2025 Rhino Encounters

EARTH Limited and Southwick's zoo are working together to offer a unique way to learn more about rhino conservation. Rhino encounters last about an hour in total. Participants first watch a brief video about rhinoceros conservation and ar next brought to the encounter area where they get to meet and touch Southwick's Zoo's white rhinos, Thelma and Louise.

The majority of proceeds from rhino encounters are donated to rhinoceros conservation, with most of the proceeds benefiting Worth Wild Africa a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to “support projects that research, monitor and conserve African wildlife; cultivating respect and understanding between people, animals and the environment”. The remaining proceeds support EARTH's educational and conservation projects.

Pricing

Non-member: $165 per participant (plus processing fee)

EARTH Member: $145 per participant (plus processing fee)

Note to EARTH members: The email associated with your membership account is your discount code. Must be a current EARTH member at the time of registration to receive the member discount. Discounts cannot be applied retroactively.

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

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.

*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.

Note: If there is a particular day you would like to do an encounter that is not on the schedule, please contact Betsey Brewer at betsey@southwickszoo.com. Please be aware that rhino encounters are only available for 9:00am-10:00am.

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 require a moderate level of activity as there may be continuous walking for a period of 5-7 minutes on possibly unpaved, uneven ground with moderate hills. If you need an accommodation for this level of activity please note it on the registration form and we will be in touch to work with you and be sure that you are able to participate in a rhino encounter experience.

• 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.