Take a Walk on Wild Side At North Georgia Zoo & Petting Farm

Drive about 20 minutes southwest of Lucille’s and you can
enter a world of the exotic. Spanning 30 beautiful acres of woods and pasture,
the North Georgia Zoo & Petting Farm is home to more than 80 different
species from all over the world, from familiar alligators and monkeys, to less well-known creatures, such as lemurs and Siberian lynx.
Courtesy of North Georgia
Zoo & Petting Farm

The zoo makes for a relaxing place to spend a day, with a
pretty creek that winds its way throughout the property, not only helping to
cool the atmosphere, but providing enjoyment for many of the animals along its
path. What also makes the venue so nice is that the zoo has created a special habitat
for each animal suited to its needs. So, for instance, you’ll find wolves
chewing on huge deer bones and primates playing with cardboard boxes, both
things each animal loves to do.

To really appreciate all that is here, a tour is the way to
go, and the Zoo offers several options. A Behind
the Scenes
tour brings you up close to animals not seen on regular zoo
visits. You might see newborn babies, such as bottle-fed kangaroos, and get a
chance to touch, feed and participate in the training of other animals.  You can also watch animal ambassadors as they
train animals for roles in movies and commercials.

Photo courtesy of North Georgia Zoo & Petting Farm

A very cool Sunset tour, Howl with the Wolves, lets you see and hear these elusive animals.
The guided tour begins with a wildlife walk, and includes a camel encounter and
a meet-and-greet with some baby exotic animals. Watch the sunset as you sip
refreshments before taking a hayride back to the parking lot. Dates, times and
prices for tours vary, so check the Georgia Zoo’s website for complete
information.

 

The zoo is also home to Paradise Valley Farms, a working
farm that specializes in rare breed and miniature livestock, including alpacas,
water buffalo and miniature Shetland sheep.
There is no restaurant at the zoo, but they do serve
refreshments, as well as chips, popcorn and candy. There is, however, a
charming gift shop that has many handmade crafts, including porcupine quill
jewelry made from quills shed by the zoo’s own porcupines.
North Georgia Zoo & Petting Farm
2912 Paradise Valley Road, Cleveland
706-348-7279
August 14-15 2015: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
August 16- October 31, 2015: Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00
p.m.; Sunday, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
November, 2015: Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Sunday,
12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Open select days in winter.
General admission: Adults, $8; Children, $6
Tour prices and times vary, so it is best to check the
website for up-to-date information.

 

 

The zoo is an easy ride from Lucille’s, which makes a
perfect home base for this and other local attractions. Our majestic mountain setting is not only ultra
peaceful and relaxing, but as you’ll see, we’ve got a few wild animals too!