Zoos

Cherokee Bear Zoo

Name: Cherokee Bear Zoo
Address: 1204 Tsalagi Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719, Cherokee, NC, US
Telephone: (828) 497-4525
Rating: 3.8

★★★☆☆ 3.8 (2174 reviews)

📍 1204 Tsalagi Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719

📞 (828) 497-4525

📍 Get Directions

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About Cherokee Bear Zoo

Grizzly bears on display & a petting zoo. Small venue offering close encounters with grizzly bears & a petting zoo for children. Animal Farm Petting Zoo is part of a rescue shelter operation, combining animal sanctuary with educational entertainment for families. Rated 3.8 out of 5 stars by 2,174 visitors.

Quick Facts

Type: Zoo
Best For: All ages
Highlights: Bear feeding, goat feeding, baby bear photo with Luna
Admission: $6 adults; $25 for baby bear photo
Important Note: Cash only (free ATM available)

💡 Did You Know?

⭐Animal Farm Petting Zoo is part of a rescue shelter operation, combining animal sanctuary with educational entertainment for families
⭐The zoo features a diverse animal collection including exotic species such as a camel named Clarke, monkeys, emus, and parrots alongside traditional farm animals
⭐The 10-acre facility includes specialized interactive areas such as a Baby Barn for handling young animals, Safari Train ride, puppet theater, and multiple playgrounds
⭐The zoo maintains extensive handwashing stations throughout the 10-acre park and enforces strict animal-safe feeding protocols with purchased feed in $8 souvenir buckets

💬 What Visitors Say

💬Plan to arrive at least 2 hours before closing since last entrance is 1 hour before closing time. Reviews mention visitors enjoyed taking the Safari Train ride ($5/person) and exploring multiple animal areas, which requires adequate time.
💬Bring cash for optional add-ons like pony rides ($5) and train rides ($5), as well as food and drinks available on-site. Animal feed buckets ($8) are the only approved way to feed animals—do not bring outside food.
💡Start at the Baby Barn and petting areas to interact with rabbits, chicks, and guinea pigs up close before visiting larger animals. Multiple reviewers highlighted these baby animal interactions as the highlight of their visit.
🕐Visit on mild weather days (not too hot or cold) and take advantage of the shaded garden areas and numerous benches throughout the 10-acre park. Reviewers specifically noted perfect weather enhanced their experience and the park's cleanliness.
💡Follow the venue's social media (Facebook/Instagram) before visiting for real-time updates on hours and weather-related closures. The park's operations can vary, making official channels essential for trip planning.