North Georgia Zoo and Petting Farm is nestled in Cleveland, GA, just 15 minutes from Alpine Helen, the Cleveland Cabbage Patch Hospital and Frog Town Winery.  It is a zoo, but not like any other we have visited.  There is so much going on behind the scenes and there are unique views and experiences for every person and age!

What Do They Have To Offer:

It is a wonderful place to take your little ones to visit the Petting Zoo that is visible from the road entrance.   Kids of all ages will love the hands-on interaction with the roaming Silkie chickens that serve as a welcoming mascot to all who enter the gates. Even before you enter, the kids can have fun on the "wool jump" (full of sheered wool from the sheep on the farm).  The Great Pyranees that watch over the farm animals are always close by and are extraordinary with all the loving hands that pet and hug them.  Roam and interact with the farm friendly cats, chickens, pigs, donkeys, calves, sheep, goats, and more!  If you want to go further into the Petting Farm you can choose a Farm Tour that will include the Petting Farm admission, feed cups, bottle feeding, demos, a farm tour and wagon ride. Look for some fun zoo extras like pony rides and parakeet landing.  Also, on most 2nd Tuesdays of each month, you can participate in Mommy and Me at the Zoo for a discounted rate.

If you want to go further into the zoo, select the zoo admission which will include, not only the Petting Farm, but also a guided tour of the zoo. The Wildlife Walk is a 45 minute - 1 hour guided tour of wild animals like deer, kangaroos (we saw one with a joey in tow), wallabys (even an albino one), lemurs, foxes, bats, porcupines, and so much more.  At the end there is a hands-on presentation where my daughters got to hold a miniature bunny (and yes, asked for one all the way home- which, by the way, you can purchase some of the miniature animals on site). Ask questions and interact with the knowledgeable guides and get a more in-depth zoo experience.  Even add on an encounter (reptile or camel) where you get to go behind the scenes with these special animals (approximately 35 minutes). 

Encounters: 

On the day we visited we ​went on a Winter Wolf Encounter. This is an experience like no other and such an amazing opportunity to interact intimately with these strong, beautiful, and awe inspiring  animals. For this tour the minimum age was 8 and my 9 and 12 year old had the time of their lives (as did Mom and Dad).  We met with Gideon (the alpha male grey wolf) and Bain (his son who was all black).  As they came excitedly running toward us with their massive paws and strength, there is a moment of pause, but these encounters allow you to see the gentle nature of these misunderstood creatures.  While massive, you can see where our domesticated furry friends came from and interact with the playful and loving nature of these animals. Bain loved to roll on his back for a belly rub. Gideon, wanted to lean on you and find out more about the smell of your pets from home.  This alpha even played games with us to high jump and catch a toy.  

We also did a shorter Camel Encounter where we drove to another area of the farm past alpacas, llamas, horses (one with a newborn foal that morning) and over to Sam the camel. Sam knew the wagon and galloped over to meet us and eat food from our hands.  My daughters loved this part and maybe made Sam gain a few pounds. 

So Much More:

That is just a small portion of what this incredible zoo has to offer.  There are many more encounters and experiences with ​other animals at the zoo (think sloth, monkeys, otters, etc.).  Another thing that is unique about North Georgia Zoo is that they offer experiences that can be added on or experienced for longer time periods, depending on the wants and budget of the visitor.  

If you are an animal lover, you want to know the animals in the zoo are cared for and there needs are met.  The animals here have lots of open habitats and their psychological needs (as well a physical needs) are attended to.  There is even a beagle that keeps the gibbon monkey company (as gibbons need to be with other animals to be happy).  Great staff, animals, and opportunities to explore.  A zoo not like any other!

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