Reviews of Why Not An American Ark (Zoo)

christy harrison

Awesome for families and kids. Tour guide was so informative and friendly. Even better there animals are rescues!! 10 $ to go 2 and under free. All goes to feed them. I will be back! Beautiful landscape to!!

S Jones

We attended here with a group today. The group consisted of 18 girls who are 7-8 years old. These girl scouts have been on many outings and have always been completely respectful and well-behaved. They truly exhibit what it means to be a good Girl Scout. The Bad, Bad, Bad — The owner. Our group was scheduled to be at the event area to eat at 11. We arrived there at 11. Lunch was quick and the girls were ready to learn about the horse as soon as a hand brought it over. They went straight to the barn afterwards following the horse. The owner was at the barn loudly talking on her phone. She seemed more than a little annoyed with questions from each caller. In between calls, the owner was barking at the kids, adults and employees. In advance, we were told that parents and siblings could ride as well, as long as they were told about it ahead of time. One of the siblings was placed on a horse by her employee and she barked at him that he wasn’t a girl and shouldn’t be on the horse. This upset him and he didn’t want to ride anymore. She barked that we had decided to show up late and she didn’t have time for all that. The owner went on to tell another girl that she was way too big to be on the horse that her employee put her on. A mom told another mom that she would be writing a bad review due to her rudeness. This was apparently overheard and shared with the owner. Our group was split into two groups with one going riding and the others going on a petting zoo tour. Upon arriving back to the barn with the first group, the owner loudly said that she wasn’t taking the other group because of how the girls treated her horses. Most of these girls were scared but excited to be on a horse. They certainly were not acting wild or being mean in any way. As she’s leading a horse away, she suddenly turned and freaked out saying that if someone wanted to write a bad review about her then she would give them something to write a bad review about. I asked her twice to please not do this in front of the girls and to stop yelling. She continued to loudly rant in front of a group of young kids. I walked away and took my daughter to the side and asked quietly if the owner had been being mean on the trail ride. She replied no, thankfully. Though one of the other girls said she had been loud and bossy. One of her young employees overheard me ask my daughter that and said that “if the owner had been mean then she had good reason for it” in a nasty tone.

Mickayla Volker

My son had a BLAST! the only disappointment was that my son got a pony ride that was literally half the ride that all 3 of his cousins got.

Aly P

Just left this cute petting zoo!!! Close to home and the kids loved it!! Pick a cool day to go because the tour is hot on a sunny day but worth the sweat!!!

keondra leke

Great experience for the family.

Ivelisse Leon

The tour last 1 hour, you see a lot of farm animals and get to pet them and feed them.

Peter Thijssen

casual, no petting within the fences, only outside

kaledev

Great experience here with kids.

Damon McCright

Cool place and a friendly owner.

Adriana Loya

We go every year, Lovely place!

Steven Bailey

Kids loved it. Too much poop on the ground where guests walk

Rana Moore

We went to a 4-H show and had a great time. Animals of all sorts, a pond for fishing and great stables for the horses. The rings and facilities were perfect.

Kyle Tellier

Had a great time. Staff is very friendly and easy to work with.

christy harrison

Awesome for families and kids. Tour guide was so informative and friendly. Even better there animals are rescues!! 10 $ to go 2 and under free. All goes to feed them. I will be back! Beautiful landscape to!!

Alexandra Marler Bennett

I took my daughter here for the first time. It was her birthday. First we scheduled a time to go horseback riding. Scheduling it was awesome! The owner texted me through it and was very accommodating. We rode for an hour. Then we went over to the petting zoo and was guided through it. Be sure to tip the guide ;). We had some time after that. So we grabbed snacks from the car and enjoyed a peaceful time on the property and made ourselves at home. I can't wait to go back!

R & E Equine Edits

So first off , I am an equestrian and I have shown here 2-3 times! EVERYTIME it is in HORRIBLE CONDITIONS , the so called rescues and skinny nd being starved!

paloma night

I don't recommend the pony rides.

Claudia Price

We had the petting zoo come to us for a birthday party and it was great!!!

Matthew Esposito

We were here today for my sisters Girl Scout troupe while it may look fun when it came time to ride the horses

Sue Rosser

Awesome place! People that run the place are friendly and very informative. They not only know the kinds of animals but they know each one by name and personality. Lots of love here, It was a privilege to come here.

Joyce Hensley

Great facility

Julia Ward

Hidden gem but totally worth the $$ and drive!! Will go back anytime

Sara Shammos

We all had a great time. 20 months, 3 years old, 6 & 12. All the kids had a great time. Make sure you buy the large thing if food. Plenty of animals to feed.

S Jones

We attended here with a group today. The group consisted of 18 girls who are 7-8 years old. These girl scouts have been on many outings and have always been completely respectful and well-behaved. They truly exhibit what it means to be a good Girl Scout. The Bad, Bad, Bad — The owner. Our group was scheduled to be at the event area to eat at 11. We arrived there at 11. Lunch was quick and the girls were ready to learn about the horse as soon as a hand brought it over. They went straight to the barn afterwards following the horse. The owner was at the barn loudly talking on her phone. She seemed more than a little annoyed with questions from each caller. In between calls, the owner was barking at the kids, adults and employees. In advance, we were told that parents and siblings could ride as well, as long as they were told about it ahead of time. One of the siblings was placed on a horse by her employee and she barked at him that he wasn’t a girl and shouldn’t be on the horse. This upset him and he didn’t want to ride anymore. She barked that we had decided to show up late and she didn’t have time for all that. The owner went on to tell another girl that she was way too big to be on the horse that her employee put her on. A mom told another mom that she would be writing a bad review due to her rudeness. This was apparently overheard and shared with the owner. Our group was split into two groups with one going riding and the others going on a petting zoo tour. Upon arriving back to the barn with the first group, the owner loudly said that she wasn’t taking the other group because of how the girls treated her horses. Most of these girls were scared but excited to be on a horse. They certainly were not acting wild or being mean in any way. As she’s leading a horse away, she suddenly turned and freaked out saying that if someone wanted to write a bad review about her then she would give them something to write a bad review about. I asked her twice to please not do this in front of the girls and to stop yelling. She continued to loudly rant in front of a group of young kids. I walked away and took my daughter to the side and asked quietly if the owner had been being mean on the trail ride. She replied no, thankfully. Though one of the other girls said she had been loud and bossy. One of her young employees overheard me ask my daughter that and said that “if the owner had been mean then she had good reason for it” in a nasty tone.

Mickayla Volker

My son had a BLAST! the only disappointment was that my son got a pony ride that was literally half the ride that all 3 of his cousins got.

Aly P

Just left this cute petting zoo!!! Close to home and the kids loved it!! Pick a cool day to go because the tour is hot on a sunny day but worth the sweat!!!

GrandStrat Timelapse

These people deleted 3 of my comments say that the place has good tour guides but bad owners...

Eddie

Kids loved it had a great time

Kellen Matthiae

Great tour

Judy Higgins

Beautiful place. Animals,were plentiful and our guide was kind and informativen. My only complaint is the cost. A bit pricy to bring a,family.

Nadia Lavrova

Excellent stay at cabin by lake surrounded by exotic animals. It was fun petting a donkey and a camel. Lots of animals to see and hosts are very nice.

Anna Vordermark

What a hidden gem! Under an hour from Charlotte, this 120-acre farm includes gorgeous views, friendly staff, and numerous friendly rescued and domestic animals. It really takes an hour to make the circuit through well over a hundred animals, exotic and otherwise. We'll be back for a ride on some of the sweet ponies we met!

Teresa Craig

We visited the " Ark" today with our 3.5 yr old grandson. He LOVED it!!!! He saw Camels, Fox, Bob Cats, Horses, Ponies, Pigs, Llama, Goats..... it goes on and on. The Grounds are so nicely laid out. There were Babies Every Where. We saw Wallaby, Chickens, New Born Baby Rabbits. He also chose the Pony Ride Options and he was able to ride an Adorable Pony!! If you want something for the family To Do, call Amy or Jeff and make your own Memories with your Family like we did. Charlies wants to go back tomorrow. Best For Miles and Miles!!

Venita Crater

Okay so this place had some very bad reviews and I feel that they are not fair. It was a very fun outing for my toddler. They had goats, foxes, zebras, camels, donkeys, several cute dogs... a good selection of birds and some other animals I can’t remember... it was definitely worth the money that we paid. The pony ride was great, my son really enjoyed it. Fair warning, the tour guide warns you that the camel is a food thief! I was not smart enough to listen and he stole my bucket of feed. So watch out for that hungry camel, but do go enjoy a tour. It’s worth the time.

Evie Lee Laney

Very knowledge, and personable owners. The animals are well cared for. I enjoyed seeing all the different animals along with learning about them. I would recommend taking your lunch with your kids and having a picnic! Great family fun.

Wendy Measmer Garofalo

We enjoyed our visit at Why Not An American Ark! The owners weres nice. Our guide was very sweet and very knowledgeable about each of the animals. She helped my little one hold a baby goat. We were able to feed the goats, camels, ostriches, and cows. Our little one was able to go on a pony ride as well! Very neat place to visit.

William Neeriemer

Really interesting....animals I've never seen before.

Heather C

Fun for the kids

Venita Crater

Okay so this place had some very bad reviews and I feel that they are not fair. It was a very fun outing for my toddler. They had goats, foxes, zebras, camels, donkeys, several cute dogs... a good selection of birds and some other animals I can’t remember... it was definitely worth the money that we paid. The pony ride was great, my son really enjoyed it. Fair warning, the tour guide warns you that the camel is a food thief! I was not smart enough to listen and he stole my bucket of feed. So watch out for that hungry camel, but do go enjoy a tour. It’s worth the time.

Nikia Hill

The staff is very polite and the kids loved it

Andreas Werner

This was a quaint petting zoo with a fantastic tour guide. This place is great.

Kristy Pratt

This place is perfect for the little ones. Lots of animals to see great staff. We will be visiting again soon. My 15 month old absolutely loved it. He also loved riding the pony and just walking all over the grounds. Thank you WNAAA for creating such a fun place.

Clark Cato

Good place, good people

Alena Tokarev

Lots of animals,most can be petted amd fed, very informative tour guide...lots of fun for the whole family ! Will go again

Eric Torres Kayaking

Great experience and staff was awesome!!

Jody Cummings Sitton

Beautiful grounds, friendly staff, lots of different animals, in an unexpected location. Spend some time walking around to see everything, then the are lots of places to sit and enjoy the day. Great facility for horse shows too!

Katie Kane

We have loved the Ark for years!

Nic and Rebeca Presson

It was ok. Our guide was sub-par.

Felicitas Squires

Beautiful place with friendly helpful staff and cute animals

Dallas Masch

We love this place

LorrieScott Griffin

Very nice

Beverly Edwards

It was good and fun but the guided tour went too fast and I feel like I didn't have time to enjoy the animals with my kids. You are not allowed to walk back through at your own time.

Heather Bostian

Cutest farm ever! Loved all the animals and pony ride

Benjamin Schooley

It was a great time walking around the animal farm with my family! We saw exotic animals all the way down to your potbelly pigs! Pony ride for the kids at the end capped off a great trip!

Adventurous Geek

My mother, nephew two children (ages 3 and 5 yrs old) and I visited the farm for a private tour this week and were extremely pleased with our experience! When we drove up we were greeted by the owner, her husband and about 15 - 20 dogs! Now we are dog lovers and were absolutely over joyed by this friendly pack that followed us throughout the entire tour. The kids were first taken on a pony/horse ride around the farm while my mom and I walked beside them. Then we visited the animals on the farm by foot with a tour lead by the farm owner. To our surprise there were many different types of animals and we were able to interact with them directly. The animals were all very friendly and the kids loved it! The farm itself was also well groomed and not super stinky and filled with flies. If you don't like dogs and a hands on experience with animals this is NOT the place for you. I'd also say that the private tour with a smaller group is definitely the way to go. For about $25 each the experience exceeded the value!

Lisa Harrington

Very pleasant people. The animals are friendly. Bring your own water.

Melanie Baker

So much fun. Loved the camels!

Evie Lee Laney

Very knowledge, and personable owners. The animals are well cared for. I enjoyed seeing all the different animals along with learning about them. I would recommend taking your lunch with your kids and having a picnic! Great family fun.

Beatriz Perez

It was very fun. Beautiful place and more importantly the animals are well cared for.

Mike Crocker

Great

Natashia Baker

There were quite a few people when we arrived, which is a food sign of being a interesting place. It's a huge farm with a large variety of animals. And the animals they have, they have a lot of each. ALOT. LOL. All the animals look healthy and happy. There a many your able to pet and interact with. A few that can bite. You of course can not touch but look at. It's a alot of walking so be prepared with a stroller for smaller kids if necessary. The tour is a reasonable pace and gives you time to enjoy each animal pen. You can actually go inside with the goats a nod feed them and them.The workers we interacted with where super nice, friendly, helpful and informative. The kids loved it and we will be going again for sure. Worth the money spent. They have pony ride for younger kids which is cute. There are some farm dogs that walk around the whole time and a super nice a friendly. They don't bark, just occasionally come up to some people to be pet. It's all really cute. They have party package deals, included a Unicorn party for those who love them, they use one of the horses and actually make a horn out of his long mane. cool. So, over all it seems to be a great place. Oh, yes, there are a few places to eat at tables, as long as there are not other parties going on I suppose it you wanted a picnic. The trash cans stayed kinda full but over all good place. They do have bathrooms at the main buildings at front where you begin. Clean enough.

Keisha Mclean-Green

Awesome staff!

Katie Smith

Great place!

STEPHANIE Costabel

The tour guides are so rude. There were very few animals that you could actually feed/pet. It shouldn't be labeled a petting zoo. more like a "sight seeing" zoo... although you could probably see more on "Animal Planet". We drove 40 minutes to see a bunch of horses from 10 feet away, because "they were grumpy".... that's exactly what the tour guide said. Unbelievable.... It used to be so much better but definitely go to Lazy Five Ranch... at least you will get your money's worth!!!! I definitely will never be coming back! What a waste of gas and money!!!!

Dafer A.M.A

Good 4 kids but over priced for 1 to 1 /12 hr. Tour

Kenneth Bryant

The kids had a great time. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable of not only the animals but with some of them, she even provided information on how the animals came to be in the park

Denise Jackson

tons of fun for kids and adults. staff was pleasant and very informative.

Joel Mariacher

Just a wonderful place to see so many different animals.

Yanira Lavergne

We had a great time at the farm today ! Our tour guide was great and knowledgeable about all the animals. We loved feeding them and overall it was great day.

Nancy Gonzalez

Well my biggest advice is take your own water bottles because they don't sell anything oh and watch where you step because there is poop all over the place. It's nice if you like the interaction with the animals it's pretty small but friendly people.

Danny Haines

Lots of entertaining animals. The kids loved it!

Arturo Montenora

Nice hot Saturday afternoon.

Bridget Burrows

Do NOT waste your time or money here! There is poop EVERYWHERE. You can't walk without stepping in poop. The "tour guide" was incredibly rude and when my 3-year old was bit by an ostrich, she didn't say anything, she just walked away!!!!! Ridiculous!

Bonnie Ping

I love taking the kids, we have been several times and will go back again. The staff is knowledgeable and fun. Wear shoes that can get dirty!

D WANG

Fun and interactive, kids really enjoy feeding the various animal.

Amy Adams

Had a great time enjoying Central Church's Fall Festival here!

Nadia De Martino-Reel

Great place to visit with family and friends.

Amber Barrera

Recently went on a family trip. To begin with the staff and tour guide are really really friendly!! The tour will last about an hour and it's 10 bucks per person except kids under 2. I wish it was much longer because I felt rushed in the group we were in. They had a nice amount of animals and they looked good for being on a farm. My main complaint is that you had to pet all the animals over the fence. I understand petting the zebras, camels, emu and donkeys over the fence but the goats, sheep, pigs, cow and possibly baby Lama's would had been much better inside with them in the enclosure. But it was still a good time and I would make the drive again with my family.

Christopher Vigna

Amazing place! Amazing animals! Amazing people! Great place to disconnect and be with nature. Absolutely love visiting with our family. Thanks!!!

Bruce Johnson

This was actually a really cool place! We got the deal on Groupon, and took out 2 year old daughter. Was a little skeptical because it was was out in deep Monroe, NC. We drove almost 50 minutes, but it was TOTALLY worth the ride! They had alot more animals than we expected, and were able to feed almost all of them by hand. Even our daughter wasn't scared to do so, and no problems with the animals being aggressive with anyone. The camels will steal your whole food bucket if you're not careful! Yes there were camels, goats, a zebra, some African leopard (?), ponies, pigs, and more I'm forgetting. Really a cool place for kids! My daughter was talking about it for days after, and already wants to go back

RM Palm

Very nice. Rustic. Great opportunity to take lots of photos

Miriam Macedonio

It's okay I wish the tour was a little longer, and we weren't constantly being rushed

Natalya G

Beautiful place to visit with a family. We came here for a church event and enjoyed every minute of beautiful sights that this place gives.

Vincent Esposito

This absolutely is the worst excuse for a family friendly place I have ever seen. Absolutely beyond rude manager who seems flustered by a reservation for 18 made weeks ago. Have they never dealt with large school groups??? Lady complains that someone threatened a bad review so she's pulling the rest of the group and "will give us a reason to write a bad review.". Didn't need to provide me anymore reason, but thanks! Never will I return with my family and NEVER would I EVER recommend to anyone. Absolute disgrace! Would rate ZERO STARS if I could!!!

Yanes Lopez Z De Medrano

(Translated by Google) It is entertaining (Original) Es entretenido

Joshua Peters

An absolutely amazing experience! Came here from Savannah when the hurricane was threatening the south. The owners were absolutely wonderful. They offered snacks and drinks. Paid for the animal tour and horseback riding. Be prepared! Bring some boots you don’t mind a little bit of poop on. You get to pet, touch, or hold any animal you see! They’re all quite sweet. The guide was extremely knowledgable! You will not regret coming here. Spent about 3 hours here with the wife. Be sure to bring sunscreen! You will get to see the following: goats, turtles, kangaroos, foxes, camels, ostriches, cows, pigs, horses, donkeys, zebras, buffalos, rhinos...etc! And you’re up close and personal with each!

David Delfiner

Amazing.... The petting zoo is awesome! And the owners are so nice and friendly!

M Miller

Visited only for a couple hours this week with my 5- and 7-year old children, and mostly self-guided. What an amazing idea - this place!! The animals are so friendly, such a general cheery facility. We loved the accessibility of the animals! We will be visiting again, hopefully with our homeschool group, even though we are 2-1/2 hours away!

Jedah Munroe

They have a lot of different animals. I had a very fun rime feeding them and pettingvtgem. The only complaint I have is all the waste but beaides that it was a great experience.

Darya Kosovan

We had the same experience as stephanie. The tour guide was rude and not all the animals were out. Very limited and rushed the process.

Anita Viele

Had my daughter's 5th birthday party there. The staff was great and all the kids had a wonderful time!

retard ass frog

We had a heard of goats following us (well behaved goats that is) and that deserves a 5 star also you can feed zebras

Kayla Hasty

Just had a birthday party there, GREAT place to visit!

Amanda Taylor

Such fun!

leslie kale

Loved this place

Thomasann Walls

Friendly staff, helpful, they love what they do

Heather Moore

Lots of amazing animals for the kids to see here! My five year olds had a great time. Walking tour took a little over an hour and gave us lots of time to listen to their animal facts and to feed the animals that could be fed.

Sue Haupt

Absolutely awesome. So many neat animals. They are so friendly on the tour explaining every species.

Rob Papciak

One of the Greatest days experiences my family has had in a while... Staff was "out of the way friendly, and full of knowledge.. we got to ride horses for 30 minutes and my 'guide' was obviously passionate and well versed on the farm.. he talked about "getting the opportunity to do something new everyday" and was proud to be a part of this wonderful team... Thank you so much guys! The animals are well kept and more importantly well fed and watched after..all staff I came in contact with was well informed about the in"s and outs about the facility including knowing how many dogs, horses, animals and backgrounds..I was very impressed with these fine people who obviously have a passion for what they do... Thank you for an amazing day, and if you are willing to spend some fair money and have a wonderful experience... Do yourself a favor and seek out Two by Two farm.. you will not be disappointed.. Rob Papciak BSN RN Atrium Health Pineville Emergency Department

Judy Mangum Smith

Nice place. Had a child's Birthday party there.

Taylor Raine

I love it... I volunteer here and everyone is so nice. If you read Bridget Burrows review and she gave it just one star because her child was bit by a ostrich. We tell everyone what to do so they don't get hurt and if thy don't want to follow them it's their fault

Lyubov Anatiychuk

Great for little kids.

chris price

Nice place with lots of variety in animals

Jeff Crago

Very cool...loved the camels

Jessenia Noriega

(Translated by Google) Perfect to go with children. (Original) Perfecto para ir con niños.

chris tarbutton

Nice place. The owners are very accommodating.

M Miller

Visited only for a couple hours this week with my 5- and 7-year old children, and mostly self-guided. What an amazing idea - this place!! The animals are so friendly, such a general cheery facility. We loved the accessibility of the animals! We will be visiting again, hopefully with our homeschool group, even though we are 2-1/2 hours away!

Charles Shaffer

beautiful place with a farm atmosphere has animals from all over the globe virtually out there for people to see and look at and some allowed Hands-On and feeding it's a great place for kids it's a great place to get away and enjoy yourself

Micaiah Lufcy

(3-29-13)Brought my daughter here (3.5 years old) with my wife and father in law and sis in law. We loved it! A lot of animals and really friendly staff. Camels and porcupines, ponies, zebras, tons of dogs and only $8 per person! Couple of hours for the tour and only $5 for a pony ride. Only thing negative to say was maybe some better signage. Wasn't sure where to park and drove by it first looking for Wnaaa petting zoo first before we doubled back and realized Two by Two was the same place and was what we were actually looking for. Would def recommend and will be back next time we visit the family!

Leo Kendall

Got stuck in a group of loud obnocious people. Missed the first half of the tour because they didnt want us to wait to make another group. Not much to see and the whole place looks old and outdated. Only good thing is we got a deal on groupon.

Connor Bradley

Best place ever!