PETTING ZOO

Meet animals at Santa’s Land Fun Park and Zoo in Cherokee, North Carolina—from friendly barnyard favorites to wildlife viewing and scheduled bear feedings.

Monkey sitting in a tire swing inside an enclosure at Santa’s Land Zoo in Cherokee, NC

Children feeding a deer through a fenced opening at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC

Elevated animal enclosures connected by a walkway at Santa’s Land Zoo in Cherokee, NC

Black-and-white pig resting behind a fence at Santa’s Land Zoo in Cherokee, NC

PETTING ZOO AT SANTA’S LAND IN CHEROKEE, NC

Santa’s Land’s ZooLand is a walk-through animal area with more than 20 species. Some animals can be petted or fed, while others are for viewing only. The zoo is part of the park admission.

ANIMALS TO SEE

The park lists goats, sheep, deer, reindeer, black bears, peacocks, macaws, a camel, kangaroos, porcupines and other animals among its collection. Ring-tailed lemurs and capuchin monkeys live on the island in Whitebeard’s Lake. Animal visibility can vary throughout the day.

BEAR FEEDINGS

Zookeepers present black-bear feedings four times during the park day and answer questions from visitors. These are staff-led viewing experiences, not opportunities to touch the bears. The park does not publish exact demonstration times.

PETTING AND FEEDING

Some of ZooLand’s animals can be petted and fed. Follow the signs and zookeeper directions for each enclosure; do not offer outside food or reach into areas marked for viewing only. Wash or sanitize hands after animal contact and before eating.

HOURS AND SEASON

ZooLand is open during Santa’s Land’s seasonal operating period, from late spring into early November. The park opens Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Outdoor animal activities may change with weather and animal care needs.

ADMISSION AND PARKING

ZooLand is included with park admission. General admission is $30 plus tax for guests age two and older; children under two enter free. Senior, military and AAA discounts and rates for groups of 20 or more are offered. Parking is free.

VISITING WITH CHILDREN

Allow time to walk between the animal enclosures, keep young children close and wear comfortable shoes. The bear feeding is a useful scheduled highlight to plan around, while the rest of the animal area can be explored at your own pace.

GETTING THERE

Santa’s Land is at 571 Wolfetown Road, Cherokee, NC 28719. See the park’s ticket page for admission, discounts and group rates.

BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE

ZooLand is included with Santa’s Land admission. General admission is $30 plus tax for guests age two and older; children under two enter free. See the park’s ticket page for admission and group rates.

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