Animal
Experiences
Get up close during animal encounters with two-toed sloths, African penguins and rhinos at Virginia Safari Park in Natural Bridge.
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 per person
What you to know before you go
Rhino Encounter Time: 1p Daily, weather permitting
Cost: $50 per person; Does not include Park admission.
Ages: Not suitable for children under the age of 10 – no exceptions. Participants under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Participants: Encounter is limited to 10 participants for each time slot.
What to wear: Closed-toe shoes highly recommended.
Duration: 25 minutes
Where: Meet at the gift shop for tram pickup.
When: 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. Duration and availability of encounters are subject to change without notice; payments are forfeited in the event of no-shows and late arrivals.
2026 Park Hours
March 7* – March 29:
9a – 4p (Last vehicle out by 5p)
March 30 – May 3:
9a – 4p (Last vehicle out by 5:30p)
May 4 – September 27:
Weekdays: 9a – 4p (Last vehicle out by 5:30p)
Weekends: 9a – 5p (Last vehicle out by 6:30p)
September 28 – October 25:
9a – 4p (Last vehicle out by 5:30p)
October 26 – November 29:
9a – 4p (Last vehicle out by 5p)
CLOSED
Thanksgiving Day
*Weather dependent
Our season will end on Sunday, November 29, 2026
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.
What to know before you go
Penguin Encounter Time: 11a and 3p daily, weather permitting
Cost: $40 per person
Ages: All ages permitted. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Participants: Encounter is limited to 10 participants for each time slot.
What to wear: Closed-toe shoes highly recommended.
Duration: 20 minutes
Where: Meet outside the penguin house across from spider monkeys.
When: The encounter begins promptly at the assigned time. Late arrivals will not be permitted to join the experience. Duration and availability of encounters are subject to change without notice; payments are forfeited in the event of no-shows and late arrivals.
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!
What to know before you go
Sloth Encounter Time: 10a and 2p daily
Cost: $40 per person
Ages: All ages permitted. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Participants: Encounter is limited to 10 participants for each time slot.
What to wear: Closed-toe shoes highly recommended.
Duration: 20 minutes
Where: Meet at the sloth house just past the Café.
When: The encounter begins promptly at the assigned time. Late arrivals will not be permitted to join the experience. Duration and availability of encounters are subject to change without notice; payments are forfeited in the event of no-shows and late arrivals.
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