Ararat Ridge Zoo and Petting Zoo Area

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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, petting area, kangaroo walkabout, and animal shows are included with Ark Encounter admission. Camel rides and camel encounters have an additional cost.

Animals from Around the World

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.

Zoo Activities

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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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

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

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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Petting Area

Be sure to stop by the petting area during select times to meet our friendly 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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Meet Our Animals

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

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

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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

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

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Common Ostrich

The world’s largest and heaviest living birds may be flightless, but they can run 45 mph and cover 10–16 feet per stride!

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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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