Georgia Hides A Peaceful Wildlife Sanctuary Where Rescued Bears And Wolves Find A Second Chance
A black bear, an African lion, and a Bengal tiger were rescued as tiny cubs from an Atlanta drug raid in 2001. They grew up sharing one home and became famous as the BLT Trio.
That unlikely friendship put a quiet Georgia sanctuary on the map. Today, the same grounds care for more than 170 rescued animals from over 100 species, including black bears and a pair of tundra wolves from Minnesota.
I love that every resident here has a backstory worth reading. Some came from unlicensed owners, while others arrived from zoos, circuses, or families who couldn’t keep them.
The setting helps, too, with oak trees, meadows, and paved paths winding past the habitats. I can’t imagine a calmer spot to watch a bear nap.
So who’s ready to meet the neighbors?
A Small Farm Dream Grew Into Something Much Bigger
Back in 1978, Jama and Charles Hedgecoth began caring for animals on a small farm in Ellenwood, Georgia. That modest start became Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary, a name that fits a little too perfectly.
The ark found new land in 1990. With help from an anonymous benefactor, it moved to a 121-acre property in Locust Grove.
Another big boost came in 2003. A major gift of land and resources from the McCamish Foundation made the present facility possible.
Since then, the mission has stayed steady and clear. Noah’s Ark offers permanent homes to animals that faced neglect, abuse, or life as orphans.
That care goes far beyond a full food bowl. Residents get tailored nutrition, medical attention, and spaces built to feel like their natural homes.
Your visit helps support the animals directly. I believe that makes a quiet stroll past a napping bear feel a lot more meaningful.
You’ll find the sanctuary at 712 Locust Grove Griffin Rd, Locust Grove, GA 30248. It sits south of Atlanta in Henry County, Georgia, close enough for an easy day trip.
Two Tundra Wolves Swapped Minnesota Snow For Southern Sunshine
Pete and Boaz had a big change of scenery in 2025. Their longtime sanctuary in Minnesota closed, and the two tundra wolves needed somewhere new to land.
Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary stepped up and adopted them. Trading northern winters for Georgia warmth is quite the move, even for a wolf.
Tundra wolves come from chilly regions like Canada, Scandinavia, and Russia. Their thick coats are built for cold, so spotting them in the South feels a little surprising.
The pair adds a wild, untamed energy to the sanctuary lineup. Wolves bring a different kind of wonder than the bears do, more alert and watchful.
Kids can learn more through Critter Fun Day programs. Lessons there have covered tundra wolves and the faraway places they originally call home.
I like that Pete and Boaz arrived together. Moving across the country is easier when your best buddy comes along for the ride.
Watch quietly and give them a moment to show their personalities. Wolves reward calm observers far more than loud ones, and the view is worth the wait.
Oak Trees And Meadows Make It Feel More Park Than Zoo
Majestic oaks, wide meadows, and green pastures set the scene across 121 acres. It’s a calm setting built for slow walking and long looks.
Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary has 38 separate animal enclosures. Most sit east of the entrance and connect through paved walking trails.
Those smooth paths make the visit easy to manage. Strollers, small legs, and tired grown-ups all appreciate a route without surprises.
Each habitat aims to match the animal’s natural surroundings. The goal is to support physical health, social needs, and emotional well-being, not just put animals on display.
You’ll find a wide mix of creatures beyond bears and wolves. The sanctuary cares for over 170 animals representing more than 100 species, from exotic wildlife to domestic livestock.
That variety means every turn brings someone new to meet. One minute you’re watching wildlife, and the next you’re greeting friendly barnyard residents.
Georgia summers can get toasty, so pack plenty of water for the walk. Comfortable shoes are a smart call too, since the trails cover a lot of ground and the shade comes and goes.
Want The Behind-The-Scenes Version? Book A Walk On The Wildside
Curious minds get their own adventure here. The Walk on the Wildside tour, nicknamed WOW, offers a deeper look at life inside the sanctuary.
These guided tours come in semi-private or private formats. Guests spend time with the Animal Care Team and learn more about how each resident is cared for.
Planning ahead is a must for this one. WOW Tours need to be scheduled at least 72 hours in advance.
Expect a real workout for your sneakers. The route covers about 1.5 miles on uneven terrain, so it isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Touching the animals is off the table during the tour. That rule protects both visitors and residents, which feels right for a true sanctuary.
Private tours require kids to be at least 10 years old. Younger animal fans have their own programs, so nobody gets left out completely.
I believe this is the best choice for anyone who loves the stories behind each animal. Seeing a habitat with someone who knows it well changes how you look at every enclosure afterward.
Kids Ages 5 To 12 Get A Saturday Morning With A Real Keeper
Second Saturdays from April through October belong to the younger crowd. Critter Fun Day runs from 9 a.m. to noon for children ages 5 to 12.
An Animal Keeper leads the group on a guided tour. Kids learn about feeding habits and the enrichment activities that keep residents busy and curious.
Enrichment might be the coolest word your child learns all year. It’s how keepers help animals stay active, sharp, and engaged with their surroundings.
Any touching during the program happens only with barnyard animals. That keeps things safe while still giving kids a hands-on moment to remember.
Pre-registration is required, so don’t wait until Saturday morning to sign up. Adults tagging along pay general admission.
Teachers and group leaders have options too. Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary welcomes field trips for schools and other children’s groups when scheduled ahead of time.
Those trips follow the same no-contact rule as other tours. Education sits at the heart of the sanctuary’s mission, and these programs show it best by turning a fun morning into lessons kids actually remember.
Plan Your Arrival Around That Last Ticket Of The Day
Timing matters more than you might expect here. Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary opens Tuesday through Sunday and stays closed on Mondays.
Doors open at 10 a.m., and the last ticket sells at 3 p.m. Winter hours run from November through March, with an earlier 3:30 p.m. closing.
Weather can shift plans, so call ahead before you head out. Nobody wants to drive all that way and meet a closed gate.
The standard visit is a self-guided tour. You set the pace, linger at favorite habitats, and move along whenever little ones get restless.
Bargain hunters, take note of the first Friday of every month. Admission drops to a reduced rate that day, which makes a spontaneous outing even easier.
Credit card payments carry a small surcharge that helps cover operating costs. Every bit goes back into caring for the residents, so it’s money well spent.
Pack A Picnic, Then Let The Kids Loose On The Playground
Lunch plans just got easier. The sanctuary has a picnic area, so bringing your own food makes total sense.
Little ones get a reward for all that walking. The playground stays open from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and makes a great final stop.
There’s a welcome center and a gift shop on site as well. Picking up a souvenir is a fun way to remember the day and support the animals.
A few rules keep everything running smoothly. Children under 17 need a responsible adult, and everyone must wear shirts and shoes.
Leave the family dog at home for this trip. Only ADA-defined service animals are allowed, so emotional support animals and pets cannot come along.
That policy makes sense when you consider the residents. Many rescued animals need calm surroundings, and visiting pets could easily stress them out.
Spreading out lunch near the oaks after your walk is hard to beat. It gives everyone a chance to trade favorite animal moments before the drive home.
Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary works as a family outing for all ages. Between bears, wolves, and open meadows, Georgia rarely offers a gentler way to spend a day outdoors.
Every Black Bear Here Comes With A Seriously Good Origin Story
A church congregation once spotted a bear cub up in a tree. That cub became Little Anne, who was confiscated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and brought to the sanctuary.
She has grown into one of the clever ones. Little Anne is known for her intelligence and a spirited attitude that keeps her keepers on their toes.
Claire joined the bear family in 2025. She came to Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary through the Save a Fox Organization, proving rescue groups help well beyond their names.
Then there’s Yonah, a five-year-old black bear with North Georgia roots. He arrived from Chestatee Wildlife Preserve in April 2026 and settled into a famous old enclosure.
American black bears are a big part of life at the sanctuary. Each one lives in a habitat designed to support its body, social needs, and peace of mind.
Bears keep their own schedules, so patience pays off. A sleepy bear on a warm afternoon is still a bear, and honestly, that’s pretty great.
Read the signs near each enclosure as you go. Those personal histories turn a quick glance into a real introduction.
