Best Animal Encounter
Swim with friendly dolphins, play with wild wolves and hand-feed brightly colored birds at these interactive animal encounters. From drive-through safaris that mirror the wilderness and wildlife of the Serengeti to shallow-river snorkeling with gentle-giant manatees, we've handpicked some extraordinary experiences that will wow any animal lover. Many of the encounters exist to protect and rehabilitate injured or endangered species, so you can rest assured that the animals there are well loved and respected.
These 10 animal encounters were selected by our featured panelists and contributors and voted on by readers as the best of the best.
1. Nomad's Animal Encounter |
Seminole, OK
Whether you've always dreamed of feeding a kangaroo, getting wolf licks or snuggling with a skunk, Nomad's Animal Encounter can make your fantasy a reality. Available by appointment, the Family Tour takes you into creature enclosures for a highly hands-on experience while a guide teaches you about the animal. Ready to meet the carnivores? Add the Predator Pass to see its group of foxes, wolves, snakes and more.
2. Discovery Cove | Orlando, FL
Marine animal lovers, get ready for the adventure of your life at Discovery Cove. The Day Resort Package allows you to snorkel with fish, swim with stingrays and hand-feed colorful birds. But for those obsessed with the ocean's most friendly mammals, the Signature Dolphin Swim Package is a necessary upgrade. Guests also enjoy complimentary food, beverages, changing facilities and gear (such as wetsuits and snorkel masks).
3. Tanganyika Wildlife Park |
Goddard, KS
Tanganyika Wildlife Park is ideal for animal-loving families. Park admission includes unlimited meals and snacks, endless animal feedings (from rhinos to bunnies) and a seasonal splash pad. But you can easily upgrade your ticket to swim with penguins, train a pygmy hippo and feed lions. Past guests also recommend Sloth Behind the Scenes to meet and touch these silly, lazy creatures.
4. Farm Sanctuary | Acton, CA
The first of its kind in the U.S., Farm Sanctuary has rescued thousands of farm animals since 1986. Make a reservation to see the furry faces that adore their new pampered lives. As you tour the 39-acre ranch, you can snuggle with pigs and cows and learn their incredible rescue stories. If you fall in love with one, join the adoption program!
5. Safari West | Santa Rosa, CA
The self-proclaimed "The Sonoma Serengeti," Safari West offers an immersive adventure for those who would love an African Safari but simply can't travel that far. Journey over rough terrain as you ride by herds of zebras, cape buffalo and giraffes. Afterward, spend the night in a modern glamping-style tent. Before heading home, book an Animal Enrichment Tour for an up-close animal encounter.
6.The Gentle Barn | Santa Clarita, CA
Once a week, the Gentle Barn opens its fences to the public, giving them a chance to rub a pig's tummy, love on a cow and snuggle a turkey. All of the animals here were rescued due to severe injury and neglect, but after being rehabilitated, you'll find them happily wandering the fields and barnyards around the property. For some one-on-one time, check out the one-hour equine therapy sessions.
7. Fossil Rim Wildlife Center |
Glen Rose, TX
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center stretches across 1,800 acres and boasts over 1,100 animals from more than 50 species. Patrons can choose from three different tour options on its 7-mile Gosdin Scenic Drive: Self-Drive, Safari Tour and Private Safari Tour. Each one provides the opportunity to travel next to animals like common waterbucks, cheetahs, zebras and black rhinoceroses.
8. Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center |
Divide, CO
A sanctuary for wolves, coyotes and foxes, the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center hopes to educate its human patrons on the importance of preserving wildlife through its educational tours. Each trek through the center ends with a symbolic wolf howl led by your guide and often joined in by the nearby wolves, reminding you of the interconnectedness you all share.
9. Lion Country Safari | Loxahatchee, FL
With over 300 acres of open habitats, the Lion Country Safari transports you through an open zoo, where you'll come face-to-face with some of the world's most beautiful creatures. Drive through a winding, 4-mile loop with Brazilian tapir, greater kudu, eastern bongos and African lions. Then, visit the adjoining Adventure Park to take a selfie with giraffes, pet baby goats and feed the rainbow-colored lorikeets.
10. Virginia Safari Park |
Natural Bridge, VA
Get up close and personal with animals like bison, elk and wildebeest without ever leaving your car at Virginia Safari Park. This 180-arce zoo allows its more than 1,200 animals to roam freely, so you may find them coming right up to your window for a snack. If you prefer to explore on foot, meander down the Village Walk-Thru to feed giraffes, see kangaroos jump and watch tigers play.
About Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards
Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of travel experts. The final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For more details, read our terms and conditions. For any questions, please see our FAQs or email us at readerschoice@newsweek.com.
Our Featured Panelists
Linnea Bailey
Linnea Bailey is an award-winning journalist specializing in travel and tourism. Her freelance work can be found in Southern Living, The Palm Beach Post, Florida Weekly, Modern Luxury, art&culture magazine, The Palm Beaches Blog and more. A former newspaper reporter, she now owns a communications company in West Palm Beach. Linnea is an active member of The Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), the North American Travel Journalists Association, the International Travel Writers Alliance, The Family Travel Association and The Adventure Travel Trade Association. She is a graduate of the University of Central Florida's journalism school. Learn more about her travels at www.linneabailey.com.
Margot Black
Margot Black is a passionate outdoor travel writer whose love for the natural world is contagious. With decades of experience exploring the great outdoors, she is a respected expert in the field of adventure travel. Margot strongly believes in the transformative power of nature and works tirelessly to encourage families to spend more time outdoors together. Her travel writing blends in-depth research with a personal touch, providing readers with an escape to the world's most breathtaking landscapes. Margot's warm, capable and fun-loving demeanor inspires her readers to embark on their own adventures and create memories that will last a lifetime. Read more about her adventures at blackinktravelwriting.com.
Melissa Garcia
Melissa Garcia, known as the ConsumerQueen, is a full-time content creator with over 20 years of experience helping people save money and make savvy decisions. Her mission is to teach others to save where they can so they can spend on what they love. Melissa shares the best products to make life easier and also owns RoamingMyPlanet and The Oklahoma Homesteader, where she continues to inspire and educate her audience.
Misty Milioto
Misty Milioto is a freelance writer and editor with 22 years of experience working with publications across the country. Publications have included Sunset; U.S. News & World Report; and Modern Luxury's suite of 80+ regional publications, such as Aspen Magazine, San Francisco Magazine and Scottsdale Magazine. She also oversees a luxury lifestyle blog at girlwilltravel.com. She loves everything from exotic destinations and outdoor recreation to exploring the bounty of foodie goodness in New Orleans, where she is currently based. You can connect with her on Instagram.
Robin O'Neal Smith
Robin O'Neal Smith is a freelance writer covering food, travel, wine and lifestyle topics. A "foodie," she enjoys savoring the food and wine wherever her travels take her and finding the hidden gems in destinations to share with her readers. She resides in Pennsylvania, and her work has appeared in Potomac Lifestyle, Travel Awaits, She Buys Travel, Extended Weekend Getaways and many others. Robin has appeared on various podcasts as an expert on travel topics. She is a TravMedia member and serves on the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association board. Follow her adventures at robinonealsmith.com.
Terri Guthrie
Terri Guthrie writes and creates videos about her many adventures across the U.S. and globe, describing the things she learns. She often shares itineraries, favorite restaurants, free things to experience and how to be street smart. Sign up to Travel with Terri for great travel ideas and follow her on Instagram.
Newsweek contributors speak from a variety of backgrounds and offer expertise in a wide range of subject areas.