- Attraction: North Georgia Wildlife Park and Safari
- Location: 2912 Paradise Valley Rd, Cleveland, GA 30528
- Industry: Zoo
- Website: https://www.northgeorgiazoo.com/
What happens when you combine one of Georgia’s largest petting zoos with the chance to hand-feed kangaroos and have capybaras splash around right next to you?
You get the North Georgia Wildlife Park and Safari, a hidden gem tucked away in the beautiful North Georgia mountains. This isn’t your typical zoo experience – it’s an interactive adventure where you can actually connect with over 400 exotic animals across 60 acres of stunning mountain landscape.
Established in 1998, this unique wildlife park operates on a mission to bring people and animals together through hands-on experiences that you simply can’t find anywhere else in the Southeast.
From driving through habitats where zebras and camels approach your car window, to participating in guided wildlife walks and specialized animal encounters, this ZAA-accredited facility offers three distinct ways to explore and interact with everything from wolves and otters to sloths and penguins.
Unique Animal Experiences You Can’t Find Elsewhere
Capybara Encounters: These gentle giants are the stars of the show, and you’ll understand why once you’re sitting poolside watching them swim and play. The capybara experience lets you interact directly with these world’s largest rodents in their aquatic habitat, making for unforgettable photo opportunities and memories that animal lovers describe as life-changing.
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Keep Exploring →Sloth Meet & Greets: Get face-to-face with these slow-moving charmers in an intimate setting where you can learn about their unique behaviors and even touch their surprisingly coarse fur. The sloth encounters are particularly popular for special occasions and bucket-list experiences.
Otter Interactions: Watch these playful creatures show off their swimming skills and personalities during supervised encounters. The otters are known for their curiosity and engaging behaviors, making every interaction feel personal and special.
Kangaroo Feeding: Pet and feed Australian kangaroos without the expense of international travel. These marsupials are surprisingly gentle and enjoy the attention, letting you get much closer than you’d ever imagine possible.
Wolf Experiences: For the more adventurous, wolf encounters provide education about these magnificent predators in a safe, controlled environment. You’ll learn about pack dynamics and conservation efforts while observing these powerful animals up close.
Penguin Visits: Yes, penguins in Georgia! These tuxedo-clad birds waddle their way into hearts during special encounter sessions where you can observe their social behaviors and feeding habits.
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Discover MoreMultiple Ways To Explore
Wildlife Walk Tours: Join knowledgeable guides for an educational journey through natural habitats where you’ll see alligators, wolves, primates, and dozens of other species. The guided tours are filled with fascinating facts and allow for closer viewing that wouldn’t be possible in traditional zoo settings.
Safari Drive-Through: Stay comfortable in your own vehicle as you navigate through large animal habitats. Zebras, bison, camels, ostriches, and water buffalo roam freely while you drive through at your own pace. The “llama lane” is a particular favorite where these friendly animals will approach your car for treats.
Bush Drive Adventure: Take it up a notch with the Bush Drive where curious antelope, Highland cattle, and emus stick their heads right into your car windows looking for snacks. This experience gives new meaning to interactive wildlife viewing.
Behind-The-Scenes Tours: Go deeper with special tours that rotate between different areas of the park, offering exclusive access to areas not typically open to the public and additional hands-on opportunities with select animals.
Atmosphere & Setting
Mountain Location: The drive to the park through the North Georgia mountains is described as beautiful and scenic, setting the perfect tone for your wildlife adventure. The off-the-beaten-path location feels like discovering a secret treasure.
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Keep Exploring →Natural Habitats: Animals live in spacious, thoughtfully designed environments that prioritize their wellbeing. The 60-acre facility provides ample room for both animals and visitors to roam comfortably.
Petting Farm Paradise: One of the largest petting zoos in Georgia features miniature goats, sheep, alpacas, donkeys, potbelly pigs, and rare breed livestock. Baby animals are born year-round, so there’s always something adorable to discover.
Family-Friendly Layout: A wooden pirate ship playground, picnic areas, and wide pathways make the park accessible for families with children of all ages. The free-flight aviary with colorful parakeets adds an extra element of wonder.
Educational Focus: Every interaction is designed to teach visitors about animal behavior, conservation efforts, and the importance of wildlife protection. The faith-based facility operates with a clear mission of bringing people and animals together.
Other Considerations
Pricing Structure: General admission runs around $22-25 per person, with additional fees for special animal encounters and experiences. While some visitors initially consider it expensive, most agree the unique interactions and quality of care make it worth every penny.
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Discover MoreAdvance Planning: Online ticket purchases are highly recommended and make check-in much smoother. Same-day tickets are available at the gate, but popular experiences can sell out, especially during peak seasons.
Food Policy: The park allows you to bring your own picnic lunch, which is perfect since there’s no food service on-site. Picnic tables are available, and some visitors make a full day of it by bringing meals to enjoy between activities.
Parking & Accessibility: Free parking is available, though the safari drive involves gravel roads with some bumps and dips that may challenge very low vehicles. Golf cart rentals are available for guests who need assistance navigating the park.
Operating Schedule: The park typically operates on weekends with extended hours during spring and summer seasons. Hours can vary monthly, so checking their calendar before visiting is essential.
Best Times To Visit: Weekdays tend to be less crowded, and purchasing treat buckets and feeding cups enhances the experience significantly. Many families plan to spend 3-4 hours exploring all three areas of the park.
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Keep Exploring →North Georgia Wildlife Park and Safari
📍 2912 Paradise Valley Rd, Cleveland, GA 30528
