This Hidden Wisconsin Animal Sanctuary Is Home To Zebras, Camels, And Kangaroos

A rhinoceros named Naasaha lives just off a busy tourist strip, and a vintage train rolls right past him. I still can’t get over that. It sounds like a tall tale, but it’s real. The same park lets you walk among kangaroos in an open area. Parakeets will land on a food stick right in your hand.

Giraffes lean down for carrots like they own the place.

I appreciate that this spot keeps things hands-on without feeling wild or chaotic. Over 400 animals call it home, and they represent more than 75 species. That’s a lot of neighbors for one corner of Wisconsin.

Zebras, camels, red pandas, sloths, and tigers all add to the excitement. I can see why families plan a whole morning around this place. With so many animals to meet, I’d probably lose track of time long before I was ready to leave.

A Mother And Son Built A Safari In The Middle Of Vacation Land

Timbavati Wildlife Park started back in 2001, and it has grown a lot since then. Alice and Matthew Schoebel, a mother and son team, own and run the whole operation.

Their family is the fourth generation working in global wildlife education. That’s a long line of animal people, and it shows in how the park is built around learning.

The park first lived inside the former Storybook Gardens attraction. In 2011, it moved to the old Riverview Waterpark site, which is quite the swap from water slides to zebras.

Things unfolded in stages after the move. Some habitats soft-opened in June 2011, and more venues joined by June 2012. The full zoo officially opened on May 24, 2013. Today it covers 25 acres and holds accreditation from the Zoological Association of America.

I love that this place grew step by step instead of appearing overnight. It feels like a project with real roots. When you visit, you’re seeing years of patient work by one family. That backstory makes every giraffe sighting feel a little more meaningful, honestly.

All Aboard Engine Number 9 For A Ride Past A Real Rhino

History buffs, this one’s for you. The Safari Train uses Engine Number 9, which once chugged around the old Fort Dells attraction. Now that engine pulls riders through the Grasslands Area. You’ll roll right past animals like Naasaha the rhinoceros, who is pretty hard to miss.

The ride isn’t just a slow loop for show. It stops at a feeding deck where giraffes and camels wait for snacks. Carrots are available for purchase, so plan on grabbing some. Holding out a carrot to a giraffe is a moment kids talk about for weeks.

Timing matters here. The train runs with general admission season, which goes until the end of October, weather permitting. Rides cost extra, so budget for it ahead of time. Trust me, skipping the train would be like going to the beach and never touching the water.

I appreciate how this ride gives tired legs a break, too. Little ones get to sit, look around, and still feel like explorers. Grown-ups get a peaceful view of the grasslands without hiking anywhere. Everybody wins, especially the camels.

Kangaroos Let You Hop Into Their Neighborhood

Most zoos keep kangaroos behind a fence. At Timbavati Wildlife Park, you can stroll right into their space during the Kangaroo Walkabout.

That’s a big deal for anyone who has only seen kangaroos on TV. Here, they lounge, hop, and go about their business while you share the same path.

Wisconsin is a long way from Australia, so this feels a little surreal. You get to see how these animals really move up close. A few quick tips will help. Move slowly, keep your voice calm, and follow any staff guidance.

Kangaroos are animals, not stuffed toys, so give them respect and room. Calm visitors usually get the best view anyway. Little kids may need a reminder not to chase anyone with a tail. Older kids will probably want a photo every five steps.

I can see why this ranks high on so many family lists. It turns a normal zoo visit into something hands-on and memorable. You walk out feeling like you visited a friend’s backyard, if your friend happened to raise marsupials.

Bring A Steady Hand Because Parakeets Want Your Snack

Dozens of tiny wings, one food stick, and a whole lot of chirping. The Parakeet Encounter is pure, colorful chaos in the best way. Guests hold food sticks, and the birds land right on them to eat. Some might even settle near your fingers while they nibble.

Patience pays off in this aviary. Parakeets can be shy, so loud noises might send them to the edges. Try standing still and speaking softly. Once things calm down, the birds tend to return and start snacking again.

This is a fantastic spot for kids who want a gentle animal moment. Parakeets are small, light, and far less intimidating than a giraffe. Bring your camera, but keep one hand free for the stick. You won’t want to miss the moment a bright green bird decides you’re the snack bar.

I appreciate how this experience teaches kids about calm behavior. The reward for staying quiet shows up fast, with feathers. It’s a sneaky little lesson in patience, and nobody even notices they’re learning something. That might be the cleverest part of all.

Sloths And Red Pandas Are Worth The Extra Planning

Slow and steady wins the cuteness contest. For an extra fee, Timbavati Wildlife Park offers special Sloth Encounters and Red Panda Encounters. These sessions let you meet, feed, and photograph the animals. It’s a much closer look than you’d get from a regular viewing window.

Scheduling ahead is the smart move here. These encounters are specialized, so they aren’t a walk-up deal like the parakeets. Better yet, private animal encounters are available year-round by appointment. That means a snowy Wisconsin weekend can still include a sloth.

Red pandas are curious, fluffy, and fun to watch. Sloths, meanwhile, move like they’re in no rush to do anything at all. Pair those two together and you’ve got a calm, cozy break from busier areas. It’s a nice pace change after the train and kangaroo walk.

I can’t decide which encounter would win me over first. The red panda’s fluffy tail is tough competition. But a sloth reaching for a snack at its own sweet speed might steal the show. Maybe book both and call it research.

Pig Races And Camel Rides Bring The Giggles

Few things beat watching pigs sprint for glory. The Swine Time comedy show at the park features pig races that keep the crowd laughing. It’s silly, quick, and great for a mid-visit energy boost. Kids cheer, adults cheer, and the pigs mostly care about the finish line.

Then there are camel rides. Sitting up high on a camel gives you a whole new view of the park. Camels are tall, steady, and surprisingly patient. The ride makes a fun photo, especially for anyone who’s never left the Midwest.

Daily wildlife presentations also take place in a mini amphitheater. These shows mix learning with fun, which helps facts stick better than any textbook. Goat Mountain adds even more personality. Pygmy goats climb and wander there, and they seem to love an audience.

I appreciate that the park mixes calm moments with goofy ones. One minute you’re learning, the next you’re cheering for a pig. That balance keeps kids from getting bored. It also keeps grown-ups smiling longer than they planned.

Baby Animals In The Nursery Will Melt Your Heart

Good luck walking past the nursery without stopping. This area lets you view the newest animal additions at Timbavati Wildlife Park. Little ones grow fast, so the lineup changes over time. Each visit could bring a different set of fuzzy faces.

The nursery is a peaceful spot compared to busy feeding areas. It’s a great place to slow down and talk about how animals grow.

Kids often have big questions here. Why do babies sleep so much, and who feeds them? Staff work hard to care for these youngsters every day. Watching that care in action gives you a real sense of the work behind any zoo.

Bring your patience, since babies run on their own schedules. Some might nap, while others decide it’s time to wiggle around.

I love that this space shows a softer side of wildlife life. It reminds you these animals need care from day one. That makes the whole park feel more personal. You’ll likely leave talking about the tiniest residents more than the biggest ones.

Snacks, Shade, And Plush Animals Make The Day Easier

Hungry explorers have options here. The Safari Snack Shack serves food and drinks for quick refuels between animal visits.

Families can enjoy their own lunch and snacks in the designated picnic area outside the park. Picnic tables and shaded areas sit throughout the park, which helps on hot afternoons.

Packing a cooler can save money for animal feed and extra experiences. Just remember that carrots are for giraffes, not for the people in your group.

Visitors can bring their own strollers and wheelchairs, but rentals are not available on-site. Bringing your own stroller or wheelchair can make the visit easier for anyone who needs extra support.

Then there’s the Wildlife Gift Shop. Plush animals, apparel, and souvenirs fill the shelves, so be ready for some serious negotiation with kids. The gift shop stays open daily year-round. That’s handy if you’re in town during winter and want a souvenir anyway.

I appreciate parks that think about comfort, not just attractions. Shade, seating, and rentals make a long day feel smooth. Happy feet lead to happy memories. And a plush giraffe in the backseat keeps the fun going on the ride home.

Climb The Tower And Then Plan Your Perfect Visit

From up high, the whole 25-acre park spreads out below you. The observation tower offers panoramic views that help you spot animals and plan your route. It’s a great first stop, or a fun finale. Either way, your camera will thank you.

You’ll find Timbavati Wildlife Park at 2220 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965. It sits right along the main strip, making it easy to fit between other Dells plans.

The Wildlife Gift Shop is open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM, while general park admission follows a seasonal schedule. Early arrival gives you more time, and animals tend to be livelier in the cooler morning hours.

General admission and Safari Train rides are seasonal, typically running through late October or early November, weather permitting. Private VIP tours, encounters, and the gift shop continue daily year-round.

VIP Behind the Scenes Tours offer guided time with several species for small groups. It’s a special option for birthdays or animal-obsessed kids.

I can see why people make this a must-stop in Wisconsin. Zebras, camels, and kangaroos in one place is hard to beat. Just leave room in your day, and maybe your heart, for a giraffe.