Chestatee Wildlife Preserve, Dahlonega

We had the best time. I really didn't know what to expect of a zoo in Dahlonega. You will not believe the animals especially the Zdonk Pippi and the awesome white tigers. We had a picnic and the donkeys and horses were right there with us. My girls loved sharing their lunch. We plan to go back again in May and my oldest wants to have her birthday party there. I promise this is worth the trip!

The people were certainly friendly, but the conditions were unacceptable! I cannot believe that these animals have been rescued from anything worse than where they are now. All of the animals were pacing back and forth and panting. The have a five month old grizzly bear that has a cage the same size as the birds cage. He was so hot that he was panting, pacing back and forth and getting in and out of his water bowl. He had not room to run or play . . . only to walk in circles. The older grizzly bear's living conditions were no better. He had his sleeping quarters and a cage in area. He was so hot that he was panting and digging in his very small water bowl, in order to get some water onto the ground so that he could lay in it. When I asked about the new, seemingly finished bear quarters, I was told that they had promised that they would not move any bears into this area, which has a pool, until the contractor was paid in full . . . in another 3-4 weeks!!! It is mid-July and 95 degrees and the only water these animals have is a small metal pail . . . metal, in this heat?!? These conditions are unacceptable! My daughter and I were almost in tears by the time that we left. If I knew who to contact about the conditions that these animals are living in, I would certainly do so! I plan on researching to find out who oversees the living conditions of these so-called rescue preservations!

My children have fallen in love with Chestatee Wildlife Preserve. They are still talking about the baby camel Sebastian. They loved feeding him. They also got to hold a snake and a tortoise. I passed on the snake but I loved the beautiful tigers and lions. Everything was so clean and pretty. We really had fun and we plan to go back this Fall

We have a toddler and look for things that the whole family will like. This was a neat place. You can tell that the animals are well cared for, some are even really friendly. We paid $10 for adults and $5 for our 1 year old. We felt that the baby should be free, however, it is a non-profit group. So we know the money goes to care for the animals. There are all kinds of animals there...lions, emu, monkeys, zebras, bear, tigers, snakes, etc. If we lived closer, I'd have the little one's birthday party there. And they do have an area for parties. There is even a playground for kids. We spent about an hour and a half there. Follow the "Zoo" signs from the highway to get there.

I went to this place in April of this year, 2009. I was alarmed by the size of the cages for the big cats, bear, and all of the monkeys, chimps, etc. There was a sign up by the big cats asking to please excuse the mess, as they were under construction. I was under the impression that maybe it meant that they were only in those tiny enclosures for a short while, and that larger enclosures were being made. I talked to a friend and she said that sign has been up for a very long time. I will never go to this place again, nor would I recommend it to anyone. I am hoping that someone who can do something would go and see this place for themselves. I was looking forward to a great day with my family there, but only left feeling guilty to have went and that there was nothing I could do to help. Poor, poor animals.....

I Loved the preserve. The people were friendly and they really seemed to care about the animals. All the animals were happy and seemed to be well cared for. It is interesting to hear each animals history. This place is a true safe haven for many of them. I highly recommend this place.

These animals ate not living in a preserve the are living in tiny cages. How cruel and inhumane it is to keep the animals in such small inclosures. They constanly paced backed in forth. It was pathic. And they are breeding more, were will these poor animals go?

I am very concerned with the living conditions of the animals at this "Preserve." The large cats are in very small cages and appear bored and are pacing back and forth. These animals deserve better!

My family and I really enjoyed the Chestatee Wildlife Preserve. My kids were so excited and really want to go back. The employees were very nice and helpful and knowledgeable. I would recommend anyone to go! The animals were very calm and relaxed and playing like kids.I would definitely go back!

The Chestatee Wildlife Preserve is a wonderful sanctuary for the animals it houses. Most of these animals came from very poor circumstances and are now fed very well and are in great health and get one-on-one attention that they need. I highly recommend the Preserve as a place to visit and enjoy with your family. It is an educational facility and if you ask questions you will learn more about something you might not understand.