Take the Kids: Animal Park at the Conservators Center
When people are passionate about their work, it shows. It's not evident solely in the way they do their jobs, but also in how they speak about it. My first thought after the start of our tour at Animal Park at the Conservators Center?
''Wow, they really love doing this!''
Were staff members kind and welcoming? Definitely, and we expected them to be. Were they knowledgeable about and caring towards the animals? A true understatement.
My daughters and I were so impressed with how thoroughly team members elaborated concerning each animal. From their native lands, to diets, behaviors, and current statuses in the wild, they never missed a beat. All questions we had were answered and we left much more informed than we arrived.
What is the Animal Park at the Conservators Center?
The Animal Park at the Conservators Center is a nonprofit zoological park. It is located at 676 E. Hughes Mill Road in Burlington, NC. The center was founded in 1999 in Mebane. It relocated in 2001 to a 45-acre location in Caswell County.
The park has more than 70 animals, and more than 21 species. Interactions between the animals and caretakers show how much time and attention is put into creating their special bonds. One of the coolest things we witnessed was the workers imitating the sounds of the wolves and lions. In turn, the wolves howled and the lions roared right back. Singing dogs joined in as well. To us, that was amazing!
Animal Park at the Conservators Center offers personal and private tours and unique experiences like photo safaris and birthday parties.
You can even spend all of your time at one enclosure or construct a tour to your liking. Group tours and Wild Field Trips are also an option. They are appropriate for all grade levels and as educators, curriculum guides are available for your classes before visiting.
My family was led on a private tour but prior to that, we hung out in their Education Room. It's a large area with books and hands-on animal items to closely examine like fur and claws. Small indoor creatures are also housed here for visitors to become acquainted with.
We befriended Dexter, the cutest Green iguana! We were allowed to rub him, which seemed to make him extra comfortable. Next, my girls participated in creating enrichment toys for some of the larger animals. More specifically, an Arctic fox and a lion.
Paper towel rolls, construction paper, and essential oils were used to make the toys. During the tour, staff members used them to demonstrate how the animals respond to scents and textures. It was entertaining to watch.
Other animals we saw were binturongs, bobcats, caracals, tigers, coyotes, tortoises, lemurs (one with an incredible recovery story), and so many more. An additional trip feels necessary just to take it all in! Luckily, another way to spend time at the center is by attending events like Wild Under the Stars, which allows you to view multiple meteor showers.
How much does it cost to visit Animal Park at the Conservators Center?
Tours start at $16 for those ages 12 years and older and $11 for children ages 3 to 11 years old. Military, seniors (65 years and older), first responders and college students are admitted for $14.
The Animal Park at the Conservators Center is open Saturday and Sunday each week.
Tips before you go to the Animal Park at the Conservators Center
- Wear comfortable walking shoes. The tour is around 3/4 of a mile and unpaved.
- You must sign a waiver/photography form before the tour whether online or at the check-in desk.
- Bring a few snacks and water-especially for kids. My daughters needed them during our two hour tour.
- Check the weather beforehand and wear/bring appropriate clothing. This is an outdoor activity.
- Restrooms are available.
- There is a gift shop with stuffed animals, clothing, umbrellas, refreshments, and other items.
