Encounters with four-legged friends across the Show-Me State
Story and photos by ANGIE JONES-WHEELER
If you’re looking for animal adventures for day trips, family fun, group outings or school field trips, Missouri does not disapoint. Our state offers many types of experiences including walk-through zoos and farms so you can feed and pet the animals up close, drive-through zoos you can enjoy from your own vehicle, animal rides, personal encounters with baby animals and mobile zoos that will come to your special event by appointment.
The list of petting zoos and farms on the next page offers visits with exotic and farm animals, wildlife, aquatic animals, reptiles and birds. You can see unique animals such as sloths, zebras, camels, antelope, kangaroos, capybara and giant tortoises without leaving Missouri. Be sure to check the details, costs and hours of operation for each park by visiting their website or Facebook page or by calling the phone numbers that are listed.
Get your camera ready. These adventures are sure to bring a smile to your face and you will have the critters eating right out of your hand.
Big Joel’s Safari
13187 State Hwy. M, Wright City
636-745-3031
bigjoelsafari.com
Sloth and parakeet encounters
Critter Lane Petting Zoo
9100 Critter Lane, Valles Mines
573-358-8995
critterlanepettingzoo.com
Spider monkey and sloth encounters
Eureka Springs Safari Park
32297 State Hwy. 86, Eagle Rock
479-244-0963
essafari.com
Drive-through and animal encounters
Nick’s Barnyard Buddies
177 Heritage Road, Linn Creek
573-465-7125
nicksbarnyard.com
Otter and capybara private encounters, farm tours, mobile petting zoo
Piles Ranch
28518 Leonard Road, Centertown
573-821-6089
pilesranch.com
Private and monthly events, mobile zoo
Rush Acres Farm
1580 N. Point Prairie Road, Wentzville
636-795-2643
rushacresalpacafarm.com
Farm animals including alpaca
Sunrise Beach Safari
1835 State Road TT, Sunrise Beach
816-517-2254
sunrisebeachsafari.com
Walk-through and baby animal encounters
Where Pigs Fly Farm
2810 Hwy. 50 East, Linn
314-241-3488
wherepigsflyfarm.com
Rescued farm animals and pig museum
Wild Animal Adventure Park
2719 N. Service Road East, Stanton
573-927-5151
wildanimaladventurepark.com Walk-through and animal encounters
Wild Animal Safari
124 Jungle Road, Strafford
417-859-5300
wildanimalsafari.com
Drive-through and animal encounters
Email Angie Jones-Wheeler at ajones@ruralmissouri.coop.