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Most People Don’t Know This Exotic Hidden Zoo In Fenton Lets You Pet Reptiles And Feed Lemurs

Published: August 15, 2025

  • Attraction: Supe’s Exotic Jungle
  • Location: 7443 Hartland Rd, Fenton, MI 48430
  • Industry: Zoo
  • Website: Facebook Page

Behind an unassuming facade in Tyrone Township lies one of Michigan’s most extraordinary wildlife encounters.

Supe’s Exotic Jungle transforms the traditional zoo experience into something entirely different—where you can actually pet sharks, hand-feed ring-tailed lemurs, and touch stingrays all in one incredible afternoon.

This family-owned interactive zoo opened in 2011 as a labor of love by co-founders Brent and Shannon Barrick, who transformed their lifelong passion for animals into an unforgettable hands-on experience.

Unlike massive traditional zoos where you observe from a distance, Supe’s offers intimate encounters with 37 different animal species during private guided tours.

You’ll spend two hours immersed in specialized rooms designed for close animal interactions, creating memories that simply aren’t possible anywhere else in the region.

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Incredible Animal Encounters

Ocean Room Adventures: Step into an aquatic wonderland where the impossible becomes reality. You’ll actually reach into touch tanks to pet sharks and glide your hands over the smooth bodies of stingrays. The sensation of these gentle creatures swimming beneath your fingertips creates an absolutely magical moment that transforms any fear into pure wonder.

Lemur Feeding Experience: Meet Nyah, a ring-tailed lemur from Madagascar, along with twin male lemurs who are constantly engaging with their playful antics. Hand-feeding these endangered primates offers an intimate glimpse into their personalities as they delicately take treats from your palm. Their soft hands and curious eyes create an emotional connection that brings wildlife conservation to life.

Wallaby Encounters: Oliver the wallaby provides one of the most endearing experiences, allowing gentle petting while you learn about these Australian marsupials. Their velvety fur and calm demeanor make them perfect ambassadors for up-close wildlife encounters.

Reptile & Exotic Experiences: Ruby, the red-tailed boa constrictor, stands out as a memorable encounter, offering brave guests the chance to feel her muscular body and smooth scales. You’ll also meet massive African porcupines, whose quills are far different than you’d imagine when experienced safely up close.

Fox & Bird Interactions: Keira the red fox showcases her beautiful coat and playful personality, while the resident parrot eagerly engages in conversations with delighted visitors. Harry the emu towers over guests, providing an impressive encounter with one of the world’s largest birds.

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Alligator Encounters: Meet Ally the alligator and her companion Franklin for a surprisingly calm interaction with these ancient predators, safely managed by experienced handlers.

Atmosphere & Experience Design

Specialized Environment Rooms: The facility thoughtfully divides experiences into themed spaces. The Ocean Room houses marine life, while the Jungle Room provides tropical animal encounters, and the Reptile Room showcases scaled and amphibious creatures. Each space feels carefully crafted to optimize both animal comfort and visitor engagement.

Intimate Group Dynamics: The deliberately small tour groups create a personal atmosphere where crowds never overwhelm the experience. Tours maintain such small sizes that every participant receives individualized attention and ample opportunities for animal interactions.

Outdoor Sanctuary Space: Behind the main buildings, five acres of open space provide peaceful environments for larger animals, creating a serene backdrop that benefits both wildlife and visitors.

Educational Focus: Every interaction centers on education, helping visitors appreciate animals they might have previously feared while teaching respect for all creatures. The founders personally lead tours, sharing extensive knowledge and enthusiastically answering questions throughout the experience.

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Other Considerations

Reservation Requirements: Tours operate strictly by appointment with no walk-in availability or individual ticket sales. Pricing starts at $240 for groups up to 10 people, making it most economical when shared among friends or family members. Children under one year visit free.

Seasonal Operations: The facility operates from the first day of spring through the last day of November, with traveling shows available year-round. Tours typically last approximately two hours and operate between March and December.

Value Perspective: The pricing structure reflects the unique quality of hands-on experiences unavailable elsewhere. When divided among a full group, the per-person cost becomes quite accessible for such exclusive animal encounters.

Accessibility & Location: Located approximately one hour from Detroit, it makes an ideal day trip destination. The Hartland Road location provides convenient access for local families and regional tourists.

Family-Friendly Appeal: All ages enjoy the experience, though adult supervision helps younger children navigate animal interactions safely. The educational component ensures children leave with expanded knowledge alongside unforgettable memories.

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Special Events: The facility occasionally hosts special events like winter activities featuring bonfires, hot cocoa, and continued animal interactions during traditionally closed seasons.


Supe’s Exotic Jungle
📍 7443 Hartland Rd, Fenton, MI 48430

Writer: Kathy Bayton
Contributor

I have been writing since college, after college I moved to Michigan for good. Nothing beats the Great Lakes in the summer or a cider mill in the fall. When I’m not writing, you’ll find me browsing indie bookstores or hanging out with friends. Michigan has the best sunsets and I will die on that hill.