Address: N5406 Co Rd 577, Wallace, MI 49893, USA
Phone: +19067884093
Sunday: 10AM–5PM
Monday: 10AM–5PM
Tuesday: 10AM–5PM
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 10AM–5PM
Friday: 10AM–5PM
Saturday: 10AM–5PM
J R
Visited the DeYoung Family Zoo this past weekend and it was an unforgettable and amazing experience. In total, there are approximately 50-75 species of animals. During our visit, we saw at least one hippo, bear, tiger, camel, emu, wolf, sloth, porcupine, alligator, coyote, dingo, tortoise, goat, sheep, chicken, pig, deer, turkey. The enclosures are large - some larger than you’d see in large-scale zoos. The property itself sits in a heavily wooded area and the walking paths are dirt. It’s just about as natural of a setting as it can get. The feeding experiences are incredible. Not only does the family do a great job of wrangling the visitors up during feeding and providing great information, they also get the visitors involved with hands-on feeding of their own. At the entrance building, you can purchase items such as carrots or lettuce and feed them to animals throughout the zoo. There are signs posted that let you know which animals are which to have certain foods. The animals themselves seemed very happy and engaging. Again, more than I’ve ever seen at larger zoos. We were able to hold a wolf pup, pet a hippo while hand-feeding him and also have an educational encounter with a sloth. This was a solo experience led by Carrie. We had so many questions about the sloth and she was exceptional. Everyone we still at the zoo was incredibly friendly, grateful we were there and so insightful. When you go, you’ll want to get there right when they open. You won’t want to miss one of the feedings or other interactive experiences. They opened at 10:00am CENTRAL time, not Eastern time. If you need to go back to your car for any reason, they just stamp your hand on your way out so you can get back in. Also, there is no food available on site - there is a small food stand on the other side of their parking lot across the street that has some basics to hold you over. The people who run this are kind as well. I’m very happy to leave a 5-star review. The only suggestions I would make are perhaps a few more seating areas, picnic tables… and then maybe a park map. Doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Just a print-out of the exhibits. Thank you to everyone at the zoo for all you do!
Pam Callaway
Wonderful experience with education smoothly mixed in. The lady tour guide was friendly and professional. The animals seemed happy and healthy.
Andrea Kysely
We were blown away by the variety of animals at the zoo and how close you could get to them. It was fun feeding them grains, carrots, and marshmallows (for the deer). We had a great time and would recommend to others.
Heather Zurawski
Went here to see some cute little animals. Best interactive experience I’ve had so far. you can feed almost every animal. They have a big bucket of grain, carrots and cookies for $20 it’s a great deal! The animals are all very well taken …
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It may be closed. They close for the fall and winter season
Yes- there are a few types of animals that children (and adults!) can feed and pet. The llamas were very sweet.
You should ask about the rescue, Piper's Place...
Just a good day trip alot to see and do
My cousin said it wasn't worth it this year due to covid many animals were gone. A favorite in the past tho! We pet baby tigers once!
There wasnt any restrictions
Yes, Wallace was there in early July when we were there.
Yes they are open.
No, I didn't see any and like others said this is a natural zoo no hard surfaces.
They do, they call it animal encounters.
Yes there is a big petting place towards the back of the zoo and in random location s around the zoo. Also, they feed the animals at 1:00. Also, you can get the opportunity to hold baby animals.
$12.00 for adult Check out there website deyoung family zoo
Yes
Idk I mean every time I've been there over the years the animals are well fed in appearance, appropriate size areas, friendly animals. I've been to bigger zoos. The deyoung family zoos tiger and lion areas are larger than those of the Denver zoo. Which are garage sized rooms with thick viewing windows. At least they were when I last visited.
They will be opening May 28
Nope! Although if you are following the crowd closely, you may want to. We just stayed spread out. Carrie has a nice loud voice, so when they are doing the big cat feeding, you can hear her really well being away from the group a little.
All the animals were out and we got to follow around for the feedings.
5pm
I think the only spot would be in the parking lot by your car. Don't remember seeing any tables but you can go out and come back in.
Highly recommend you pay the entrace fee anyways to support the zoo
They are open untill 430 we visited memorial day weekend.
That's not a thing.
No credit cards need cash for admission however they do take debit for merchandise.
Weather app says there's light rain now, but a really good chance of rain the rest of the day. Hope this helps
$14 for adults, $12 for seniors, $10 for children ages 4-15, and under 3 is free.
Yes once the water temperature reaches 60 deg. We were there a few weeks ago and it was still a little too cold so the hippo was still inside.
No there are not. There are Port o potties, hand wash stations, and soda/water machines for accommodations.
If I recall my last conversation with Mr. Deyoung, may 1st is when they open.
$12 for adults $8 for kids. Under the age of $5 is free.
It is about 80.3 miles. It's about an hour and a half. Definitely worth the trip!
You should contact "Big Cat" Carrie at the zoo and ask her. She's very knowledgeable about the tigers. Both Bud and Carrie should be able to answer any questions about the animals. Or else just Google it. 🐅
It all depends on the baby animals thry have check their website or Facebook page for info
Yes
They have a Halloween trick or treating for kids 20 an 21 of Oct an then I think closed after tht
Zoo Information Zoo Admission Prices: Adults: $12 (Age 16 - 65) Seniors: $10 (Age 65 and older) Children: $8 (Age 5 - 16) Free (Age 4 and under) The Ticket Booth will close at 4:30PM Daily. A Petting Zoo is available. You will find various types of domestic barnyard critters. Feed can be purchased at the zoo to feed the animals. Feed Prices: Bucket of Feed: $5.00 Cup of Feed: $1.00
We were there a few weeks ago. For the animal interaction, they had a baby kangaroo, baby porcupine, baby alligator, baby fox, snake, iguana, and a Guinea pig. Super awesome!
N5406 Co Rd 577, Wallace, MI 49893 Gps it, best way depending on where you are coming from.
No and no
We have parked a 40' motorcoach there. Get there early though as it fills up quick. There is also a big open lot across the street and the owner will let you park there is you ask.
Yes, they do just one and you can use it, inquire at gate. Yes the place is all dirt and sand, walk ways and dirts, if need they can also give ride's, if the side by side is available
Those bears were rescued, and a new enclosure is being made specifically for them.
It opened on May 1st, and most of the programs start after memorial day
Those 4 shows are from 2011 and are played by Nat Geo every so often...that's how I found out about them...I think the rescue work they do is great!! If it wasn't for being stuck in a wheelchair and being dirt poor on disability (with no family to help), I would've gone out there years ago to volunteer my services...I've always wanted to work around animals like that...of course, you could argue that I already did when I worked as an ER/trauma nurse before I got sick (LOL)
We stayed at governor Tommy Thompson state park it was less than an hour drive. Park is nice.
No gift cards available
Jackie; I do believe they are not completely open all year. Absolutely check their website or CALL for hours before you drive any distance! But please come back. It is a small, family owned zoo, deep in the woods. And it is worth your time. The dedication this family has to these animals is amazing & you MUST plan to be there at feeding time for all the tigers! It's amazing!
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