Wild Roads

A Zoo of a Different Kind

Photos and article by Kathleen Walls

This is a zoo of a different kind. It's a petting farm, a wildlife experience, a hands on wildlife experience and one thing is sure no two visits will be the same. You're sure to see a baby here. Maybe it will be a tiny miniature goat born just a few days ago and still wobbly on its legs or a funny-looking striped emu baby that just hatched. You will get a different reaction from the camel feeding depending on the animals' mood.

Stacy Payne and Veronica Byrd admire the goats

The first experience is with the barnyard animals in petting zoo environment. You will meet lots of goats, pigs, turkeys and others. There are even a few deer roaming around and a contented zebra. Naturally there is a barnyard cat.

Tawnya Williams company manager at the zoo interacts with a Siberian lynz

The wildlife walk is so unusual. For one it is always small usually less than ten people so you get a very personal experience. They have over 80 different species of exotic animals .  They have been featured on the Rachael Ray show and the Jeff Corbin show. You meet some big cats, Florida panther, a Siberian lynx, bearcats and many others. Then there are prickly porcupines, beavers, ring tailed lemurs and three banded armadillos. Then there are the tiny desert foxes.

An albino wallaby at the zoo

You will meet many Australian animals like wallabies, kangaroos and wallaroos. The trainers are always working to provide enrichment to the wildlife. Many of the animals were raised from babies by owners Hope and Tom Bennett. a recent project asked people to donate old Christmas trees to the zoo so the animals could enjoy tearing them apart. Pumpkins are another treat for the wildlife, not so much as food as play toys.

Hope watches her little daughter interact with one of the camels

The hayride takes you to the other side of the compound to feed and interact with some horses, camels, alpacas and others. Whatever your pleasure whether feeding a camel or riding a pony or even taking a walk on the wild side, an entire alphabet of animals from alligators to zebras will enlighten and entertain your child (and you) here.

For more info: http://www.northgeorgiazoo.com/