Chestatee Wildlife Preserve & Zoo

469 Old Dahlonega Hwy, Dahlonega, GA 30533, USA

Address:	469 Old Dahlonega Hwy, Dahlonega, GA 30533, USA
Phone:	+1 678-859-6820
Site:	chestateewildlife.com
Rating:	4.1
Working:	9AM–4PM 9AM–4PM 9AM–4PM 9AM–4PM 9AM–4PM 9AM–4PM 9AM–4PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 5

mike stanley

I went there recently and didnt like what I saw. As I was walking around the zoo, they had facts about the animals that werent even in the enclosure, or they didnt have facts at all. I had asked about training and enrichment (activities that keep the animals stimulated by doing natural behaviors, such as foraging, etc) and they informed me that we dont do any of that. They proceeded to say that we work with the animals. Also at the zebra enclosure, they didnt have any barriers between the animals and people and I saw somebody petting a emu without any staff or volunteer present and that seems like it could be a liability issue!!! The emus could potentially peck your face or dig its nail right into you and the zebras could kick and people are close enough to get kicked. I also didnt see anywhere where the big cats would shift (move the animals to another area) so that staff and volunteers could safely keep them out while they cleaned, fed, etc. The only enclosure that I saw that they could potentially shift was the lions enclosure and that didnt look like they could shift them safely without potentially losing body parts. I made my way to their reptile area and didnt see any heat source for them. i asked about that and was told that they keep the room at 80 degrees. snakes have to have a hot spot and cold spot in their tanks so they can move around when they get to hot or cold and they didnt have that ability there. As i was walking around, i saw the elk in a pasture with big cats in their enclosures in that same pasture!!! If they were to ever get out, the cortisol levels of the elk would probably go up because he is a prey animal while the big cat is a predator and they could kill the elk if they got out! This facility has also had numerous USDA violations in the past, with the most recent having to do with the lions and vervet monkey. Im expecting this facility to respond to this review like their other negative review from others, saying that Ive never visited their facility and that I have no idea what Im talking about. The animals at least looked like they were healthy weights but it seemed like this facility was more for profit than education.

Michelle Reed

I had read a poor review on TripAdvisor and wanted to see for myself. With my camera in hand, I headed to the zoo. What I saw was heartbreaking, regrettably the review that I had read was true. As I started down the narrow path to the left, I spotted a large black bear in a tiny round cage pacing back and forth. I stood there and watched for at least 15 minutes, and he just continued pacing. He was distraught, caged like a criminal, with no drinking water in sight. I proceeded down the path and things did not get any better. I saw wild animals caged in small concrete pens, with very little protection from the brutal summer heat and most without water. When I approached the alligator pen, I was in shock. Alligators live in freshwater lakes and swamps. These poor alligators were literally baking to death in the hot summer sun with no water. They could barely move, and their bodies were covered in the orange Georgia sand. There was about an inch of hot dusty water in the bottom of an aluminum boat, that one of the alligators tried to cool himself down in with no luck. There is no doubt in my mind that the boat was extremely hot from the heat and sun, but the poor gator was desperate. At the end of my sad journey, I see two brown bears, pacing back and forth. Their fur was dirty and dull, and bare in many places due to the concrete floors that they live on. You could see the sadness in their eyes and desperation as they paced back and forth. This place needs to be shut down. It is an injustice to the animals.

Min K

I know this zoo may not be well known, but they do a good job of taking care of the animals. Their cages are bigger than what the state requires. No matter the cost, they provide for the animals and are prepared as much as they can be for new animals. The animals appear to be in amazing condition and are friendly. The staff is very friendly too. They greet you when you come here and are also working on helping the animals. Despite the comments about animals being abused, no animals appeared to be abused or have any infections. Also, most of these comments say there animals such as elephants, when there are none at all! Another complaint from people is that the port a potty is uncomfortable. This may be true however the place is dedicated to taking care of the animals and still treats visitors well. One other complaint I heard is that the animals fight and arent what they are claimed to be. One, the animals are just play fighting and two, the wolves are wolves despite how they may look. They are NOT huskies, as huskies could not survive in the heat. The animals were great and exotic and I would recommend this to anyone. I, myself would go here a million times.

Amy Suarez

This little zoo isnt quite that of the atlanta zoo. I would still take this place a thousand times over the bigger ones. The animals were so calm and eager to see people. I PET A ZEBRA!! it came by the fence as sweet as it could be and I reached in and it let me pet him. Now, whether I was supposed to or not Im unsure, but it was the greatest moment. They have these wonderful little corn machines so you can feed the turkeys, the emu, the Zebras, and the Elk. They are just wonderful animals. From the moment I stepped out of my car the staff there, though very limited, they were all as wonderful as they could be. Casual conversation, they directed me to the best places to see each animal and even were so kind to suggest that I go see certain ones first while they were out and about. Everyone was just as sweet as they could be and honestly, with the hundreds of people working the Atl Zoo, Id take these guys and their animals every day of the week. This is the greatest little find Ive ever stumbled upon. Who knew, a little zoo in the woods. It was the best experience.

Beth Smith

Thank you Chestatee Wildlife and Preserve for rescuing animals who have come from neglected and abused conditions. I lived in Dawsonville from 2002 to 2007 with my son who was a young child at the time. I would take him to the preserve at least twice a month during operations while living in Georgia. We loved it! As a single mom I took pride in the donations I contributed to visit the zoo and the quality time I was able to spend with my son. We learned so much studying the animals and met many of the wonderful volunteers who enjoyed sharing their knowledge with us. Our country needs more facilities like Chestatee to help other animals in bad situations. My son is almost 18 now and we still reflect about our times at the zoo, the wonderful memories and the beautiful animals we fell in love with. I hope to one day visit again and am happy to see you are still in operations. Thank you for all you do to rescue animals and to the volunteers that have sacrificed their time for the care and well being of the animals.