Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary — Attraction in Mountain Park

Oh man, I love this place. It's been around since I was little, and was the subject of field trips and happy memories. Let's start with some of the things I love about this place.

One thing? Admission. It doesn't cost as much as so many other things you could be doing for fun. The base tickets are cheap (about $20), and so are the feed cups ($6)! You also can get a bag for gem mining, and I debated it, but I'm gonna have to do it next time around. After paying they give you a sticker to put on your shirt, you can grab a map, and off you go!

Almost immediately you're greeted with animals. My favorite thing about this place is that they are clearly so happy and well cared for, mostly because they have space! There's a good amount of free range for them, and they laze around, play, and enjoy their lives. These are animals that wouldn't have made it in the wild, and they're being given a very respectful life with healthcare and garaunteed food. Some of their species are even endangered, which means they're helping contribute towards their continued existences.

The sanctuary is also very clean and well kept, largely due to their incredibly dedicated staff, but I like to think people are also more mindful here and pick up after each other, if not after themselves. I at least found myself picking up discarded cups and trash, but there wasn't that much to find! The staff is also very friendly and knowledgable, and will answer any questions you may have regarding the animals around you, or just the functions of the sanctuary itself!

We got there just in time for the 12:15 otter feeding, and it was amazing. They were very excited, and so cute, about getting their lunchtime fish! While they were being fed, a nice lady gave a wonderful presentation about the otters, their origins, and how they as a species contribute to their respective ecosystem. It was genuinely delightful to listen to, and I enjoyed it immensely!

On our way out, after petting the bunnies, we stopped by the gift store and purchased a few things. My cousin bought an ice cream without realizing it had peanuts, which he is incredibly allergic to. The nice lady was so kind, and despite his offering to pay for a replacement since he had opened the first one, allowed him to get a new ice cream for free. It was so sweet and made me very happy that she was considerate of his health concerns.

We ended up buying a fair amount of things, including a sticker, a few magnets, a tank top, and two bags. I noticed that most of the things I looked at came from eco-friendly companies, or companies that use reclaimed materials. I really love this, because it shows that they really do care about their goals and aren't just going to sell some quick turnaround material for extra money. It makes me very happy when a business is mindful of their impact in the world!

All in all, we had a wonderful time, and I will...

A Wildlife Wonderland: Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary Review

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary, and it turned out to be an unforgettable experience that exceeded all expectations. Nestled in the heart of nature, this sanctuary is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and families alike.

One of the standout features of the Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary is undoubtedly its knowledgeable and friendly staff. From the moment I arrived, the team displayed a genuine passion for the animals and their well-being. They were not only willing to share fascinating facts about each species but also went the extra mile to ensure that visitors had a memorable and educational visit.

The variety of animals housed in the sanctuary is truly remarkable. The expansive grounds provide a natural habitat for a diverse array of wildlife, including bison, bulls, sloths, lemurs, lynx cats, and many more. Walking through the well-designed enclosures, it's evident that great care has been taken to recreate environments that closely resemble the animals' natural habitats. This attention to detail allows visitors to observe the creatures in a setting that prioritizes their health and happiness.

Feeding the bison and interacting with the animals added an extra layer of excitement to the visit. The opportunity to hand-feed a bison bull or watch the playful antics of the lemurs created unforgettable moments that will stay with me for a lifetime. The staff provided guidelines to ensure both the visitors' and animals' safety during these interactions, fostering a sense of connection between humans and the incredible creatures residing in the sanctuary.

The sanctuary's commitment to conservation and education is evident throughout the premises. Informative signage and educational programs contribute to a deeper understanding of the importance of wildlife preservation. The Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary is not just a place to see animals; it's a hub for learning about the critical role each species plays in maintaining the delicate balance of our ecosystems.

In conclusion, the Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary is a gem for nature lovers seeking an enriching and delightful experience. The welcoming staff, combined with the wide variety of animals and interactive opportunities, make this sanctuary a must-visit destination for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone looking to connect with the beauty of the natural world. I left with a profound appreciation for the efforts put into creating a sanctuary that both cares for its residents and educates and inspires...

Beautiful animals and very fun to feed the goats, deer, cows, alpacas, sheep and donkeys. But I struggle to rate this place 5 stars because even though I had a lot of fun feeding the farmyard animals and deer. This place is less of a reserve or sanctuary and more of a zoo. I was saddened by the sloth's story (they weren't rescued they were purchased from a breeder) and I was saddened by some of the enclosures (so I quickly moved on because I get depressed by zoos). For example, the cats are in a really small enclosure, which seems very cruel for animals that love to run and sprint and the sloths enclosure was a completely closed off concrete box and had no plants inside it. I understand these animals can't be released back into the wild but they could be sent to habitats that are more appropriate for them. For example, there are sloth sanctuaries in Costa Rica where sloths can live in the trees, they are protected and looked after and are not bound in cages. There is a monkey sanctuary in South Africa that does the same. I think there are ways to help these animals without giving them such small and depressing spaces and then allowing children to scream at them all day (like a zoo).

The staff that work here are really nice and kind. The whole place is well maintained and clean and they definitely do care. I would go again because I would like to support the good they are doing for some animals they have taken in, for example one of the cats was living in an apartment before they rescued it. I hope that they can continue to expand and improve some of the enclosures. I enjoyed the educational signage and learning about all the animals.

The gift shop is really cute, lots of fun stuff to purchase, the bathrooms are clean, and there's snacks for purchase if you get hungry. I think this is a great place to bring kids if only the parents wouldn't let them scream and yell at the animals so much. All in all worth a visit, if you aren't triggered by...