They advertise that they are practically like a wild animal park, so I had a vision of animals roaming free. Well, they are in cages, and in some cases, much smaller cages than they would be in in a zoo. I understand that they are saving old zoo and entertainment animals, but they should make good on their word and have a "wilder" place. I wouldn't go here again as I felt depressed after this experience.
I had a great time with my friend and they are very friendly and clean.parking lots are free of no charge. They have a nice little shop where u can buy souvenirs.
Please do not listen to the poor reviewers as they missed the point of this zoo completely. A good percentage of the animals in this zoo are a combination of abandoned or neglected animals that have been taken in to spare their lives from being destroyed.I have never seen happier animals in a zoo in my entire life. I have never been so close to the animals at any zoo. When the owner walked past the cages the animals were so excited to see him it was obvious that he and the workers had a personal relationship with each animal and that they were truly loved. I happen to see the owner pet his full grown hyena through the cage, the Hyena was crying with excitement at his presence as if they were best friends. Yes, the cages you see most of the animals in were chain link cages. The size and the materials are all regulated by the government to protect everyone. The entire mission of this zoo is to raise money to save the animals and to build new habitats for their animals. This zoo has massive plans of expansion and like most zoos they are trying to raise money to build new lush environments for their animals. The Elephant pasture was a perfect example of this where elephants, zebras and water buffalo all coexist. I have never been to a zoo where you had a personally guided tour of the animals. I loved asking questions and hearing about each animals history instead of reading about their species on little markers placed by the cages. If you want to see some magnificent animals close up that are truly happy then this is the place for you. If you time your trip correctly you can see and do things not possible at a large zoo – Next time when we have more time we would love to stay at the Vision Quest Ranch hotel on property. This is the best zoo I have ever been to if you can see past the cages. Definitely bring a camera as the animals are not hiding in their cage for the most part.
Truly awesome experience. Seeing animals up close and personal, learning about them, and seeing how much staff truly cares about animals. I highly recommend doing private tour, elephant bath, feeding the big cats, and elephant bedtime. It's really a surreal experience to see an elephant, lion, and tiger this close.
A large variety of exotic animals. Very knowledgeable and friendly guides. Can't wait to see the upgrades in 2015!
July 14th 2014A very disappointing experience for 6 of us who drove from Berkeley to celebrate a birthday at Wild Things. Arriving at 4:50 p. m. we waited until 5:30 to commence the tour (“There will be someone here to get you” every 10 minutes at each new inquiry); and then were back on the road to return home at 6:05 p. m. About 5 animals were fed with a ‘bums rush’ around the loop of “big cats”. Staff did not enhance rapport with animals/eager visitors--very apathetic about visitor enjoyment… “ Please stay with the group” rang out at every pause for a photo-- Perhaps other packages offer higher standards. Fortunately, Salinas is a very nice town--But Wild Things: Never again! $35.00 each!!! Hope it does better for other groups…a real let down!! KMH
I'm spoiled by the San Diego zoo. This place was just sad and the workers ushered us quickly from animal to animal that were mostly purchased from out of state breeders. I will not go back!
This place is a total ripoff. My dealings with the staff were a nightmare. I had a very unpleseant experience and then they had the nerve to solicit donations from me after the fact.
A few months ago, I took my daughter & granddaughter to the park when they visited me from Arizona and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The tour was geared to the children and concluded with them feeding the elephants. I highly recommend it to anyone with young children.
I didn't realize TripAdvisor had 2 listings for this terrific place where we visited during the weekend of November 15/16, 2014. Please see my review of "Vision Quest Safari Bed & Breakfast." I wish I could post photos, but I can't upload them from my phone or tablet. Regardless, photos don't compare to the amazing experience!