We went here the other weekend because they were having an event and we wanted to support them because I think animal preserves like this are pretty neat.
Unfortunately, it was like the stuff was not ready for their event at all. We arrived a few minutes before 4 o’clock, which was when the event was supposed to start. And it was like people are running around and not prepared for the influx of people that they were about to get. I think we were the first two people to show up.
The person who greeted us was actually very friendly, excited, and nice.
She didn’t ask us for our entry fee or anything nothing was ready to go. She just told us to wait somewhere and someone would come up to us.
I asked to go to the bathroom because we drove an hour to get there and of course I had to go to the bathroom.
They’re only bathroom is inside the house. And while it didn’t bother me, there was a dog in there and he was a big Matt up, which is fine. He was fine enough but a little bit worrisome because he definitely was not really OK with someone coming in there. I feel like if I’m allowed to go in there and there’s a dog in there. Someone who knew that dog should’ve came in with me and made sure that he was OK.
If their bathroom is not public, then that should really be known at the beginning. It’s not a place where you’re gonna spend less than an hour so I feel like they probably should have some sort of porta potty or something if the bathroom is not really for public use. I would fine with this because I’m fine with dogs even large dogs and he was OK but he wasn’t like great About the whole thing.
The parking was not clear and it really wasn’t clear what we were supposed to do. There were signs that said wait after you parked and someone would come up to you.
I’d say that the areas are not like superduper well maintained, but they’re not abhorrent either.
They sent us up with a gal who clearly did not want to be giving tours. She did preface our tour with that. She hadn’t done one in a long time and she doesn’t know everything. I had to remind her a few times that she should be talking to us instead of away from us. I have a hard time hearing, and if she doesn’t face me then I don’t always understand what people are saying.
She was very nervous, which is fine. I can deal with that. But it made it a little bit unenjoyable.
She seemed like she was in pain. To be honest, which probably made it not very fun for her.
They had us wait for a while before we even started because they weren’t ready, which is fine.
Somethings weren’t marked at all. There were some new admitted critters that didn’t have a sign and she didn’t know the story behind them.
They get horrible vibes or anything, but I didn’t get great vibes either. I’m not sure I would come back.
I think it was intended that people get a private tour. But they actually didn’t make sure everyone paid or was properly admitted into the preserve.
I think overall because they weren’t prepared and they weren’t organized that it was kind of detrimental to the overall experience of this particular event. It may be better to go on a non-event day if possible.
There was some cool interactions like the little lemurs. She was making some noises and I didn’t really know that they made noises and that was cute.
There was an alligator that you were allowed to go into his enclosure with his owner. His owner claim to be friends with the late Steve Irwin. I don’t know how believable that is, but, he swore that this alligator would never bite. And wow that would’ve been an interesting experience maybe in a small group. There was a large gathering of people and it was just kind of nerve-racking instead of interesting.
Anyway, there’s not really sure over my whole experience. It was just an OK experience and really not what I expected. I am unsure if...
   Read moreI’d love to give this place more stars, esp so the animals can continue to receive funding, but man it was rough. The big cat enclosures were devastatingly small. Animals, specifically the tigers, pacing back and forth looking extremely agitated. If you’re looking for a tour where you’re required to stand still and silent, then this is the place for you. I do not recommend going here with young children though. We went as a large group with many kids aged 0-10 and were scolded multiple times. Inquisitive children were shushed, and toddlers being told to stand in one place for long durations. John was pretty rough around the edges, even with the moms who asked questions.
The lecture on plastic was...
   Read moreWe had booked a trip and had accidentally showed up this morning at 9 am thinking we had a tour. It ended up as the best tour day ever!! Marcia showed up and told us they were actually closed, but she offered to give us a tour anyway. She did a GREAT job and we appreciated her showing us around SO much!! All of the animals were extremely well taken care of and were cool to see super up close. Jim showed up later in the tour and showed us Bubba the alligator which was great. He was super knowledgeable about Bubba and alligators. Overall, it was a great day and a special thank you to Marcia for showing us around when she could’ve just turned us away. Thanks...
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