Sierra Nevada Zoological Park
A heartwarming wildlife sanctuary providing a permanent home for rescued animals, offering education and conservation awareness.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Animals are active, pleasant weather
Sierra Nevada Zoological Park
Best Time
Animals are active, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A heartwarming wildlife sanctuary providing a permanent home for rescued animals, offering education and conservation awareness.
"Rescued animals live here and it's heartwarming to see that they have been given a caring home. "
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The park has hills, so good walking shoes are a must for exploring!
💧 Bring a Water Bottle
Stay hydrated while you wander through the sanctuary. Refill stations are available.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rescued Wildlife Sanctuary
See injured or non-releasable animals find a loving, permanent home. Heartwarming and educational.
Majestic Big Cats
Encounter powerful jaguars and tigers in a setting that emphasizes their well-being.
Playful Bears
Watch black bears enjoy their meals and natural behaviors. A visitor favorite!
Quillbur the Porcupine
Meet Quillbur, the resident porcupine, and learn about his unique adaptations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Choose Your Wildlife Adventure
Comfort is Key for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The park has hills, so good walking shoes are a must for exploring!
💧 Bring a Water Bottle
Stay hydrated while you wander through the sanctuary. Refill stations are available.
💖 Support a Great Cause
Your visit helps provide a caring home for rescued animals.
📸 Capture the Moments
Plenty of photo opportunities, especially with the well-cared-for animals. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The park has hills, so good walking shoes are a must for exploring!
💧 Bring a Water Bottle
Stay hydrated while you wander through the sanctuary. Refill stations are available.
💖 Support a Great Cause
Your visit helps provide a caring home for rescued animals.
📸 Capture the Moments
Plenty of photo opportunities, especially with the well-cared-for animals. +1
🥚 Easter Egg Hunts
If visiting on Easter, enjoy fun egg hunts and animal feeding events!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Animal Ark for its friendly staff, the evident care for its rescued animals, and the clean facilities. Many find the sanctuary experience heartwarming and a great way to support a good cause. Some note the presence of hills, recommending comfortable shoes, and appreciate the picnic areas.
"Everyone was beyond friendly! The animals were so well taken care of! The facilities were very clean. The entire vibe was absolutely amazing. My kids and I could not have been happier. ♥️"
Kelsey Jarrett
"We went here on Easter day! They had a lot going on here. Egg hunts every half hour. The animals were awake and getting their own eggs. They actually had food trucks at the event which was absolutely amazing. Had an area to eat lunch with picnic tables. The bathrooms had actual toilets. My wife and kids enjoyed that very much. There were hills there so bring some comfortable shoes. They have a really cool gift shop was big and a side variety of toys and merch."
Amberandtravis Chrismer
"Super Fun , Animals are so beautiful! Great place for date day! Go out and enjoy! Make sure to wear walking shoes and bring water bottle! Definitely recommend going."
Chris Medina
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Animal Ark is located just outside Reno, Nevada. It's easily accessible by car. Many visitors use GPS or mapping apps for direct navigation. +1
Yes, ample parking is typically available for visitors. It's recommended to arrive a bit early during peak times to secure a good spot.
Public transportation options to Animal Ark may be limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to access the sanctuary.
The best route will depend on your starting point in Reno. Most visitors find it a straightforward drive, often taking about 30-45 minutes.
Yes, Animal Ark makes for a great day trip from the Lake Tahoe area, offering a different kind of natural experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but it's generally considered affordable for the experience. Check their official website for the most current admission fees.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially for special events like Easter, is a good idea to guarantee entry and avoid queues.
Animal Ark typically operates seasonally, often opening in the spring and closing in the fall. It's best to check their website for exact opening dates and daily hours.
Information on discounts for seniors, children, or military personnel may be available on their website. It's worth checking for any special offers.
Animal Ark is open on some holidays, notably Easter, where they host special events. Always confirm holiday hours directly with the park.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of rescued animals, including big cats like jaguars and tigers, black bears, porcupines, and other native wildlife. +3
Animal Ark is primarily a wildlife sanctuary dedicated to providing a permanent home for injured or non-releasable animals. +2
While not always formal guided tours, the staff and volunteers are often present and happy to share information about the animals and conservation efforts.
The park offers clean bathrooms, picnic areas with tables, and a gift shop.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic place for families, offering educational opportunities and a chance to see animals up close in a caring environment.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and enjoy it in the designated picnic areas.
During special events, like Easter, food trucks have been available. Otherwise, it's best to bring your own food or dine in Reno.
Information on a permanent cafe or snack bar is limited. Bringing snacks and drinks is a safe bet.
There are picnic tables available, making it a great spot to enjoy a packed lunch with a view of the sanctuary.
If food trucks are present, options may vary. For guaranteed dietary needs, bringing your own food is recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged to capture the beauty of the animals and the sanctuary. +1
The enclosures for the big cats and bears often provide excellent photo opportunities. Look for areas where animals are most active. +1
It's always best to check for specific signage regarding flash photography, as it can sometimes disturb animals.
Generally, no major restrictions, but always be respectful of the animals and other visitors. Avoid intrusive behavior.
A camera with a good zoom lens is helpful for capturing wildlife details from a respectful distance. Your smartphone camera will also work well.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
During special occasions like Easter, the park offers engaging activities such as egg hunts, making the visit even more memorable for young ones.
❤️ Couples & Date Days
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the sanctuary, perhaps packing a romantic picnic to share in one of the scenic spots.
🌍 Eco-Conscious Travelers
This is a place that aligns with values of animal rescue and rehabilitation, providing an alternative to traditional zoos.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mission of Animal Ark
Visitors often remark on how well-cared-for the animals appear, contributing to a heartwarming experience.
This dedication to animal welfare means you'll see animals that have been given a second chance at life. It’s a powerful reminder of the impact of human actions on wildlife and the importance of conservation.
Navigating the Sanctuary: What to Expect
The sanctuary is designed to allow visitors to observe animals in environments that mimic their natural habitats as much as possible. You'll encounter a variety of species, from majestic big cats like jaguars and tigers to playful black bears and the unique porcupine, Quillbur.
Facilities include clean restrooms and picnic areas, making it a pleasant outing for families and individuals alike.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit