For wildlife lovers and photographers, Mississippi is an ideal location. From zoos and state parks to national wildlife preserves and refuges, Mississippi is filled with places that could easily be considered an animal lover’s dream.

1. Wolf Howl Animal Preserve, Etta

As you’ve probably already guessed, the Wolf Howl Animal Preserve is home to wolves and wolf pups. The preserve offers guided tours allowing visitors to view the wolves as well as learn about their habitat, behaviors, and more.

2. Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo, Tupelo

Spanning 210 acres, the Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo is home to hundreds of animals including several exotic animals, one of the country’s tallest giraffes, and a Capuchin monkey named Oliver, who gained national media attention when, in 2007, he made two escape attempts.

3. The Jackson Zoo, Jackson

Not only is this zoo internationally renowned for its conservation efforts, but it is also the only zoo in the state that is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. In addition to numerous animals, the zoo also offers an array of educational activities, themed days, camps, and more.

4. Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge, Boyle

Established in 1991 for the purpose of providing a habitat for migratory birds and protecting wetlands, this refuge is the largest remaining tract of bottomland hardwood-forested wetlands in the northwest portion of the state. Spanning over 9,000 acres, there are ample opportunities for outdoor fun including hiking, biking, and, of course, wildlife observation.

5. Cat’s Den Cave Preserve, Eastern Smith County

Aside from being home to one of the state’s only caves, this preserve is also home to a number of rare plants and a variety of animals including bats, slimy salamanders, and gray tree frogs, just to name a few.

6. Natchez Trace Corridor Birding Trail

Encompassing six state parks and a natural area, the Natchez Trace Corridor Birding Trail offers a ton of bird-watching opportunities. The trail begins in Iuka’s J.P. Colman Park and then continues through Tishomingo State Park, Trace State Park, Tombigbee State Park, LeFleur’s Bluff State Park, Natchez State Park, and then ends in the Clark Creek Natural Area in Woodville.

7. Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, and Winston Counties

Established in 1940, this 42,500-acre refuge attracts over 100,000 visitors annually. The refuge is home to a number of animals including the endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker. Wildlife observation and photography are extremely popular at this refuge and just to make it a bit easier, several hiking trails and boardwalks are scattered throughout the property.

8. Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Yazoo and Humphreys Counties

Spanning a 40,000-acre area, the Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is one of the biggest in the state. The refuge not only offers wildlife viewing and photography but also features several exhibits on native animals along with interactive kiosks that provide facts and photos about the refuge.

9. Tallahatchie National Wildlife Refuge, Grenada and Tallahatchie Counties

Founded in 1991, the Tallahatchie National Wildlife Refuge takes up almost 5,000-acres, 1,300 of which have been reforested with native hardwood species. There are ample opportunities for wildlife observation thanks to boardwalks, an observation tower, and a gravel wildlife drive which allows visitors to tour the southern half of the refuge from their vehicles.

With so much open space and uninhabited land, Mississippi seems to be loved just as much by animals as it is by people! On or off the list, what are your favorite places for viewing wildlife in the state?