Ready to trade ordinary for unforgettable?
At Wilstem Wildlife Park in Paoli, Indiana, you are not just looking at animals, you are stepping into their world with hands on experiences that feel one of a kind.
From gentle giraffe feedings to spa time with elephants and cozy sloth moments, every encounter feels personal and full of heart.
If you crave real connection, this place delivers with care, education, and a whole lot of wow.
Elephant Rise and Shine Experience
Start your day shoulder to shoulder with giants during the Elephant Rise and Shine at Wilstem Wildlife Park. You help spray, soap, and scrub while keepers share stories about training, nutrition, and decades long bonds.
It feels respectful, calm, and surprisingly serene as you hear water patter and watch the elephants lean into the routine.
After the bath, you get quiet moments to feed, pet, and take photos. The team keeps things safe and fair, rotating roles so everyone participates.
You will leave knowing why this experience is treasured and why the handlers speak about the girls with such love.
Book ahead because mornings fill quickly and the encounter is popular. Wear shoes you do not mind getting wet and bring your questions.
You will walk away with clean hands, a full camera roll, and a deeper appreciation for thoughtful care.
Giraffe Lettuce Feeding
Nothing beats the thrill of handing fresh lettuce to a towering giraffe and watching that long purple tongue curl around your fingers. At Wilstem, the giraffe feeding is quick, affordable, and unbelievably photogenic.
You step up, offer a leaf, and instantly feel that gentle tug and warm breath.
It is perfect for kids, grandparents, and anyone who loves a friendly face. Staff keep the line moving and sprinkle in fun facts as you feed.
Expect a little slobber, big laughs, and eyes that follow you like living skyscrapers.
Bring extra lettuce money if your group falls in love with the moment. The encounter pairs well with a wagon tour, giving you ground level intimacy and open air views.
If you want one surefire memory that fits any schedule, this is the one to grab.
Guided Wagon Safari
Hop on the wagon and roll into a landscape buzzing with life. Your driver keeps a steady pace while elk, bison, deer, and long horn cattle drift near for snacks.
The included feed bowl goes fast, so consider extras if you love the hand to muzzle connection.
Kids adore this ride, and you will too, especially with the breeze and easy views. Guides share animal names, behaviors, and safety tips, all with humor and heart.
The hour flies as you stop, laugh, and marvel at noses nudging for treats.
Arrive early for better seating and bring small bills to tip your driver. If you want more freedom later, pair this with a self drive loop.
It is a gentle, social way to experience Wilstem without driving, perfect for families and groups.
Drive Thru Safari In Your Own Vehicle
Prefer your own playlist and pace? Drive through the safari in your vehicle and meet a parade of friendly faces.
Camels may beg, llamas will pose, and a curious cow could try to raid your cup, so keep a firm grip and a playful spirit.
It is wonderfully flexible for nap schedules and snack breaks. Buy at least two cups per person if you want to feed the whole way.
The animals learn fast, so holding the cup outside your window helps with cleanup and keeps interiors tidy.
Go on cooler days for active animals and longer visits at your window. Follow staff signs, respect distances, and let the magic come to you.
By the end, your camera roll will be stacked with goofy grins and whiskered close ups.
Sloth Encounter
Slow down with the sweetest pause button in nature. During Wilstem’s sloth encounter, you meet a mellow two toed sloth up close and learn how specialized care keeps them thriving.
You will feed tidy bites, admire those curved claws, and feel your own breathing match their calm tempo.
Handlers keep the space quiet and focused, which helps everyone soak in the moment. Expect a guided Q and A that turns curiosity into understanding.
If you have a little one who loves gentle animals, this is a beautiful first encounter.
Photos are welcomed when the sloth is comfortable, and staff help position you for respectful angles. Booking ahead is essential because slots are limited.
When you step back outside, everything feels slower, softer, and a touch more magical.
Otter Educational Encounter
If you love personality packed animals, the otters will steal your heart. In this educational encounter, you get front row views of zippy swims, hand holding moments, and clever training that keeps their minds busy.
You may feed with tongs while the trainer explains diet, enrichment, and conservation.
The session feels personal and lively, with space for questions and laughs. Trainers here are storytellers, weaving biology with behind the scenes details.
You walk out appreciating how much care and creativity goes into every day.
Arrive a few minutes early to settle in and listen closely to safety guidance. This pairs nicely with the wagon tour if you want land, water, and fur in one day.
Families, couples, and animal nerds all come away grinning and a little fish scented.
Kangaroo Walkabout
For a surprising dose of calm, step into the Kangaroo Walkabout. You can sit or kneel near relaxed roos, feel the softness of their fur, and learn how handlers monitor comfort and boundaries.
It is low key, hands on, and perfect for a gentle break between bigger thrills.
Staff are attentive and keep interactions respectful and slow. Kids love the close proximity while adults savor the chance to unwind.
Expect photo worthy moments and plenty of fascinating facts about marsupials and enrichment.
Plan this during cooler parts of the day for happier kangaroos and comfy guests. Bring patience, listen for guidance, and let the roos set the rhythm.
You will leave with a new appreciation for their posture, paws, and peaceful energy.
Bear and Wolf Education Presentations
Education is a cornerstone at Wilstem, and the bear and wolf sessions prove it. Trainers discuss natural history, enrichment, and habitat design while you watch from safe, clearly marked viewing areas.
The tone is warm and science rich, turning big myths into understandable truths.
Expect practical tips about coexistence, conservation, and how training supports welfare. You will see how routines build trust and give animals choices.
The presenters are generous with questions and keep things engaging for kids and grownups alike.
Check the daily schedule when you arrive so you do not miss a session. Pair a talk with your safari or an encounter for a balanced day.
You will come away informed, inspired, and more mindful about the wild neighbors of the Midwest.
All Access Pass Day
Want to do it all without cobbling together a dozen tickets? The All Access approach strings encounters, keeper talks, and barn time into one streamlined day.
You follow a curated schedule that keeps you moving, learning, and meeting different animals without the planning headache.
It is ideal for milestone trips or first timers who want the highlights. Trainers balance fun with education, and you get hands on moments you will actually remember.
Bring water, charge your phone, and keep an eye on timing so you make every segment.
Book early on weekends and holidays because capacity caps apply. The flow pairs nicely with a wagon safari or quick giraffe feeding between sessions.
By sunset, your crew will be happily tired and full of shared stories.
Planning Tips: Hours, Weather, and Accessibility
Wilstem runs 8 AM to 5 PM daily, with occasional schedule changes for special events, so checking the website before you arrive is a smart move. Located at 4220 US-150 in Paoli, Indiana, about 20 minutes from French Lick, the park feels tucked away yet easy to reach.
Cooler days often bring more active animals and better feeding moments, and if accessibility is a concern, a quick call to 812-936-4484 can help you plan ahead.
Signature encounters tend to book quickly, especially elephants, giraffes, sloths, and otters, so reserving early keeps disappointment off the schedule. Sunscreen, closed-toe shoes, and wet wipes make the day more comfortable, while a bit of extra cash is useful for lettuce, feed cups, and tipping the wagon drivers who turn simple rides into highlights.
Cell service can dip in this rural area, so screenshot tickets and directions before arrival. The staff are patient, kind, and wonderful with kids, always ready to help when needed.
With thoughtful planning, your visit flows easily, feels relaxed, and leaves you with memories that linger long after the drive home.