There’s a tiny house sitting right inside a kangaroo enclosure, and overnight guests can wake up to kangaroos lounging on the porch. Yes, really.
That alone made me sit up straight.
The same family-run spot lets visitors hand-feed nearly every animal on the property. We’re talking zebras, camels, alpacas, and goats.
Sloths are part of the lineup too, with private encounters you can book.
This place sits in rural North Carolina, and it started small. A catering event once asked for a petting zoo, and the idea simply grew from there.
I love that kind of happy accident.
Today more than 100 animals live here, many of them surrendered or unwanted pets. Every visit happens on a guided tour, so nobody wanders around lost.
A Petting Zoo Request Turned Into Something Much Bigger
Some businesses begin with a grand plan. It’s A Zoo Life began because a catering event asked for a petting zoo around 2011.
That one request sparked a family-owned and operated zoo in rural North Carolina. The owners have rebuilt the zoo three times since then, which tells you plenty about their grit.
Most of us give up after assembling one bookshelf.
Today the property is home to more than 100 animals. Many arrived as surrendered or unwanted pets, so the zoo works as a sanctuary as well as an attraction.
That mission gives every visit a little extra heart.
Conservation and education sit at the center of the operation. Guides share facts about each species while you meet the animals face to face.
Kids leave knowing more than just which critter was the fluffiest.
The animals here are used to people, which makes the close contact possible. That comfort level is the whole point of the place.
You aren’t squinting at a distant shape behind thick glass.
I like that the story feels homegrown instead of corporate. A family said yes to one odd request and kept building.
Sometimes the best attractions start with a simple maybe.
Slow Down Because The Sloths Set The Pace Here
Sloths have mastered the art of not rushing. Spending time near one might be the most relaxing thing you do all year.
At It’s A Zoo Life, sloths are among the animals offered for special up-close encounters. These private sessions cost extra per person, and they’re booked separately from the general tour.
Think of it as an upgrade for your inner animal fan.
Special encounters run between 20 and 30 minutes. That’s a generous window for an animal famous for moving at the speed of syrup.
You’ll have time to actually enjoy the moment.
Plan ahead if a sloth is your main goal. Booking online keeps things simple, and tours only run at set times.
Showing up on a whim could leave you sloth-less and a little sad.
Bring a phone with plenty of storage, too. You’ll likely want more than one photo of that sleepy little face.
Nobody has ever said they took too many sloth pictures.
I can’t imagine a better cure for a stressful week. A calm creature, a patient guide, and zero reason to hurry.
Honestly, the sloth might teach you something about pacing yourself.
Your Snack Offering Will Make You Very Popular With Zebras
Stripes up close look even wilder than they do on TV. And here, a zebra might lean in for a snack straight from your hand.
Visitors at It’s A Zoo Life can hand-feed nearly every animal on the property. Zebras are part of that list, which is a rare treat for most people.
Big zoos usually keep them far across a moat.
The feeding fun doesn’t stop with stripes. Camels, alpacas, goats, pigs, and mini horses also live here.
Your fingers will stay busy the whole tour.
Listen closely to your guide before offering food. Each animal has its own manners, and staff know them well.
A quick tip can turn a nervous moment into a happy one.
Wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little dusty. Farm animals are friendly, but they aren’t known for tidy table habits.
Closed-toe shoes are a smart call for walking around pens.
I believe feeding an animal builds a different kind of connection. You feel its breath and see its curious eyes.
That memory sticks far longer than a quick glance from a viewing deck ever could.
Guides Lead The Way So You Never Miss A Critter
No map, no confusion, no guessing which path leads to the porcupine. Every visit to this zoo happens on a guided tour.
Tours run Thursday through Saturday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. The zoo stays closed on Mondays, and hours can shift, so check before driving out.
Reservations are made online, which keeps groups organized.
A staff member walks you through the property and shares facts about each animal. Guides also open the door to hands-on moments with many residents.
That might mean petting kangaroos or meeting wallabies up close.
The guided format feels personal. You can ask questions as they pop into your head.
Curious kids will have a field day firing off every animal question imaginable.
Kangaroos tend to steal the show for many families. Lemurs, capybaras, and camels give them serious competition, though.
Picking a favorite might be the hardest part of the day.
My tip is to arrive a little early. Parking and check-in go smoother when you aren’t racing the clock.
Then you can start the tour relaxed, ready to greet whoever hops over first.
Book A Private Date With A Lemur Or Capybara
Capybaras look like they’ve never had a bad day in their lives. Spending private time with one sounds like pure therapy to me.
Beyond the regular tour, It’s A Zoo Life offers special encounters with specific animals. Options include capybaras, Patagonian cavies, ruffed lemurs, coatimundis, sloths, and reptiles.
Each session lasts 20 to 30 minutes.
These encounters come with an extra per-person fee. In return, you get focused time without a crowd of fellow animal fans.
It feels more like a visit than a viewing.
Patagonian cavies might be the surprise pick here. They look a bit like a rabbit crossed with a small deer.
Most people have never heard of them, which makes meeting one extra fun.
Coatimundis bring a different energy altogether. They’re curious, busy creatures with long snouts and striped tails.
Reptile fans can also book time with the scaly residents.
Choose your encounter based on your crew’s personality. Calm kids may love the capybara, while bolder ones might want reptiles.
Either way, you walk away with a story nobody else at school has.
Spend The Night Where Kangaroos Hang Out On The Porch
Most vacation rentals brag about a nice view. The Kangaroo Cottage sits right inside the kangaroo enclosure, which wins that contest easily.
This on-site tiny home is available as an Airbnb at It’s A Zoo Life. Guests can wake up to kangaroos on their porch.
That beats an alarm clock any day.
Dinner and breakfast are included with the stay. That means less planning and more time watching your hopping neighbors.
Nobody needs to hunt for a restaurant after dark.
The cottage comes with WiFi, a full kitchen, AC and heating, and a TV. So you get comfort along with the wild scenery.
It’s camping-level adventure without the lumpy sleeping bag.
Families celebrating a birthday might find this the ultimate surprise. Animal-loving teens would probably talk about it for years.
Even grown-ups could use a weekend with marsupial roommates.
Book well ahead if you have a date in mind. There’s only one cottage, after all.
I can’t think of a better North Carolina sleepover, and I suspect the kangaroos agree.
Pack A Picnic And Claim A Seat Under The Tent
Petting a camel works up a real appetite. Luckily, you don’t have to leave the property hungry.
Visitors are welcome to bring their own picnic lunches. A tented area with tables and chairs gives everyone a shady place to eat.
Sandwiches taste better after meeting a porcupine, I’m convinced.
Packing your own food also keeps the day budget-friendly. Toss in fruit, water, and a few easy snacks.
Wet wipes are a smart addition after all that hands-on fun.
Groups have meal options too. Field trips can add kid’s meals of chicken tenders or corn dogs for an extra charge.
Event packages may include chicken tenders or hot dogs, fries, and a juice cup.
The picnic break also gives little legs a rest. Tours involve plenty of walking between pens and habitats.
A quiet lunch helps everyone recharge before the drive home.
Keep human snacks away from the animals, of course. Your guide will show you the right foods during feeding time.
The goats may try to convince you otherwise, but stay strong and guard that cookie.
Birthday Parties Get A Serious Upgrade With Alpacas
Forget the usual pizza place party. Kids here can celebrate surrounded by kangaroos, alpacas, and mini horses.
It’s A Zoo Life hosts birthday parties, school field trips, and seasonal celebrations. Christmas at the Zoo is one of the festive events on the calendar.
Holiday cheer feels extra cute with camels nearby.
On-site party packages can include full zoo access. A party tent with tables and chairs is part of the setup.
A bounce house can join the fun too, for kids with energy left over.
Field trips work well for classrooms that want real learning outdoors. Pony or horse rides can be added for an extra charge.
Teachers get a lesson plan that basically teaches itself.
Can’t make it out to the farm? The zoo also offers mobile zoo services.
That means animals can come to your event instead.
There’s also a Zoo Camp program for kids who want more time with animals. It’s a great fit for young future vets.
Honestly, plenty of adults would sign up if they could sneak in.
Plot Your Country Drive And Help The Animals Too
Rural roads lead to the best surprises sometimes. This one ends with zebras and a reptile house.
You’ll find It’s A Zoo Life at 4313 NC 42, Macclesfield, NC 27852. The setting is quiet farmland in eastern North Carolina.
It’s an easy day trip for families looking for something new.
Remember that visits happen by guided tour only. Reserve your spot online before you leave home.
Showing up without a booking could mean a long drive for nothing.
Want to keep the good vibes going after your visit? The zoo welcomes support through animal sponsorships.
Sponsoring a favorite critter is a sweet gift for an animal-loving kid.
There’s also an Amazon Wishlist for donations. Supplies on that list go toward animal care.
Even a small item helps a sanctuary that takes in surrendered and unwanted pets.
I like knowing a fun outing can also do some good. You leave with photos, and the animals get extra support.
That’s a fair trade, especially if a camel gave you a friendly sniff along the way.
