Cuddle With Kangaroos, Foxes, And Other Uncommon Critters At Janda Exotics Animal Ranch In Texas
By Katie Lawrence|Published March 15, 2020
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Texas has quite a few exotic animal sanctuaries, and we’ve recently come across yet another to add to the bunch. Janda Exotics Animal Ranch is home to a vast array of unique critters, including ostriches, capybaras, and kangaroos. This is not a traditional zoo by any means, in that guests can get up-close-and-personal with the residents!
Centrally located in Kingsbury, Janda Exotics Animal Ranch is a comfortable driving distance away from San Antonio, Austin, Houston, and the DFW Metroplex. It's a family-owned and operated private zoo and breeding facility that features over a dozen exotic animals not often seen in normal sanctuaries, including kangaroos, coatimundi, marmosets, and even ostriches!
As opposed to a regular zoo, the ranch affords its visitors one-on-one time with the residents. On the ~90-minute Interactive Zoological Tour, expect to meander through a series of large enclosure areas before heading into a petting zoo barn. You'll even have the opportunity to feed little kangaroo joeys!
Feeding right out of your palm, giving treats, and even holding bottles for these cute-as-a-button baby calves are all activities on the agenda. The tour is held at 10 a.m. Thursday-Sunday and costs $125 a person; groups must have a minimum of two people but no more than six.
If you'd rather just enter the petting zoo (or "Cuddle Cabin," as it's colloquially known), the cost drops to just $75. For 30 minutes, enjoy a snuggle session with some of the very youngest animals at the ranch. The exact species vary by season, but sugar gliders, Fennec foxes, and hedgehogs are in the regular rotation.
Many animals are available for purchase as family pets, including the most adorable baby hedgehogs you've ever seen. Be sure to review the laws in your area before purchase, as a permit may be necessary depending on what critter you'd like to take home.
Prices vary depending on the extent and duration of the encounter. Tours are available by appointment only, but you can reserve a time slot online in advance. Text (210)-241-1856 for same-day visits!
Remember, tours are by appointment only and must be booked in advance. You can do so on the ranch’s website or by calling or texting (210)-740-7243 or (210)-241-1856. You’ll find their Facebook page here.
Have you ever been to Janda Exotics Animal Ranch? If so, what was your favorite critter to interact with? Let us know!
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