Here, you'll encounter lions, giraffes, elephants, white rhinos, and meerkats. Giraffes. No smoking or open flames on Ranch property, Outside animals are not allowed outside RV Area, Children under 18 years of agemust be accompanied by an adult at all times, Wild animals are present, death or injury can occur, Liability Waiver must be signed by all visitors prior to entering the Ranch. What a wild adventure! Woman is saved by Uber Eats driver after locking herself out on roof: Hope you tipped that man well. River otters are native to Texas, but because of the demand for pelts back in the 19th century, followed by habitat loss and water quality degradation, otters were virtually wiped out except in . Loved our visit, and thanks to the staff. We love to be out and about in Austin and are always looking for fun things to do with the family. The otters prefer to swim warm waters, so Blue Hills maintains temperatures between 85 and 90 degrees in its hot tub, depending on the day. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Inside Wacos Cameron Park, you'll find a place where the wild things are Cameron Park Zoo. @bluehillsranch #waco #texas #otters #swim #bucketlist #weekendgetaway #summerstories #fyp #dallasdiscovered. When youre ready to book your visit, check out www.bluehillsranch.com! Hungry from your travels? My party of 5 did two otter swims, five encounter tours, and five sipping with sloths. The King. Reservations can only be made up to a month in advance as the property often hosts weddings. Headless Animals Repeatedly Dumped In Houston Neighborhood, Houston Black and Hispanic Neighborhoods Fight Back Against Concrete Pollution. Tel: 225-286-3003, Email: [email protected] I spent the entire video wondering if Im being punkd or not, People are willing to wait a very, very long time for their famous Dirty Soda., I got locked on my roof and nobodys available to come help me out. We came to the ranch November of 2021. For $150 to $200, guests at Blue Hills Ranch outside of Waco can hop in a heated hot tub for nearly an hour with two otters, Otto and Sweet Pea. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. We loved riding around and feeding the many gorgeous cows and horses, and a camel, too. Start your zoo journey by visiting and exploring Gibbon Island and Lemur Island. If you scratch our belly we will roll over. or The swimming excursion takes place in the otters private bubbling jaccuzzi, and visitors are given the unique chance to swim, play, and feed the otters their favorite treats including fish popsicles and shrimp. I am the newest mini cow, and I am a Belted Galloway. Nurtured by Nature - California. We are a little shy but getting better at letting you see us. The Capital of Texas Zoo is one of Greater Austin's and Bastrop's most exciting adventures! They are both beautiful and comfortable and allow you to experience the ranch in such a unique way. The owners of Blue Hills Ranch have lots of cool plans in store for the near future including the addition of an RV Resort and some awesome new pirate-themed cabins coming soon. Enjoy a private tour of up to 5 people for a luxury private safari only in Texas. I am a city girl who has relocated to the country. All reschedules must be done 14 days prior to the reservation. All your money goes toward caring for the animals here! @readysetjetset said in thecaption. 've ever wondered what it's like to swim with otters, here's your chance! My favorite treat thus far is carrots. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You have entered an incorrect email address! If otters aren't your thing, you can also come face to face with giraffes and camels. My little sister is in a motorized wheel chair she was able to get around. based upon weather conditions and safety of giraffes). $280 per person + taxes and fees, Kids Swims: We spent some extra time with the young giraffes, Google and Blue, and it was truly wonderful! The sanctuarys owner, Matt Lieberman, started the project to be able to give animals a forever home in a space thats designed for their needs. Lake Whitney State Park. Do512 Family is all about what to do in Austin with kids. Giraffes interaction is not guaranteedfor the whole 60 minutes, the giraffes do also eat from trees during adventure. They can be seen from multiple perspectives, whether performing their graceful underwater maneuvers or just napping in the sun after a long swim. I am still learning all the new sounds and smells of the different animals. I am the mom to all the animals that live in and around the house. Swims are operated daily from 2pm to 5pm, and reservations are required. With this increase, we will also be decreasing the number of otter swim experiences sold each year. All rights reserved. These tours are private per family so youre not mixed in with a big group. Monica, Ross, Chandler, Phoebe, Emma, Joey. You can also stop for a meal at one of the two cafes and visit the Zootique Gift Shop for all of your souvenir and gift giving needs. We are the prettiest deer out there because of our unique white spots. We enjoy welcoming new visitors coming into the ranch. According toHow Stuff Works, Playtime ranks at the bottom of adult otters priorities, and the mustelids must ensure that theyve satisfied their basic necessities of nutrition and shelter first. Its a low priority if food is scarce, but otters who are well taken care of tend to spend lots of time having fun. Come and watch our swimming skills while we eat our favorite treat - fish popsicles! We will see you before you see us. Otto and Sweet Pea are Asian small-clawed otters, the smallest of the 13 otter species. Is Abbott Trading Texas Future to Become Trumps Running Mate? 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The Asian Forest is also home to Sumatran tigers where you can watch these big cats roam their forested habitat. You can find us hanging out with our Mustang friends. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings. You'll feel as though you've. It's the only place in the state and just one of six spots in the country where visitors can swim with otters, according to property manager Skylar Lightfoot. Blue Hills Ranch & Giraffe Sanctuary in McGregor, TX features 150 acres of beautiful land with rolling hills, ponds, and endless sunset views where a wide variety of animals roam freely. Swims are limited so it remains a positive experience for them. George Washington was thought to be the first American to have Fallow Deer. I thought you might be interested in this story from the Tour Texas web site: Get your copy of the Texas State Travel Guide, the comprehensive guide to all that the Lone Star State has to offer. $225 per person + taxes and fees (Ages 10-15 years). I grew up in California before moving to Texas. Come swim and play with our Asian Small-clawed Otter water sausages, Otto and Sweet Pea, in their private hot tub! We were the first two exotic animals here at the sanctuary. Adult Swims: $280 per person + taxes and fees Kids Swims: $225 per person + taxes and fees (Ages 10-15 years) Book Tickets Hear From Satisfied Guests This was a great place to visit. What a very cool family sleepover! for safety during spring and summer time. If you scratch our belly, we will roll over. Tel: 225-286-3003 Ext 2. This interactive experience begins with a 1 hour guided tour of our facility led by our experienced and knowledgeable staff. What is the April new moon and what does it mean? A native Baltimorean and previous Tampa resident, Monique joined the Chronicle in the summer of 2021 after nearly four years at the Tampa Bay Times where she worked on all things digital, launched the newspaper's first race and identity newsletter, Regarding Race, and covered local news. At the Otter Mill, children can swim with the otters by sliding through the exhibit down a built-in slide. Come To Texas. Otters We are Asian small-clawed otters, donated in March 2020 and are as cute as can be! The 60 minute swim time costs $200 per person. This enrichment is vital to engage these smart and active otters both mentally and physically. People really love it. SWIM WITH THE OTTERS now available at Capital of Texas Zoo!!! See more of Waco, TX Local - News Break on Facebook. We are going to be about 150 lbs each. The swimming excursion takes place in the otters' private bubbling jaccuzzi, and visitors are given the unique chance to swim, play, and feed the otters their favorite treats including fish. Spanning 150 acres in McGregor, Texas, Blue Hills is an animal sanctuary that doubles as a cabin/RV resort and wedding venue. Luke, Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Captain Hook, Wendy, Darling,Wheelie. The response has been great. the ranchs team told Travel + Leisure recently. Because of this, the otters have quickly become the most popular guests at the resort. The BSR Cable Park. 129 talking about this. Tickets will sell out quickly, so reserve yours today! Max 6 people (lap riding is OK) 12 months of age and under free 60 minutes Rates $50 per person (March 1 - Nov 30) LEARN MORE BOOK NOW Otter adventure Railbiking Is a New Adventurous Way to Experience Train Travel Here Are the Best Places to Try It in the U.S. 5 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for the Ultimate Care-Free Vacation, 11 European Castles to Spend the Night Like a Royal, 15 Trips You Need to Take as Soon as You Retire, 11 Most Beautiful Lakes in the United States, 10 Farm Stays in the U.S. to Get in Touch With Nature and Animals, 50 Best Romantic Getaways for a Couples Trip, 12 Best Caribbean Islands for Couples Who Want White Sand, Gourmet Food, and Private Resorts, Can't-miss Places to Visit in Australia, According to Australians. At Blue Hills Ranch, located just outside of Waco, you can do just that! Our favorite snacks are strawberries and watermelon. Of course a big thanks to all the animals. Immediately following the tour you will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of reptiles, mammals, and even a sloth! This Texas ranch resort lets you swim with otters in a hot tub and is a 3-hour road trip from Houston. or The resort offers encounters with other animals like giraffes, and camels but the otters are what's made them famous. Fish popsicles and shrimp treats are their faves if youre lucky, they may offer toys to you and share their mischievous energy, must be accompanied by an adult at all times. You must be at least 12 years of age to swim with Sweet Pea and Otto, and 18 years old to go to most animal activities (minors must be accompanied by an adult). Come help bottle feed our 2 newest residents, baby camels! Head to Blue Hills Ranch, just 15 minutes outside of Waco, and you can look forward to the most unique animal experiences in the state. An animal guide will be there to answer questions during your hands-on wildlife experience. The animal sanctuary/resort/wedding venue allows guests to swim in a heated hot tub with two otters adorably named Otto and Sweet Pea for about an hour, the San Antonio Express-News reports. "The lake has easy access for swimming, with a little sandy/mud entrance." more. For $300 you can spend the day in their facilities and can spend up to an hour with their two otters, Sweet Pea and Otto. Stay tuned to their website, Facebook and Instagram for news! More than 1,700 animals, representing more than 300 species, live within the natural habitat zoos 52 acres. The installation offers 60-minute exclusive tours of up to six people that let them see and interact with animals like giraffes, kangaroos, mini donkeys, zebras, cows, deer, emus, and more. We are native to Europe. Classic Waco Tour: Best Sites & TV highlights in Waco 2,184 Recommended Bus Tours from $78.00 per adult Amazing Brazos River Sunset Boat Adventure in Waco Texas 20 Recommended Water Tours from $59.00 per adult Waco Wine Tours 13 Recommended from $119.00 per adult Ghost Maker Tour in Georgetown: Adults Only 11 Recommended Walking Tours from $23.95 April 6, 2022, 9:42 AM. The otters looked happy to interact with the women as they excitedly scurried around them in the pool. Otters are very playful creatures. We will have 2 bottles available to bottle feed our 1 humped friends. What the heck is Swig, and why are the lines for it so long? Come and watch our swimming skills while we eat our favorite treat - fish popsicles! A womans gym mystery catches the attention of a famous author. Come spend 20 minutes swimming and interacting with our baby otters, Kumo and Okami, The world's smartest baby otters! I am sometime shy but I am definitely the sweetest. Chalk Ridge Falls Park. We do not allow the otters to be restrained, both for the safety of you and our otters. At the Otter Mill, children can swim with the otters by sliding through the exhibit down a built-in slide. The resort offers a special dinner with Giraffes, which lasts one hour and includes a full menu of wine, salad, charcuterie board, and dessert. Lisa may come up to say hi while I stand back and be her watch guard. We help our zebras stand guard and protect our other animals from any harm, but we will also seek, Bonnie, Clyde, Monica, Ross, Chandler, Phoebe, Emma, Joey. Mini donkeys will come right up to your back porch! We are called British Whites, better known as the Mickey Mouse cows. Guests must be age 12 or older and all animal encounters are a private VIP experience, meaning appointments are required, according to Blue Hills' website. Animal lovers who are looking to get up close and personal with wildlife are in for an otterly awesome treat at this Texas ranch and resort. Here's what the data says. We are the newest puppies to the mix at the ranch. The video received over 2.6 million views on TikTok. Along your journey, the zoo has many play areas for kids, including a splash pad open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. We love our treats and want you to come say hello. My party of 5 did two otter swims, five encounter tours, and five sipping with sloths. If you have $200 burning a hole in your pocket, why not use it to swim with otters? The BSR Cable Park is home to the longest lazy river in the world. "We only take your group around together, so you will not be mixed with other people and feel left out," Lightfoot said. Dine and have an adventure with our tallest friends at Blue Hills Ranch. Next, slither over to the Herpetarium and get cozy with the snakes, reptiles, and amphibians that inhabit rainforests and deserts before taking a safari across the African Savanna. I am blind and needed a good forever home. Swim with otters at Blue Hills Ranch near Waco, Texas! If you wish to get a more up-close and personal experience you can book extra animal encounters with the giraffes, kangaroo, or mini cows, bison and camel, or an adorable duo of Saint Bernard puppies. A top priority is to ensure our animal ambassadors are safe and secure at all times. Log In. 38. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Our favorite game is hide and seek. We all enjoyed our time. 1 of 12. Kids will never say no to a playscape, and the Cameron Park Playscape is pretty large. They're also spoiled so they have to have that perfect temperature," Lightfoot said. Monique holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications Media Studies from Goucher College. I love to run around with my cow friends, McGregor & Elsa. The otter swim is an amazing event. This increase is a response to protect our otter ambassadors safety as they grow older. We once roamed North Africa. Mr Blue Sky - Fiach Moriarty & Various Artists. The Capital of Texas Zoo is the largest and fastest growing zoo in Central Texas. I am going to show Google the ropes here at Blue Hills and introduce him to all my animal friends. Children must have an adult in the pool with them (ticket required). There are thought to be 50,000 of us in India and 35,000 of us in Texas. Watch these entertaining primates play and communicate! This month, a family of otters at the Lake Waco Wetlands has been getting some public attention, thanks to photos posted online by Lake Waco Park Ranger Mike Champagne and veteran local wildlife . Whether you like to slither with the snakes or roar with the lions, Cameron Park Zoo has it all. Blue Hills Ranch is a 150 acres animal sanctuary in McGregor, Texas with activities and facilities such as an RV resort, cabin rentals, animal encounters (giraffes, zebras, mini cows, pigs, kangaroos, you name it! The swim with otters have become popular on social media, and the Ranchs Instagram shows adorable videos of the otters interacting with staff and guests.If swimming with otters isnt quite your speed, the resort has other unique animal experiences. Warm waters are where these otters thrive, so you can expect the hot tub to be about 85 to 90 degrees. Katharine Morris is using her environmental activism to raise awareness about public health and the local ecosystem in her neighborhood. Then visit the South America exhibit and see capybara, sun conures, king vultures, squirrel monkeys, giant Galapagos tortoises, scarlet ibis, sloths, and other South American animals. You can swim with otters on Blue Hills Ranch, Texas, outside of Waco. Just outside of Waco, TX sits the perfect destination for animal-lovers to meet giraffes, zebras, kangaroo, lemurs, otters, horses, mini cows, and more. #texascheck #texas #texastravel #bluehillsranch #wacotexas #otters #ottersoftiktok The King 55.9K exploringamanda Cameron Park Zoo combines family-fun education and conservation with entertainment for visitors of all ages. Swims will still happen in cases of rain. Elvis, Garth, Dolly, Wynonna, Naomi, Salt, Pepper, Patsy, Madonna, Pink. On their Say Hello page, you can learn more about the people who run Blue Hills Ranch and the names of all the animals that reside there. I came to Blue Hills Ranch at just 6 weeks old. We do not have an observation deck for bystanders to view otter swims, those wanting to participate must purchase a ticket to access the pool. 2710 N. Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402. The animals play with their food, slide to amuse themselves, and, yes, like to wrestle. No smoking or open flames on Ranch property, Outside animals are not allowed outside RV Area, Children under 18 years of agemust be accompanied by an adult at all times, Wild animals are present, death or injury can occur, Liability Waiver must be signed by all visitors prior to entering the Ranch. They are semi-aquatic animals, and they are well adapted to life on both land and in water, like rivers, streams, freshwater wetlands, and the sea. If you see me, stop and say hello because I love meeting new people and love being the center of attention! All otter swim encounter tours include the full Barn Hill encounter tour and petting zoo experience prior to the swim. "Our priority is the safety and care of the animals.". I am still trying to figure out my long legs, but you can find me dancing around with my sidekick, Oreo. ), and wedding and event venues. Giraffes maybe separatedfor safety during spring and summer time. Geneva is my big sister and we have grown up together since I was a baby. For $300 you can spend the day in their facilities and can spend up to an hour with their two otters, Sweet Pea and Otto. Experience being a part of their playground and share in food time fun. I was named after a special little boy named Corbin "James" who is our favorite visitor here. Lilly and I were the first animals here at Blue Hills Ranch. I was born in Texas but grew up in California, but I am for sure the Princess of the ranch. The otters and the kids will all have a wonderful time! I was named after Lilly Munster from the TV show The Munsters. The resort highly encourages booking in advance, as dates have begun to fill up as word of the otter swim gains popularity. "TikTok has definitely been a big help as far as advertisement wise," Lightfoot said in April 2022. In 2000 we were considered extinct by the IUCN. Next, slither over to the Herpetarium and get cozy with the snakes, reptiles, and amphibians that inhabit rainforests and deserts before taking a safari across the African Savanna. May 14, 2022 You can swim with otters on Blue Hills Ranch, Texas, outside of Waco. We are Asian small-clawed otters, donated in March 2020 and are as cute as can be! All reschedules must be done 14 days prior to the reservation. 3. Blue Hills opened for safari tours and animal encounters at the end of 2020, but management says they didn't really get things going until early 2021. The experience is only available to those 12 and over, with a minimum of two participants and maximum of six people per swim. As you watch the sunset, youll enjoy the sight of zebras just walking around your cabin. Monique reported on the trendiest news within the greater Houston region and across Texas, and occasionally contributes to the Chronicle's race and identity newsletter, HouWeAre. Swims are operated daily from 2pm to 5pm, and reservations are required. Travel blogger @readysetjetset stopped by Blue Hills Ranch, a 150-acre giraffe and animal . We may be small but we are mighty! You've probably heard about swimming with dolphins, but what about swimming with otters? The otters looked happy to interact with the women as they excitedly scurried around them. Kids get to interact with animals and swim with otters in a transparent slide that takes them through an otter swim tank. It's no wonder it's one of the top things to do in Waco! This is the only place in Texas and one of six opportunities in the country to swim with these cute creatures. Cameron Park Zoo is known for its lush, natural habitats that give visitors close-up views of its exotic inhabitants. 50. You can actually swim with otters in Texas and TikTok is officially obsessed. Monique Welch was an engagement reporter for the Houston Chronicle. The entire experience was AMAZING! We were donated in March of 2021 and we patrol the fence line. Come for a once in a lifetime experience. You can take a day trip to enjoy a grand safari tour where the owner of the ranch will drive your family around the property in an open-air safari vehicle to show you ALL of the animals. Another popular place to swim in Waco is the BSR Cable Park. These highly-intelligent mammals live around rivers, canals, lakes, marshes, and bays, where they build their lives around water. You can book a private safari tour to meet the animals, or opt for extra special encounters like bottle-feeding young giraffes or swimming with otters. "They're warmer climate," Lightfoot said. For a special way to celebrate a recent birthday, we booked an overnight stay in the the giraffe-themed cabin. Business is booming for Blue Hills Ranch, thanks to a viral TikTok of one of their most popular attractions: swimming with otters. Press Enter / Return to begin your search. Business is booming for Waco-area animal sanctuary, Blue Hills Ranch, thanks to a viral TikTok of one of their most popular attractions: swimming with otters. Enjoy a private tour of up to 5 people for a luxury private safari only in Texas. Wanna Swim With Otters In A Hot Tub? The otters looked happy to interact with the women as they excitedly scurried around them in the pool. We are all named after Disney characters. In cases of inclement weather, tickets may be rescheduled. No exceptions! Business is booming for Waco-area animal sanctuary, Blue Hills Ranch, thanks to a viral TikTok of one of their most popular attractions- swimming with otters. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. This website relies on Javascript to function properly. "Plus a pedestrian suspension bridge, several nice fishing and swimming holes, and pretty good." more. Blue Hills Ranch is just about a 15-minute drive from Waco, TX, where you'll find 15 acres of exciting activities away from the busy city life. "They're also spoiled so they have to have that perfect temperature.". 6 Best Weekend Getaways in Texas for National Park Adventures, Luxury Resorts, and Small-town Charm, This California Destination Is the 8th Largest City in the U.S. and It's Home to Casual Beach Towns, Family Theme Parks, and Beautiful Golf Courses, 10 Family-friendly U.S. Otto & Sweet Pea Zebras We are the official "Guards" of Blue Hills Ranch. They turned two years old in March and are Asian small-claw otters, the smallest of all the otter species: they weigh just 10 pounds. The otters are the most popular attraction of the place. The prices are definitely worth it. And for something even more exciting, you can actually reserve overnight stays in luxury cabins in the middle of the ranch! With realistic plants and scenery, several swimming areas, and even a slide, these otters have every opportunity to get wet and wild. We enjoy welcoming new visitors coming into the ranch. "They're warmer climate. We are still very shy but enjoy seeing new people. Use tab to navigate through the menu items.
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