- Attraction: Aloha Safari Park
- Location: 159 Mini Lane, Cameron, NC 28326
- Industry: Zoo
- Website: https://www.alohasafaripark.com/
When you roll down your car window at Aloha Safari Park, you might find yourself nose-to-nose with a curious camel or getting a sloppy kiss from an enthusiastic zebra.
This 77-acre privately owned sanctuary in Cameron transforms the typical zoo experience into an interactive adventure where over 300 rescued animals – from pot-bellied pigs to majestic tigers – call this special place home. Founded over 25 years ago by Lee Crutchfield, who purchased the property from his former high school principal, this non-government funded facility has evolved from a dream into one of North Carolina’s most beloved animal attractions.
The park’s dual mission shines through every interaction: providing a loving sanctuary for abandoned, injured, and mistreated animals while educating visitors about wildlife conservation.
Since opening to the public in 2010, Aloha Safari Park has become a destination where families create lasting memories, whether they’re feeding gentle giraffes named Titus, driving through 2.2 miles of safari roads surrounded by free-roaming animals, or exploring the rainforest building filled with exotic creatures.
Two Unique Safari Experiences
The Drive-Through Adventure: The crown jewel of Aloha Safari Park is its expansive drive-through section where larger hoofstock animals roam freely. You’ll encounter water buffalo cooling themselves in ponds, European fallow deer approaching your windows, and yes – those famous zebras with their wiry whiskers close enough to see every detail. Visitors consistently rave about feeding animals directly from their vehicles, with many noting they “got slobbered on” by friendly camels and llamas.
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Keep Exploring →The Walk-Through Exhibits: The upper section offers paved walkways leading to more intimate encounters. Here you’ll discover the Reptile Room housing bearded dragons and Burmese pythons, outdoor exhibits featuring ring-tailed lemurs and spider monkeys, and the popular petting zoo area where goats and pigs eagerly await treats.
Giraffe House Experience: No visit is complete without stopping by to feed Titus the giraffe. Visitors love capturing selfies while hand-feeding this gentle giant, though you’ll want to keep sunglasses and hats out of reach – he’s known for collecting souvenirs! The giraffe feeding station provides specially approved snacks perfect for these towering residents.
Special Animal Encounters: The park recently introduced private animal encounters where families can have one-on-one experiences with creatures like brown lemurs. These special sessions create unforgettable bonding moments and provide incredible photo opportunities that visitors treasure long after their visit.
Must-See Residents
Exotic Wild Cats: The park houses several stunning feline species including tigers, servals, and caracals. These magnificent cats live in spacious enclosures where visitors can safely observe their natural behaviors and learn about their rescue stories.
Primate Paradise: From playful squirrel monkeys to elegant Colobus monkeys, the primate exhibits showcase various species. The lemur collection – featuring ring-tailed, black and white ruffed, and red ruffed varieties – draws crowds with their animated personalities and distinctive calls.
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Discover MoreUnique Species: Where else can you spot a zorse (zebra-horse hybrid), meet curious aoudads, or observe massive Watusi cattle with their impressive horns? The park’s collection includes capybaras, hyenas, Jacob sheep, and even genets – a fascinating cat-mongoose cross that leaves visitors amazed.
Barnyard Favorites: The petting zoo area features friendly farm animals perfect for younger visitors. Alpacas, donkeys, miniature horses, and pot-bellied pigs provide gentle interactions that help children develop confidence around animals.
Atmosphere & Park Features
Natural Setting: Spread across 77 rolling acres in rural Cameron, the park maintains a balance between developed paths and natural habitats. Mature trees provide ample shade throughout the walking areas, creating comfortable conditions even on warmer days.
Educational Focus: Throughout your visit, you’ll find educational signage sharing each animal’s rescue story. Many residents came from situations where they were kept as illegal pets or suffered injuries in the wild, making the sanctuary their permanent safe haven.
Family-Friendly Layout: The combination of drive-through and walk-through sections means visitors of all ages and mobility levels can enjoy the full experience. Paved pathways accommodate strollers and wheelchairs, while the drive-through option lets everyone stay comfortable in their vehicles.
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Keep Exploring →Feeding Opportunities: The gift shop sells approved animal feed including barnyard grain mix and special treats for giraffes. The interactive feeding experiences throughout both sections create those magical moments that turn a regular zoo visit into an adventure.
Visitor Considerations
Pricing Value: At $15 for adults and $13 for children ages 2-11, admission includes both the walk-through and drive-through experiences. Compared to larger commercial zoos, visitors find excellent value, especially considering the unique up-close animal interactions included in the base price. Feed cups cost an additional $3.
Best Times to Visit: The park operates Wednesday through Monday (closed Tuesdays), with weekend hours from 10 AM to 5 PM. Spring visits offer chances to see adorable baby animals, while special events like Easter egg hunts and Christmas lights with Santa visits provide seasonal excitement.
Parking & Accessibility: A spacious private parking lot accommodates vehicles of all sizes. The drive-through section works perfectly for any vehicle, though sitting on the right side provides optimal animal viewing according to frequent visitors.
Group Experiences: Churches, schools, scout troops, and birthday parties can arrange special group tours including tractor rides with zookeepers, animal talks, and exclusive encounters. The picnic grounds and playground areas make extended visits comfortable for larger groups.
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Discover MoreOn-Site Dining: Food trucks and concession trailers offer chicken tenders, hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream, and shaped ice. The variety of quick bites means families can easily spend several hours exploring without leaving for meals.
Photography Tips: Bring your camera fully charged – between giraffe selfies, drive-through encounters, and exotic animal viewing, you’ll capture hundreds of memorable moments. Morning visits often provide the best lighting and most active animals.
Aloha Safari Park
📍 159 Mini Lane, Cameron, NC 28326
