Posted in North Carolina Attractions, Farms & Wildlife June 09, 2021 by

Visit Aloha Safari Zoo, An Exotic Animal Sanctuary Right Here In North Carolina

While nature is indeed the best habitat for wild animals of all types, in today’s world that is rarely the case. While some zoos, like the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, do an amazing job at presenting animals in their natural habitat, giving both the animals and visitors the best experience possible, other wild and exotic animals are rarely so lucky. When animals come from various backgrounds including mistreatment, injury, or otherwise unwanted by owners, Aloha Safari Zoo in North Carolina helps give them their best possible chance at rehabilitation and a happy life. As a bonus, it’s also open for visitors.

Yelp / Krista B
Yelp / Maddy R
Lee Crutchfield has dedicated most of his life to helping animals. A complete family-run affair, Aloha Safari Zoo opened in 2010. Today, the 60-acre park is home to over 400 animals. Crutchfield strives to provide a happy, healthy environment for all rescued animals. Visits from people of all over certainly help brighten their spirits as well.
Yelp / Krista B
From lions to tigers and bears (oh my!), Aloha Safari Zoo in North Carolina is filled with a wide-range of exotic animals that have gotten quite used to the comfort of people and their new surroundings. Tours allow visitors up-close animal encounters in North Carolina. Pictured above is Luna, when she was just a little tiger cub, being bottle-fed.
Yelp / Jody C.
Yelp / Maddy R
Trip Advisor
From feeding some of the animals to admiring the regal camel and even witnessing zebras, this animal sanctuary in North Carolina is a wonderful, educational experience for children to learn about wildlife and wildlife rehabilitation. Due to the fact that many animals come here malnourished or from poor habitats, animal care is at the forefront of their mission. Due to its eastern North Carolina location, each habitat is constructed at hurricane strength and the animal pens come with ultraviolet lighting to ensure each animal gets enough vitamin D.
Yelp / Corey H.
Some animals aren't even caged, like Maxwell, the super cool potbelly pig who enjoys belly rubs.
Trip Advisor
Currently, Aloha Safari is open Tuesdays through Sundays and is closed on Mondays. Always check the website for current hours. Admission is $12/person and children under the age of 24 months are free. Feed cups are priced at $3.

There's so much to see and do, it's hard to fit it all in a day! You can stop by the reptile room and check out the exotic birds, porcupines and iguanas in the indoor animal center. There are also paved walkways where you'll meet bears, wolves, monkeys, and other exotic animals. There is also a goat and pig field near the zoo entrance.
Yelp / Maddy R
(Editor's Note: Currently, safari tours are closed.)

You can also explore the grounds and get a more in-depth experience by taking a safari tour, a guided ride through the lower pasture featuring some of the larger animals.

Long after your visit ends you can still contribute and help the animals by volunteering or either adopting an animal. With adoption, you'll receive pictures and updates on your animal and how they're doing. If you've been looking for a way to help wild animals or simply for something a bit different, Aloha Safari Zoo has been called the "best-kept secret in North Carolina" and I'd have to agree!

What a neat attraction with a heartfelt mission. Have you visited here before? You’ll find Aloha Safari Zoo in North Carolina at159 Mini Lane, Cameron, NC, 28326.

For more information on this unique attraction in North Carolina, visit their website here. Are you looking for something else to do in the warmer weather months? How about discovering your own private island in North Carolina?!

Address: 159 Mini Ln, Cameron, NC 28326, USA

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Aloha Safari Zoo In North Carolina

June 14, 2021
Melissa M.

What are the best North Carolina zoos?

If you’ve ever been to the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, you know how impressive it is. This 500-acre zoo is also the largest natural habitat zoo in the world, so if you haven’t yet been, you need to make plans to go! Due to natural habitats, there are no cages and the animals can roam free. On the opposite side of the size spectrum, Livermon Park and Cashie River Wetlands Walk of Windsor has a mini zoo to explore. Best of all, it’s free to visit! Come and see the buffaloes, llamas, peacocks, longhorn sheep, and more at this small zoo.

Are there any animal encounters in North Carolina?

There are plenty of places that have animal encounter experiences in the Tarheel State. At A Zoo Life in Pinetops, visitors can visit and learn about the zoo’s exotic species on a guided tour and, along the way, you are allowed into the habitats of select animals for an encounter. At Zootastic in Troutman, not only can you have a drive-thru safari experience but also an encounter with a two-toed sloth and can even feed a kangaroo. What a memorable experience for the whole family!

What is the most unique park in North Carolina?

For one park unlike any other, head to Roanoke Island Festival Park which has a living history exhibit everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. Starting with a replica of the Elizabeth II, a 16th-century ship Sir Walter Raleigh sailed on, you’ll learn the ship’s history from costumed actors who really make the history come to life. There’s also the Settlement Site where you’ll get to witness live demonstrations and an American Indian village where you can see how the Algonquin Indians lived. 

Address: 159 Mini Ln, Cameron, NC 28326, USA

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