According to a recent study conducted by a variety of animal rights’ organizations, Texas is home to more exotic and endangered wildlife than anywhere else on the planet. These are not wild native animals that we are talking about here – Texas has some of the loosest laws and regulations regarding ownership and possession of exotic and endangered animals. This has led to a booming economy in the trade of exotic animals amongst private individuals. There is much controversy surrounding this topic, with heated debate amongst the different sides. Less controversial are the many ranches, zoos, and research institutions that give a home to exotic animals acquired from other institutions, and refuge to animals who were taken from irresponsible owners, or given up in exasperation at the cost of keeping such unique animals.
One such facility is the Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch located near Pilot Point, Texas. This 125-acre facility houses and cares for roughly 100 animals at any given time – around 60 of which are permanent residents, and the rest are short term rescues or foster animals. There are about thirty species represented, including kangaroos, sloths, and a variety of monkeys. Some of the animals that they house are endangered species, such as the Nubian Ibex, several lemur species, and a very strange animal called a binturong. The facility is open to the public from March through November, on Saturdays and Sundays only. They offer private tours for groups, for which reservations must be made 2 weeks in advance.
Texas Disposal Systems owns an animal ranch called the Exotic Game Ranch. Here, over 2,000 individuals from 100 species reside, which represent six of the seven continents. Some of these are especially exotic animals that can only be seen in a few places around the world: Barbary Sheep, Black Rhino, Fossa, Grevey Zebra, and all kinds of antelope. The TDS Exotic Game Ranch hosts many community fundraiser events, contributing back to the community significantly each year.
The Exotic Resort Zoo near Johnson City, Texas, is located on 137 acres of land and is unique in that it is a combination zoo, safari land, and resort. Visitors can stay in cabins overlooking various animal enclosures, making for an especially intimate experience. Zoo tours and safaris run every day of the week, and offer close-up encounters with curious and friendly Buffalo, Camel, Giraffe, Zebra, and more. A petting zoo lets children and adults of all ages to physically touch friendly kangaroos, llamas, and deer species. The zoo has over 500 individuals from around 80 different species, showing a wide range of diversity which always awes visitors.
Texas is a huge state with lots of land, and therefore there are many places in which to visit and interact with unusual wild animals. The afore-mentioned are great places to visit for a start, and with a little internet searching of your own, you are sure to find even more exotic animal ranches to visit in Texas!