Before I dive into how this encounter went, I'll talk about the actual zoo. it's part of Oglebay resort and so if you're looking to do this experience, search Oglebay. It's called Good zoo because it is named after the family name of a boy who passed away and it is dedicated to his memory. It is a small zoo... quite small with maybe only 50 animals with some of them being common farm animals. I will say that all of the staff here LOVES the animals. It's clear there is a direct concern and interest in taking care of these animals. I was quite impressed with how there is a genuine care for every animal. Even funny things such as a sloth. The zoo is incredibly well kept.. super clean for the animals and also visitors.

There are 3 levels of animals encounters you can do... it's mainly based on the number of animals you want to interact with. For the single animal encounter you have 45 minutes and with the Ultimate 3, I was there for a little over 2 hours enjoying every single second and wishing I came with a plan to sneak away with a red panda. We had an AMAZING guide, Sharon (I hope that is her name), who was not only genuinely caring and knowledgeable about each animal. She was incredibly wonderful with us ... coaching us to interact with the animals respectfully to get the most wonderful memories. She also told us some great stories about the animals and how they've been over the years, their species facts and survival, and interesting stories overall.

You are able to choose 3 animals from a list of ring tailed lemur (Zoboomafoo!), mongoose lemur, river otter, kangaroo and wallaby, meerkat, or a thing called sloth. I will warn you that some of these animals are booked out MONTHS in advance. Oglebay zoo abides by some sound rules that they dont let these animals become overwhelmed and limit the number of times they interact a week. I think when I was booking, I was told the red panda was booked out nearly 4 months on weekends. If you're booking and looking for the cutest interaction, I found out later there were baby kangaroo being fed by bottles.

I still stare at my pictures because I am amazed I got to do this. The red panda interaction was phenomenal. We got two feed both of their red pandas and they were so adorable. If they're in a good mood (and Sharon gauged their mood before we even stepped near them), it's possible they may reach for your hand and pull it into them before nuzzling into your palm to eat. Warning... they're avid tree climbers... they have REAL claws. You could be me just happily grinning ear to ear while not realizing that cute little paw is digging into you. I really wish I could have hugged them but that's not allowed. I will admit the thought of running off with them in my purse was a real idea in my brain.

The lemurs were far more active... jumping and climbing among the exhibit as you feed them. It was great to see them leap huge lengths as you set up. They're definitely not as shy as the red pandas and if anything, they're ready to gobble any food you offer them. The one cute scene stealer was an endangered tortoise that shared the exhibit. For me, I really adored him as he sllloooowly made figure 8 around my feet and no one else. Every picture of me had him ON my feet (he's heavy), by my right feet, just off my left feet... even between my feet.

We ended our great time here with a dozy sloth who clearly had some fans. I begrudgingly admire how something slow and sleepy be a minor celebrity and live the life. This was a truly an encounter as you're able to hold the sloth as you feed it. Its quite novel as I wasn't expecting this since we were quite cautious in all the other encounter.

Overall, I appreciate Oglebay Zoo for having these encounters to allow me to interact with animals I love in pictures but normally would never had the chance to admire in person. I also admire their care for their animals health and welfare. Now... to only hatch my plan to bring back a red panda!