Idle-Hour Ranch — Attraction in Troy

This was my first time visiting the ranch. I think the staff have good intentions but they were not professionals. I felt like I had walked onto the set of Tiger King. Both my 8 year old daughter and I were uncomfortable with the facilities provided for the animals.

The wolf, wallaby’s, camels, foxes, sloth and other non-farm animals were in conditions not suitable for wild animals. These animals were in small cages (wolf, fox, sloth) or chained to posts (camels) and the heat was too much. There was little space for the animals to move or roam (except for the sheep, goats and cows).

We came to this place specifically for the Sloth Encounter which was over priced ($175 per person). Not only were the conditions for the sloth small, the “sloth handler” was not professional and he seemed to have little care for the sloth. He did not treat it was patience, care and compassion but instead tried to get it in the “best position” for our pictures. When the sloth handler tried to reposition the sloth, it became EXTREMELY irritated and uncomfortable. It would hiss and move as fast as possible away from the handler (which is slow because it’s a sloth). This happened a few different times, to which I finally said, “No need to move the sloth, we are fine. We will take pictures where the sloth is most comfortable.” My daughter and I were both very uncomfortable with the handler and his handling of the sloth.

Although we were allowed to touch the sloth, it simply did NOT like to be touched. It would try to get away or turn its head to bite us if we touched it too long. After seeing this reaction, my daughter and I didn’t touch it again. We left it be in order to make feel more comfortable.

Not only will I not return to this facility, I would recommend to others not to support a place that has little professionalism or standards of care in the place for their animals. Although I think some of the staffs intentions are good, I think the living conditions need to be significantly improved (especially for the sloth, wolf, fox...

I visited this “sanctuary” recently because I love animals and wanted to support what I thought was a caring rescue environment. Unfortunately, the experience was extremely distressing and raised serious concerns about animal welfare.

Many of the enclosures were extremely small, dirty, and seemed inappropriate for the exotic animals being kept there. Especially in colder winter temperatures.

But the most alarming incident was when a goat collapsed right in front of us. It couldn’t get up and was clearly in distress, letting feces and urine leak from its body while it laid there. It took around 15 minutes before anyone came to help. Staff tried to get the owner’s attention, but he was more focused on giving paid camel rides instead. He actually gave about 5 after being notified by an employee. There was zero urgency.

When the owner finally came over about 30 minutes later, his response was shockingly dismissive and incredibly insensitive. He dragged the animal roughly by the head and brought it to a hidden part of the facility where no one would see it. He then left it, making inappropriate jokes instead of showing any real care or urgency.

This experience left me heartbroken and convinced me that this is not a true sanctuary but a for-profit attraction with little regard for the animals’ well-being. While I understand that animal welfare laws vary by state, it was painfully clear that the owner showed no genuine concern for the health or safety of the animals he’s profiting from.

I would strongly encourage others to think twice before visiting, and I sincerely hope that animal welfare authorities take a closer look at this facility...

The first surprise was the pretty setting. Most of the animal enclosures are set among large shade trees, some of them gorgeous willows. To one side is a small play area ringed with Adirondack chairs, a porch swing, and benches. I really appreciated the ample seating and the plentiful shade when I wanted a short break.

The exotic animals were interesting, the camels especially so, but the real scene-stealers were the friendlier domestic animals. A staff member told me that many were turned over from 4H members instead of sent to slaughter, and it was heartwarming to see what a nice life they have here. A pair of goats was even free to wander among the guests.

Visitors could buy food to feed most of the animals, which is really what made the visit fun (and unique). Cows, horses, and pigs were off limits for feeding, however. I’d love to see additional food (maybe carrots or other produce?) sold to feed these animals. (I felt guilty feeding the goats while the cows looked on :) ).

Staff members are always around and friendly and willing to answer questions, and there are three presentations about some of the animal residents. Camel and pony rides are available for an extra charge.

The animals certainly look well cared-for. Prominent signs inform the visitors that the display enclosures house the animals only during visiting hours and that their permanent quarters are more substantial, and to me none of the animals seemed cramped or unhappy in the display pens.

I spent over two hours here and consider the entrance fee well worth it — and that’s without visiting the corn maze and other evening...