Sustainable Safari — Attraction in Maplewood

Just want to preface my review by stating I was very excited to come here initially! I had been wanting to visit for a while, especially seeing all of the lovely posts on their social media.

…But unfortunately not everything is as it seems. Once my partner and I step foot into the enclosures area we were met with a truly saddening sight. It is a fact that when animals are kept in small and confined spaces they are subject to boredom and in many cases extreme stress. That was apparent with a many enclosures, as we had spotted many mostly hiding and some even pacing back and forth.

Not only that but when animals get to a certain point of stress they can absolutely lash out at people unexpectedly, a great example of this would be the porcupines and the capybaras. A stiff posture, glaring stare and RUNNING AWAY! - are all signs an animal has had enough and may become dangerous if pushed far enough. Despite this an employee still stayed put in the capybara enclosure and attempted to allow customers to feed them. And as far as the porcupine goes, all I had to do was kneel down near him and he nearly immediately charged at us.

A few words to describe the word sustainable: ethical, livable, low-impact. Very ironic to have this same word in the name of this small petting zoo. Not only was the area outside the enclosures filthy, but the enclosures themselves were foul. For the few animals that did have water dishes, the water was dirty and murky. Many enclosures were in need of a good clean. As an animal owner myself I am aware how easily an enclosure can become, but that is just the small price you pay in caring for animals!

One good thing about this place was the employees WERE very friendly and helpful! But there definitely needs to be more of them, I’m concerned about the safety of the animals seeing how little people there is that work here. There was no one watching over most of the enclosures.

I did not come here expecting to feel so strong about this, I would not even consider myself to be “anti-zoo” or anything like that. But I know that I very much care for the well being of those who cannot advocate for themselves. I would have hoped the owner would see this review, but seeing the lackadaisical attitude of the owner in other similar reviews I doubt any action will be taken.

The only good thing that could come with this place was if it was,...

A petting zoo in a mall... Who would have thought, right?! Well check it out for yourself bc it's definitely a place you need to visit! Sustainable safari started out low key but has gained much popularity. One of my first visits I saw John walking around the mall with princess the possum and I wondered what the heck? What kind of zoo is this? I stopped in and the owner gave me a tour and a free cup to check the place out. I was there for an hour or more and that's when I knew just how special this place was. It is filled with well loved animals, a well kept atmosphere and many places to wash hands and remain as germ free as possible. They have a few dogs and some free range chickens which give the feel of a backyard family farm with the added benefit of some exotic animals. The staff are well knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive to all the animals needs. If you want to spend some extra time really getting to know the animals they offer well priced animal experiences. This allows you to learn about the specific animal and in some insistences you can hold the animal as well. All experiences offered are unique to each individual animal. Check out what they offer upon arrival. The animals are friendly and have amazing personalities, but always be mindful that they are animals and as humans we have to respect their individualities. Food cups are well priced to enjoy feeding various animals at the zoo, but be prepared for silliness as some animals tend to be ill mannered. Haha. Overall it's my favorite place to just be able to forget how chaotic our human lives can be and be reminded of the joy all animals can bring. Thank you sustainable safari for bringing all of us such joy and smiles in all our lives through the lives of your...

This is the most depressing thing I have seen in a long time. This is Tiger King but with baby kangaroos. As first you're like "OMG cute, look at the little goats and is that a deer? How sweet!" Then you notice the heartbreaking look in the adult kangaroos eyes, the overcrowding in the goat pens, how the alligators have literally nowhere to swim, the lack of sunlight and fresh air for these beautiful creatures.

I asked an employee if the kangaroos ever get fresh air, and she made mention of a "farm." This farm has no online images and is only vaguely mentioned with no specifics on when animals get to go there. It brings to mind the "farm" your parents told you that your childhood pet went to when it actually died. I did some research online, and the website says a vet checks them daily to ensure health and proper enrichment, but there is no attestation by animal welfare experts, no information of the clinic they use, not even a picture of the vet. The website reads like a bunch of marketing b.s. where "sustainable" is only in name.

If it was just a couple bunnies, chicks and ducks, I would have still paid the same amount to bring my niece here. It was clean and the employees clearly loved the animals and what they did. They were well-staffed. But they have animals that belong in the sun and fields wasting away under fluorescent lights and faux greenery hanging from square ceiling tiles. There is nothing to be done beyond telling everyone not to give this business your money. The government doesn't care, there are barely any laws protecting these creatures, and they just approved another one in the Burnsville Mall....