We had an excellent guide for our zoo tour. We saw fascinating animals at the Reptilian Center, including an adorable balled up armadillo, a legless snake, a boa constrictor, and a mink. Other animals, away from the petting zoo, came from Africa and all over the world. Our tour was only $15.00 a person in October, 2014. The petting zoo was fun, too, especially feeding the llamas.
The North Georgia Zoo is a 100% privately-funded zoo. That being said, the prices at first seemed a little high, but I can understand, when they receive no other funding. We didn't mind the price either, when we know we're supporting a local enterprise. They said that they have been around for many years, taking animals to learning events, birthday parties, etc, and just opened their facility to visitors about 4 years ago, when people kept asking where the animals were kept at. For $5, we got a whole bucket of feed for the sheep, goats, and cows. That was fun, and the kids really liked it. The animals are used to it, and they swarm at you for food, which was also fun. A parakeet house has a couple dozen parakeets, and you can pay to get some food on a stick and try to get one to eat off of it and then perch on the stick for you. A lot of animals to feed and pet, and you can pay extra for some excursions. We paid extra for a wagon ride out to see camels, yaks, oxen, and other exotic animals. Is it a zoo like a major city would have? No. It's really more of a large petting zoo, but it's a nice day trip if you're in north Georgia. The staff was also very friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable, and they really seemed to enjoy their jobs. Our kids (5, 8, 9) loved it. They do have a "rain or shine" policy, which would mean that if you paid for an excursion and it got rained out, then you don't get a refund. We had a good bit of rain and were concerned that our wagon ride might get rained out, but they were very accommodating and delayed it for a while for us. The facility feels safe, and I think our kids could have run around by themselves with no problem.
I had a bad experience. I drove two hours to the zoo and took my three year old son. While on the Wildlife Tour we were continually reprimanded for not staying within the small group, instead I chased my toddler around in the back of the group, always within sight. We were asked to leave and told that it was too dangerous for us to move around. I inquired as to what they meant by "too dangerous" and I was told that we might put our hands inside a cage. This is ridiculous. I am almost forty and a mother. I think I know better than to stick my hand in a cage or try to hug a wolf. I did not argue when we were asked to leave because I did not want to cause a scene or upset my cute tot, but I am requesting a refund. There were no age restrictions on the Groupon and I was treated unfairly. I have called the Zoo and left messages and no one within management has returned my call. Thank you, Barbara
I totally agree with the last review.....don't let the first impression fool you. We booked the Starry Night Tour and arrived early to enjoy the petting zoo. They have over 400 animals and you definitely need to do one of the tours to see them all. Petting zoo was good. Lots of friendly and active animals and you can tell they are well loved and cared for. The Starry Night tour was awesome! Took about two hours. One part was a walking tour and the other was a hayride. Also took us to a place were we saw animals up close and personal. First time I've done a night time tour but it's a must do! Staff was super friendly and knowledgeable. After the tour there was an area with a small bonfire, hot chocolate and s'mores. While we were enjoying that area, they brought out more animals for us to touch and even hold. If you're an animal lover, you must go!
Driving back home from a N Georgia weekend and a sign lured us in. Pulled up and thought about turning around but my daughter urged me to stay. I was glad I did because it was a great experience. Did the wildlife walk with a friendly guide and we had an awesome up close encounter with many neat animals! Definitely more interesting than Zoo Atlanta mostly because the animals were active and looked like they had great care. Will go back for sure.
We visited the zoo for my b'day this past week. Such a awesome & fun experience.Made me feel like a 10 yr old again rather than an adult!Highly recommend for all ages if you love animals! Staff was very knowledgeable & helpful.Was able to hand feed lots of different animals goats, pigs, mules, deer, donkeys & even a camel! An amazing experience. All the animals seen happy & well taken care of. The staff seems to actually care about the animals!!We were able to howl with a wolf super cool & learn about lots of exotic animals in a seperate guided tour from the petting zoo. At the end of the tour we were able to have a shoe & tell of sorts. Really awesome for all ages.We chose to pay for a few unique experiences. In my opinion were worth every penny & really reasonably priced. I was able to hold & cuddle a baby kangaroo so cool, same with a fox, and my personal favorite Jacob the lemur. Already planning our next trip back & can't wait!!!
The North Georgia Zoo and Petting Farm was one of the highlights of our trip. When we messed up and went on a weekday (when they are closed), my husband emailed and arranged for a private visit, which though not inexpensive was worth every penny.Not only did we get to pet wolf cubs and interact with them for at least half an hour, the staff treated us like royalty. When they saw that I walked with a cane, they automatically offered to drive us around in their golf cart.
If you are from a rural area, and you have experienced farm life; then save your money! My kids were wanting to know where the other animals were because these were "normal, every day animals." If you want to see exotic animals plan to pay more after the general admission price. We planned to go here after looking at their site, but we were disappointed that the place and the website information doesn't completely match up! I will say that the staff were friendly!
Four petting areas, all about the size of a postage stamp. Don't waste your time or money. Suitable for small children only.
This was our second time to the zoo. On our first trip, we did the wildlife tour and it was really good. On our second trip, my daughter and I did two close up animal encounters. I recommend the baby kangaroo encounter. It was very educational and pleasant cuddling a baby "roo".The young wolf encounter, I do not recommend unless you are a big person and can "hold your own" against a "wild" animal. Our experience was on-leash, but the wolf was huge and very unruly, like a naughty child, grabby peoples coats and gloves in its also huge mouth. It also lunged at my phone as I tried to take pictures. I can't believe I paid money to have this experience.