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Ararat Ridge Zoo

Visit animals of all shapes and sizes at the Ararat Ridge Zoo! It’s fun for all ages and provides biblical teaching on the animal kingdom.

The zoo, Children’s Zoo, kangaroo walkabout, and animal shows are included with Ark Encounter admission. Camel rides and camel encounters have an additional cost.

Check the daily schedule for hours.

sloth hanging from tree.

Zoo Activities

Animal Encounters

Animal Encounters

Meet a variety of animal ambassadors up close during our daily animal shows! Learn what animal kinds are, why God created some animals with sharp teeth and claws, and how to be good stewards of nature during these 20-minute, family-friendly programs.

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Sloth

Behind-the-Scenes Animal Experiences

Enjoy a personal encounter with your favorite Ararat Ridge Zoo animals by purchasing a unique behind-the-scenes zoo experience!

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Camel Encounters

Camel Encounters

Enjoy an unforgettable experience meeting a camel up close! Feed it some lettuce and pose for a photo!

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Camel Rides

Camel Rides

Imagine you’re living in biblical times by purchasing a ride on one of our dromedary camels during select times! Your camel will be safely led by one of our zoo staff, and you’ll learn why these creatures earned the nickname “ships of the desert.”

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Kangaroo Walkabout

Kangaroo Walkabout

Hop on by the kangaroo walkabout to take a trip Down Under and meet our red kangaroo mob up close! During select times, you'll be able to walk through this exhibit to see the largest marsupials in the world with no barriers!

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Keeper Chats

Keeper Chats

Learn about the behavior and personalities of our amazing animals from our knowledgeable zoo staff! Watch training sessions, observe playtimes, or interact with biofacts like fossils and fur. Get your questions answered and take some great photos

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Children’s Zoo

Children’s Zoo

Be sure to stop by the Children’s Zoo during select times to meet our friendly pigs and goat herd! They love interacting with children and adults of all ages. We have goats of every size, shape, and color that are excited to meet you!

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Children’s Zoo

Zoo Tactile Experience

We are so pleased to offer tactile experiences to our guests who have low vision, are blind, or are on the autism spectrum. The tactile experience at the Ararat Ridge Zoo allows guests to “tour” the zoo’s animal collection.

Seasonal: May 25–September 6, Thursday–Saturday

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Meet Our Animals

During your stroll through the Ararat Ridge Zoo, you’ll encounter mammals, birds, and reptiles from every corner of the planet. It’s perfect for the budding scientists or animal lovers in your family! Keep reading to learn more about our zoo activities and to meet some of our incredible animals.

African Crested Porcupine

African Crested Porcupine

The world’s largest porcupines have quills that grow up to 13 inches long!

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African Crowned Crane

African Crowned Crane

Named for the striking golden plumage on their heads, these beautiful cranes are the national bird of Uganda!

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African Spurred Tortoise

African Spurred Tortoise

Also known as sulcatas, these reptiles are the third largest tortoises in the world!

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Aoudad Sheep

Aoudad Sheep

These majestic herbivores are known for their long flowing manes and their massive curved horns which can reach 33 inches in length!

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Binturong

Binturong

Also known as bearcats, these arboreal animals are neither bear nor cat—they are civets!

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Curl-Crested Araçari

Curl-Crested Araçari

These unique birds are named after their curly black head feathers.

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Emu

Emu

As the second tallest birds in the world, emus can’t fly, but they can run 30 mph, cover 9 feet in one stride, and jump 7 feet high!

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Giant Anteater

Giant Anteater

The world’s largest anteaters consume 30,000 insects per day!

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Grant’s Zebra/Zebroid

Grant’s Zebra/Zebroid

Zebras, donkeys, and horses belong to the same created kind and can hybridize. You can see our zebra, zonkey, and zorse together in our equine kind exhibit!

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Green Anaconda

Green Anaconda

The world’s largest snakes can grow over 20 feet long and weigh over 200 pounds!

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Hoffmann’s Two-Toed Sloth

Hoffmann’s Two-Toed Sloth

These upside-down oddities have an average speed of 13–15 feet per minute!

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Laughing Kookaburra

Laughing Kookaburra

Named for their distinctive calls, these Australian birds are the largest kingfishers in the world.

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Marabou Stork

Marabou Stork

The world’s largest storks have wingspans averaging 7–9 feet wide!

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Northern Caiman Lizard

Northern Caiman Lizard

Named for their resemblance to caimans, these colorful lizards are excellent climbers and swimmers.

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Ring-Tailed Lemur

Ring-Tailed Lemur

Like all lemurs, these primates are native only to Madagascar and are named for the 13 black and white rings that pattern their tails.

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Von der Decken’s Hornbill

Von der Decken’s Hornbill

These birds are important for insect control and seed dispersal in the African scrubs and savannas.

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