Posted in West Virginia Attractions May 02, 2021 by

Play With Sloths and Kangaroos At Oglebay Good Zoo In West Virginia For An Adorable Adventure

Did you know that in addition to a more traditional zoo touring experience, Oglebay Good Zoo in West Virginia offers animal encounters? That’s right, you can join a zookeeper inside the habitat of an animal of your choice, helping to feed and train these amazing creatures!

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The Oglebay Good Zoo in Wheeling is a relatively small zoo, but whatever it may lack in size, it makes up for in love for animals and passion for connecting animals and people.
Oglebay Good Zoo/Facebook
This red panda is taking a little rest.
As part of the zoo's interactive focus, Oglebay Good Zoo offers patrons the opportunity to get up close and personal with many of their animals, including sloths, lemurs, cheetahs, bobcats, reindeer, red pandas, kangaroos, snow leopards, wallabies, servals, meerkats, and more.
Oglebay Good Zoo/Facebook
Two-toed sloths enjoy a little something to munch.
For prices ranging from around $70 to around $250 for two people, you can enter the animal of your choice's enclosure along with a zookeeper and assist with feeding and training.
Oglebay Good Zoo/Facebook
This price includes admission to the zoo, and additional people can be added to your original group of two for a fraction of the initial cost.
These 30- to 45-minute encounters offer not only a once in a lifetime opportunity for you...
Oglebay Good Zoo/Facebook
The reindeer encounter is an absolutely magical experience for children, especially around Christmas time.
...but they are also extremely beneficial for the animals, who need the stimulation that the interactions provide for their own enrichment.
Oglebay Good Zoo/Facebook
This ring-tailed lemur won't turn down a snack!
Since admission to the rest of the zoo is included in the price, plan to stay awhile before or after your animal encounter.
Oglebay Good Zoo/Facebook
The great kangaroo debate: food or shade?
And of course, even if actually interacting with these beautiful creatures isn't on your bucket list, you can still come for the day to see these magnificent animals (and many others) from the other side of the fence.
Oglebay Good Zoo/Facebook
These cheetahs are alert and interested in their surroundings.

For more information about the Oglebay Good Zoo in West Virginia in general or these amazing animal encounters in particular, visit their website. Which animal would you choose to visit if you could? Here is another zoo in West Virginia you can visit for animal encounters.

Address: 345 Zoo Cir, Wheeling, WV 26003, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Oglebay Good Zoo In West Virginia

May 07, 2021
Leah

What other zoos in West Virginia should I visit?

If you love animals or have an animal-obsessed child, here is another zoo you can visit in West Virginia. The Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo has a huge variety of animals you can see up close. Zebras, lions, giraffes, tigers, camels… the list never seems to end! They even have animal encounters, such as giraffe feedings, for memorable experiences. The Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo is located in Kingwood, West Virginia. If you visit in December, there is a drive-through holiday lights show. Why not check it out?

Where are the best places for day trips in West Virginia?

Zoos are perfect for a day trip, but there are many other options after you’ve seen all the zoos in the state. See animals in their natural habitat when you visit the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Park guides are happy to supply you with gear to go find and observe the wildlife in the area. You have a high chance of seeing graceful bald eagles when you take a day trip on the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad. Departing from Romney, West Virginia, this train ride goes through some truly beautiful areas showcasing the state’s natural scenery at its best.

Where can I see native wildlife in West Virginia?

Although it’s neat to see exotic animals from faraway lands, West Virginia has quite a list of wildlife native to the state. You might be able to find some of them in your backyard and others in state parks, but you won’t find a better place to see an entire collection of native species than the West Virginia State Wildlife Center in French Creek. Located in a beautiful, mature hardwood forest, you’ll see many of the state’s animals here. Bears, bison, wolves, bobcats, and more are all on display here. It’s a great way to learn more about West Virginia and experience cool animal encounters.

Address: 345 Zoo Cir, Wheeling, WV 26003, USA