Andean Bear Encounter

Get up close and personal with our resident Andean bear. During this unique experience, you’ll join one of our keepers to help provide food in fun and enriching ways that encourage natural behaviours. See our bear explore, forage, and interact with what you’ve prepared, and learn all about her fascinating habits, personality, and what makes the Andean bear so extraordinary. It’s a rare chance to connect with one of the wild’s most remarkable creatures!

During this 30-minute experience you’ll:

  • Access the indoor area and enclosure with a keeper while the Andean bear is safely shut out.
  • Help select the animals’ food from their specially prepared diet.
  • Feed the Andean bear safely behind the barrier using feeding tools.
  • Provide enrichment by hiding food in the indoor enclosure for the bear to discover.
  • Go behind the scenes to learn about Andean bear care, behaviour, and enrichment techniques from our expert keepers.

Price: £80 per person (park entry not included)
Duration: 30 minutes
Available: Sundays when the park is open.
Age Range: 18 years old +
Maximum: 2 participants per session

The Andean Bear VIP Encounter offers a unique opportunity to see one of the UK’s most unusual and captivating species up close. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and animal lovers looking for a memorable, hands-on experience.

More Information: Please arrive at the Andean Bear House 5 minutes before your scheduled encounter time where you will be met by our Keeper. Unfortunately, there is no wheelchair accessibility to the enclosure. Closed toed shoes must be worn, participants will be asked to use foot dips meaning placing footwear into disinfectant baths. Trousers and weather appropriate attire. PPE such as disposable gloves will be provided and need to be worn when handling food. Latex and nitrile gloves available.

Please read these terms carefully before booking any animal experience or encounter at Drayton Manor Zoo. By booking, participants agree to comply with all rules, instructions, and safety measures provided by Drayton Manor staff.

  • All experiences must be booked in advance. Full payment is required at the time of booking.
  • Bookings are non-transferable and non-refundable, except in cases where Drayton Manor cancels the experience.
  • Park admission is not included in the price of any experience or encounter and must be purchased separately.
  • This encounter is for guests aged 18 and above.
  • Only two guests per experience may participate.
  • Participants must be able to follow instructions carefully. Age restrictions are based on risk assessments and required competency for the activity.
  • All experiences begin with a health and safety briefing, covering the activities involved, control measures such as glove use for biosecurity, and any other safety information.
  • Keepers remain present at all times, ensuring participants are never left unattended in animal areas.
  • Guest numbers are limited to allow appropriate supervision and maintain safety for all participants.
  • Protective clothing or equipment provided must be worn as instructed.
  • Participants must follow all instructions given by Drayton Manor keepers to ensure safety and animal welfare.
  • Drayton Manor reserves the right to refuse participation to anyone who may pose a risk to themselves, staff, or the animals.
  • All interactions with animals are strictly supervised.
  • Animals may choose not to participate and cannot be forced.
  • Any behaviour deemed unsafe or stressful to the animals may result in immediate termination of the encounter.
  • To ensure animal health and welfare, experiences are scheduled around staff availability and animal rest periods in accordance with zoo standards and legislation.
  • Only one experience per day is available for booking with each species to guarantee rest and enrichment.
  • Participants are strictly prohibited from bringing food, drinks, or personal items into enclosures.
  • Participants take part at their own risk and must comply with all instructions for a safe experience.
  • Participants with medical conditions, allergies, or mobility issues should consult Drayton Manor before booking.
  • For health, safety, and biosecurity reasons, all participants must comply with the following clothing requirements:
    • Closed-toe footwear must be worn at all times
    • Participants will be required to use foot dips, which involve placing footwear into disinfectant baths
    • Trousers must be worn
    • Clothing must be weather-appropriate, as parts of the experience may take place outdoors
  • Disposable gloves must be worn when handling food. Gloves will be provided as part of the experience, latex and nitrile gloves are available upon request.
  • Personal photography is allowed from designated areas only.
  • Drayton Manor may take official photos during the encounter for promotional purposes.
  • All experiences will conclude with the choice of a magnet or keyring photograph of the animal encountered.
  • This experience is not wheelchair accessible. Participants must be able-bodied and capable of walking independently between the kitchen and animal enclosures. All enclosures require the use of stairs or steps. Some behind-the-scenes areas may involve tight or enclosed spaces, including double-door entry systems. By booking this experience, participants confirm they are physically able to safely access all required areas.
  • Drayton Manor accepts no liability for personal injury, loss, or damage to belongings during the encounter, except where required by law.
  • Drayton Manor reserves the right to cancel or reschedule encounters due to animal welfare, staff availability, or unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, a full refund or alternative date will be offered.
  • Terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.