Busch Gardens has always had animal encounters which are very educational and fun. I myself reported on the tiger encounter 2 years ago during the Jungala Tour which you can read about clicking the link. Now, Busch Gardens announces 2 new encounters for some very popular animals in the park. Hey, you can even touch a rhino horn in one of them. Below is the announcement in full:  

Sloth Encounter: Super fans can take it slow with the animal care team as they get up close with one of Busch Gardens’ amazing sloths! The behind-the-scenes 30-minute tour of Animal Connections provides guests the opportunity to see where the resident sloths like to hang out as they learn about their unique diets by helping to feed one of the world-famous sloths. This inside look also includes hands-on opportunities alongside the keepers who provide daily sloth care.

Rhino Encounter:Get nose to “rhinose” with one of the largest land animals in the world. This tour embarks on a 45-minute off-road tour, getting closer than ever to the two species of rhino that call Busch Gardens Tampa Bay home. An expert guide will take guests behind-the-scenes to see the park’s animal care in action and have the opportunity to touch one of the park’s white rhinos. Then, the tour travels to the center of the 65-acre veldt to meet Jody, an endangered black rhino, for an opportunity to give her one of her favorite snacks! On this tour, guests will get an inside look at the healthcare and habitats of the resident rhinos and learn about current conservation efforts to protect these species in the wild.

These two new animal encounters are part of a dynamic line-up of 10 animal experiences now offered at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, including a comprehensive “Keeper for a Day” program.  From penguins and gorillas to elephants and tigers, park guests now have more options than ever to see their favorite animals up-close, making this season at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay the wildest summer ever.

Reservations are now being accepted for the two new tours, starting at $59.99 per person. Advance reservations are encouraged as space is limited on all tours. To book a reservation and learn more, call 813-884-4FUN (4386)or visit BuschGardensTampaBay.com.  Among many annual and monthly perks, Busch GardensTampa Bay Pass Members receive a 10% discount on animal tours, including the new rhino and sloth encounters.