Zootastic Park — Attraction in Troutman

We got here a little after 4. The zoo staff was a little hesitant to let us pay to get in just because it takes a while to really walk around and enjoy everything. We wanted to take the wagon ride since you can see everything that way but the park closes at 5pm everyday it is open. We were not staying in town except for two days so this was the only day we had and we couldn't get to town any sooner due to work so we worked with what we had. We ended up paying the 13.50 per person to get in and bought some giraffe crackers (3 crackers per cup and we got 2 cups). This was the best part - feeding the giraffes. I had never done that before and I love to feed animals. We opted not to pet them since they pulled back at bit and I don't like to force the animals to let me pet them. We took a bunch of pictures. We got to see some lions, lemurs, leopards, hyenas, cougar, sloth, monkeys, lynx, zebras, wallaby, tigers, gibbons, peacocks were just walking around free as well as some other birds that I did not recognize, camels, wildebeest/water buffalo?, barnyard animals like goats, chickens, calf, etc. We did not get to see all of these animals but we saw at least half. Part of them you could only really see with the wagon ride and part of them were in their little shaded areas where we really couldn't get a good view. I don't blame them at all as it was super hot out. They do have animal encounters that you can pay for and I would have loved to do that but since we weren't even sure we were going to be able to make it to the zoo I didn't want to spend a couple hundred and not be able to experience the encounter. We will probably never be back in this area again but if we are we definitely would try to work our schedule to take the wagon ride and schedule an animal encounter to be able to pet and hold different animals because that would be absolutely awesome. Do those if you have the time and money for the encounter!!! It was super hot out and we were sweating all over but it was worth the 50 minutes to walk around the parts of the zoo that we had time for and were allowed to (part of it is only available to the people who take the wagon ride and we missed that by about 5 to 10 minutes of our arrival. My boyfriend also went back to get some feed for me to feed the goats, calf, and little deer looking animals too. I have always really liked goats. I have milked one before and fed them by the bottle before too. The little goats are really awesome to be around. We took a look into the reptile area (not my favorite area) and we were about 1/4 of the way in the door when one of the zoo staff was actually going into the main room to get one of the snakes because it had escaped. It was just trying to hide. That was a bit of a shock but I didn't feel my life being threatened or anything. She just picked it up and put it on her shoulder and brought it back into the room where it belonged so it could get fed. The serval was really walking along side of the fence and several of the other animals actually walked up to the fence and looked at us about 30% of them I would say. I thought that worked out well since it was so hot out and they didn't really need to do that for us. Anyway, there was one of the deer looking animals that followed me along the fence. I assume you can feed them and that is what they were wanting but I didn't see any food nearby to get to feed them. Maybe that is at the front desk to ask about. If I ever go back I will have to get a lot of feed for all of them!!! The giraffes and goats were my favorite out of everything. Not being able to access everything by walking was the least favorite part of this zoo for me. They also have ice cream, a gift shop, places to eat inside, etc. You should spend at least 1.5 to 2 hours here to enjoy everything (their recommendation when we were buying tickets) even if you do not do a special...

I almost don’t want to share about our experience as it was so unique & phenomenal - a rare gem we hope NEVER changes. It was very laid-back and casual, not overwhelmingly commercial. I honestly wonder how it survives as it’s very reasonably priced but not short on animals by any means. There were a lot of big cats, plenty of lions, tigers, leopards, bears, hyenas, camels, giraffes, zebra, lemurs, shy capybaras- to name a few. There was a large amount of farm animals, all experts at begging for treats, birds & raptors & the obligatory reptiles, penguins & gazelles. They were dozens of spring babies: deer, kid goats, chicks, goslings, ducklings, and a set of expectant prairie dogs. There were a few depressed, looking primates in small cages and I hope there’s plans for a bigger enclosure for them when possible. Or one may already exists on the extensive grounds, which are flanked with forest lined trees. There was a beautiful lion, restless that day and an anteater pacing, but most animals looked calm, bright eyed, healthy, seemed well loved & engaging in ‘normal’ social behavior. Staff were very kind to animals and visitors alike. We got to see one exercise a juvenile white tiger, who seemed very content. It was a great atmosphere. It felt more like a family run business than a giant corporate money maker. There was no showmanship or money grabbing shake-downs- no shiny trifold maps, just a zoo getting on with its daily routines, while you casually sculked around. I have mixed feelings about zoo’s in general, but the animals here are very well cared for and you could get really close to many of them. All were very enthusiastic for the food cups! For kids, there’s lots of exciting things to explore and more freedom for them than in regular zoo’s. Parents were attentive and kids were engaged & very well behaved. The volume was low, the vibe was fun & friendly. There was no overbearing, entitled, helicopter parents screaming ‘honey’ at each while their kids threw fits. You didn’t need to bring the kitchen sink along as you could park right at the entrance and come and go as you please if you need stuff from the car. There were no crowds, we stayed as long as we liked at each enclosure. Even the restrooms were surprisingly immaculate (a first for me at zoo’s). There is flat-ish ground to walk on and then a drive-through part where you can feed roaming animals & you’re approached by various wildebeast,deer, ponies, ostriches, emu’s, goats and a llama who is definitely the ring leader. We had an unforgettable day here. It was almost like going back in time when things were more simple & we felt like a part of what was going on organically. It was overcast and cool, just perfect for moving around in comfort. We came as soon as they opened and before the crowds arrived in the later afternoon. I absolutely love this place, will remember this day forever and will go back at every possible chance. Now the secret is shared & the reader can go for their own slice of wonderment- soak up the courtesy & respect there, LISTEN to staff’s instructions & please leave it as you found it & don’t eff it up for the...

I think it's really great for kids bc there's plenty of walking around and it's not too big nor too small for kids. Staff was friendly and helpful for the most part. Bring cash bc if you use a card, there is a 4% charge. We went during the day so the drive thru part was closed along with the wagon rides (due to covid). The restrooms are clean. If you buy food there, it's only the microwaveable kind and it's mostly $1.99. Bavarian nuts are $5 for a small cone shaped bag. The slushies are good though ($1.99 12oz). I bought the $10 ride pass which includes 5 stars on the card so it's 1 star per person. It includes the train ride (the last caboose has a ramp for a wheelchair), Carousel (no music only squeaks), boat ride and I was told pony ride but no single pony in sight.. Good thing is the card doesn't expire so if you don't use it up, you can bring the card to use next time. I bought the $10 feeding pass which includes giraffe feedings (2 small cups of carrot sticks: not stuffed fully) and 2 tiger feeding (2 small cube cut pieces of meat) and don't drop them bc if you do then you're out of luck! I think if you're paying that much then if you drop the meat by accident then they should be able to replace it for you. So yes I felt jipped. Refill feed (med plastic cup) is $1 and carrot (paper) cup (it's small) is $3. If you're bringing kids, wear comfy old shoes or boots bc there's literally sh*t everywhere. You'll never know what you step on. The gift shop was nice and we had many things to choose from. Gift shop prices are gift shop prices lol. There was a washing station with soap so that was nice, however there were no paper towels and the water is only cold. We did not fully walk through the zoo bc a lot of animals are in heat and the cougars made the worst sound. It's apparently mating season for lots of the animals there so had I known, I would have planned for a different day. Parking lot is a gravel but there were several handicap parking spaces. It is wheelchair accessible. For being private owned, I think they did a good job but for all that they charge, it could definitely be better. Overall, would recommend and...