2022 Rhino Encounters

EARTH Limited and Southwick's zoo are working together to offer a unique way to learn more about rhino conservation.

The majority of proceeds from rhino encounters are donated to rhinoceros conservation, with most of the proceeds benefiting Project Rhino, a program founded by Wildlife ACT. The remaining proceeds support EARTH's educational and conservation projects.

Rhino encounters last about an hour in total. Participants first watch a brief video about rhinoceros conservation. After this brief video, participants are brought to the encounter area where they get to meet and touch our white rhinos, Thelma and Louise.

*Spots are limited and must be reserved online at least 24 hours in advance. Zoo passes, coupons, discounts, or other offers cannot be applied to the price of rhino encounters.

Pricing

Non-member: $119 (+ Eventbrite processing fee)/participant

EARTH Member: $99 (+ Eventbrite processing fee)/participant

Includes: An encounter with our two white rhinos and admission to Southwick's Zoo for the day of your encounter

Note to EARTH members: To receive your member discount, click the green register button. and then click “enter promo code”. Your code is the first 5 letters of your last name + the first 2 letters of your first name. Example: John Smith’s code would be SMITHJO. If your last name is fewer than 5 letters, just use your full last name + the first 2 letters of your first name, Jane Doe’s code would be DOEJA.

*Must be a current EARTH member at the time of registration to receive the member discount. Discounts cannot be applied retroactively.

Please meet us at 9:00am in front of the zoo's main entrance the day of your encounter. Rhino encounters take place before the zoo opens for the day, and only registered and paid participants can enter the zoo during the encounter. If others in your party are joining you to visit the zoo after your encounter, please plan to meet them inside the entrance around 10:00am-10:30am.

Encounter Rules & Guidelines

• Encounter participants must follow all current zoo rules and guidelines. To learn more, please visit www.southwickszoo.com/visitor-info.
• Rhino Encounters are only available during the normal zoo season (mid-April through October).
• Rhino Encounter participants MUST be at least 12 years of age. Those under 18 must also be accompanied by a paid adult.
• Each encounter date has 4 spots, however we can sometimes accommodate up to 6 participants. To inquire about additional participants, please email Betsey Brewer at betsey@southwickszoo.com.
• Rhino encounters take place before the zoo opens for the day, and only registered and paid participants can enter the zoo during the encounter.
• We suggest wearing comfortable closed-toe shoes. We DO NOT recommend wearing flip flops or sandals.
• Cancellation/Reschedule Policy: If you need to cancel your encounter, we require at least 1 week’s notice for full refund. If you need to reschedule to another date, please contact us at least 1 week in advance with a new desired date. We cannot reschedule encounters to a date that does not have an appropriate number of openings remaining, so please check the list of dates on the registration page first.
• If poor weather is predicted for the day of your encounter, you may reschedule to another date. In this case, please try to contact us with a new date as early as possible to reschedule.