come face to face with our two beautiful, unusual red pandas.

Our 'meet the red pandas' experience can be purchased for yourself, for a loved one or friend. A red panda experience would make the perfect present for any animal lover!

The red panda encounter is an amazing one-to-one experience (we also have an option for two participants) lasting between 30 and 40 minutes which will leave you grinning from ear to ear.

During your red panda experience, you will go behind the scenes to prepare their snacks before feeding them their favourite treats. You will get one-on-one time with the Zoo Keeper to answer all of your red panda questions, as well as a fantastic opportunity to get some amazingly close photos of the red pandas from inside their enclosure – or even a cheeky selfie!

Your VIP Experience

Your meet the red pandas experience will last around 30 to 40 minutes and includes:

Admission into the zoo for the participant.
Red panda food preparations in our Zoo Kitchen.
The chance to feed our red pandas.
One-on-one time with a Zoo Keeper to ask any questions you may have.
The opportunity for some close up red panda photography.
You will receive an Animal Encounter certificate at the end of your red panda encounter.

Prices

We have two price categories for our red panda experience:

Gold - £95 on weekends, East Sussex school holidays and inset days

Silver - £80 on East Sussex term time weekdays

What's Included

Entry to the Park is included for the red panda encounter participant(s).
Additional (non participating) guests will require a valid day ticket.
In the case of two participants the cost of the second participant is half price (two participants must be the same group or family, and booked at the same time).

How to Book Your Red Panda Experience

For more detailed information and to book one of our Close Encounters, please click here.

Annual members get 10% off!

To check availability for our red panda experience please call the Park on 01323 874100, email us at [email protected] or you can come and visit us in the Visitor Services Office opposite the Park Entrance.

We regret that we are unable to make provisional bookings or take bookings over the phone.

FAQs

How much does it cost for a Close Encounter with a red panda at Drusillas?

Close Encounters are £95 on weekends, East Sussex school holidays and inset days and £80 on East Sussex term-time weekdays.

What happens during a red panda Close Encounter?

The encounters last between 30 and 40 minutes. During this time you will feed the animals and help one of our Zoo Keepers with part of their daily routine. You really do get nose-to-nose with them for an unforgettable experience. Entry to the Park is included for the red panda encounter participant(s).

Are there any age limits for red panda Close Encounters?

At Drusillas we have an age limit of six years old to meet our red pandas. However, for younger participants we offer a Farmyard Encounter for anyone from the age of four.

Can more than one person do a Close Encounter?

Yes. Two people can book onto the experience together. The second participant is half price. Two participants must be the same group or family, and booked at the same time.

What do I receive for taking part in a red panda Close Encounter?

Participants will be provided with a special Close Encounter Animal Experience badge and certificate to take home as a souvenir of the experience.

How does taking part in a Close Encounter experience at Drusillas help the animals?

By taking part in a Close Encounter at Drusillas you are supporting the conservation work we do through our breeding programmes, studbook and record keeping and the research we undertake in the Park. Click here for more information about our conservation work.