- Attraction: Timbavati Wildlife Park
- Location: 2220 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
- Industry: Zoo
- Website: https://timbavatiwildlifepark.com/
Breaking away from the typical amusement park chaos of Wisconsin Dells, Timbavati Wildlife Park delivers something entirely different – the chance to literally feed a giraffe carrots while standing just inches away from the world’s tallest mammal.
This family-owned wildlife sanctuary has been creating these magical moments since 2001, when mother-son duo Alice and Matthew Schoebel transformed 35 acres into a haven for over 400 exotic animals representing more than 75 species.
You’ll discover this isn’t your typical walk-through zoo where animals hide behind thick glass.
Instead, Timbavati specializes in hands-on encounters that leave kids wide-eyed and adults snapping photos like crazy. From stepping inside kangaroo enclosures to watching baby animals roam freely during live wildlife presentations, this park turns every visitor into an amateur wildlife photographer.
Interactive Animal Encounters That Create Lasting Memories
Giraffe Feeding Experience: You’ll stand on a special feeding deck where these gentle giants stretch their incredibly long purple tongues to grab carrots right from your hand. The experience feels surreal – being face-to-face with an animal that towers nearly 18 feet above you creates an unforgettable perspective that photos simply can’t capture.
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Keep Exploring →Kangaroo Walkabout: Step directly into the kangaroo enclosure where these Australian marsupials hop freely around you. You can pet them, take selfies, and watch joeys peek out from their mothers’ pouches. The kangaroos are remarkably gentle and seem genuinely curious about human visitors.
Special Animal Encounters: For an extra fee, you can book intimate 20-minute sessions with sloths ($49) or red pandas ($100). These guided experiences include feeding, petting, and professional photo opportunities with some of the world’s most adorable creatures. The encounters are limited in size, ensuring each visitor gets quality one-on-one time.
Wildlife Presentations: The park hosts several live shows daily in their mini-amphitheater where educators bring out various animals – from baby kangaroos to massive tortoises – allowing children to touch and hold creatures they’ve only seen in picture books.
Safari Train Adventure: Climb aboard the historic “Old Fort Dells Engine Number 9” for a narrated tour through exclusive animal pastures. The train stops at the giraffe feeding station and travels through grasslands where you’ll spot Naasaha the rhinoceros, alpacas, llamas, and various antelope species up close.
What Makes The Visit Special
Animal Nursery Magic: The on-site nurseries house baby animals year-round, from tiny kangaroo joeys to small reptiles. You’ll often find opportunities to hold or photograph these youngsters, creating those Instagram-worthy moments that make friends back home incredibly jealous.
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Discover MoreParakeet Encounter: Enter a walk-through aviary where hundreds of colorful parakeets land on your shoulders, arms, and head. Purchase special seed sticks and you’ll become a human perch for these chatty, vibrant birds.
Big Cat Collection: The feline center showcases impressive white tigers, lions, and leopards. While you can’t pet these predators, the viewing areas provide excellent photo opportunities and the cats are often active and visible rather than hiding.
Exotic Species Variety: You’ll encounter animals rarely seen at traditional zoos – from massive Aldabra tortoises and quirky emus to elegant flamingos and playful lemurs. The park specializes in African and Asian species, creating an international safari experience in the heart of Wisconsin.
Atmosphere & Layout
Intimate Scale: Unlike massive city zoos where you walk miles between exhibits, Timbavati’s 35-acre size means you can easily see everything in 3-4 hours without exhausting young children. The compact layout creates a more personal, manageable experience.
Natural Wooded Setting: Much of the park feels like walking through beautiful Wisconsin woodlands, with winding paths connecting different animal areas. The central area opens up significantly, though it can get quite warm during summer heat waves.
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Keep Exploring →Family-Focused Design: The park features a challenging playground at its center, perfect for kids who need to burn energy between animal encounters. Picnic areas and the Congo Cafe provide comfortable spots to rest and refuel.
Well-Maintained Facilities: The park maintains a clean appearance throughout, with animal habitats that appear thoughtfully designed for both creature comfort and visitor viewing. The grounds feel cared for rather than neglected, despite being a smaller-scale operation.
Other Considerations
Pricing Reality: Expect to pay Wisconsin Dells prices – adult admission runs $19.95, children $16.95, with combo tickets including the train ride at $24.95 for adults and $21.95 for kids. Animal food boxes and special encounters cost extra, making a family visit potentially expensive. However, the hands-on experiences justify the premium compared to traditional zoos.
Seasonal Variations: The park operates year-round, though some activities like camel rides are only available Memorial Day through Labor Day. Winter visits mean limited outdoor access and reliance on the heated safari train for viewing many animals.
Perfect for Young Families: Children aged 2-12 will be absolutely mesmerized by the animal interactions. Teenagers might find it less thrilling unless they’re genuinely interested in animals, but the unique photo opportunities often win them over.
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Discover MoreTime Investment: Plan for 3-5 hours to fully enjoy everything, especially if you book special encounters or take the train ride. The experience moves at a relaxed pace, allowing plenty of time for photos and repeated animal interactions.
Free Admission Perks: Many Wisconsin Dells hotels include free Timbavati admission – check with your resort since places like Kalahari offer complimentary tickets to guests.
Timbavati Wildlife Park
📍 2220 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
