Playing with a toy
1 / 10

Chestatee Wildlife Preserve and Zoo

4.4
·1k reviews·Dahlonega, United States

A rescue sanctuary in Dahlonega, GA, offering close encounters with diverse exotic and native animals, including white Siberian tigers.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning, right at opening

Animals are active, beat the heat

CrowdLow
Loading map...
                  Playing with a toy

Chestatee Wildlife Preserve and Zoo

Best Time

Morning, right at opening

Animals are active, beat the heat

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A rescue sanctuary in Dahlonega, GA, offering close encounters with diverse exotic and native animals, including white Siberian tigers.

4.4
(1k reviews)

"It's a rescue so it's not super manicured but it's loving and fun for all ages."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The terrain is hilly and rocky; leave the heels at home!

☀️ Sun Protection is Key

Bring hats, sunscreen, and consider an umbrella for shade.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 1,305 reviews

Type

Zoo

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

White Siberian Tigers

White Siberian Tigers

Marvel at the majestic white Siberian tigers, a truly captivating sight.

Instagram
Friendly Camel Encounters

Friendly Camel Encounters

Get up close and personal with a super friendly camel, a visitor favorite.

Reddit
Interactive Animal Feeding

Interactive Animal Feeding

Purchase feed bags to interact with and feed many of the animals.

InstagramReddit
Diverse Rescue Animals

Diverse Rescue Animals

See a variety of well-cared-for rescued animals, from wolves to sloths.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Heat and Crowds

Visit early in the morning, especially during summer, to avoid the midday heat and larger crowds. Arriving at opening ensures animals are more active and you get a more relaxed experience. Instagram

Prepare for a Rustic Experience

This is a rescue preserve, not a manicured zoo. Expect hilly, rocky terrain, so comfortable shoes are a must. Strollers can be challenging. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Morning, right at opening
Why
Animals are active, beat the heat
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Fall & Spring
Why
Pleasant temperatures
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Best day ever! All of the animals are so healthy and taken care of. Gunnar the deer has a lip injury but he’s undergoing treatment!! @Katerina Servi #gawildlife #wildlife #animalsoftiktok #animalpreservation #yellowriverwildlifesanctuary #wildlifesanctuary #deer #otters #pigs #peacock #fyp #atlanta #thingstodoatl
@theboyatomic
58.7K likes • 348.2K views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The terrain is hilly and rocky; leave the heels at home! Reddit

☀️ Sun Protection is Key

Bring hats, sunscreen, and consider an umbrella for shade. Reddit

The ultimate animal-lover’s adventure awaits in Central New York!   #iloveny #travel #traveltiktok #besttravel #travelgoals #nytravel #animaladventurepark #fyp   🎥: @animaladventurepark
@iloveny
31.6K likes • 2.6M views
We have busy and I am just now posting videos of our visit to the Chestatee wildlife zoo in Dahlonega Georgia
theofficialnicksmith
721 likes • 23.4K views

💰 Feed Bags for Fun

Purchase feed bags for $5 to interact with many of the animals. InstagramReddit

⏰ Arrive Early

Beat the heat and crowds by arriving at opening time. Instagram

Some days we play outside the store. Exploring our beautiful mountains sometimes we get lucky to see how wild animals play. We visited the Chestatee Wildlife Preserve and Zoo. It’s a rescue place for these beautiful animals that understand the power of playing to keep the mind young. Happy Playing We are opening tomorrow at 12-5pm! Blue Ridge Toys where play is a way of life! #rabuncountyga ...
blueridgetoys
10 likes • 674 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The terrain is hilly and rocky; leave the heels at home! Reddit

☀️ Sun Protection is Key

Bring hats, sunscreen, and consider an umbrella for shade. Reddit

💰 Feed Bags for Fun

Purchase feed bags for $5 to interact with many of the animals. InstagramReddit

⏰ Arrive Early

Beat the heat and crowds by arriving at opening time. Instagram

🚗 Parking is Plentiful

Ample parking is available, making arrival hassle-free. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Chestatee Wildlife Preserve for its friendly animals, interactive feeding opportunities, and fair prices. It's noted as a worthwhile, albeit rustic, rescue sanctuary where animals appear well-cared for. Some find the terrain challenging for strollers and recommend visiting during cooler parts of the day.

"This is a Very nice place to look at some animals the camel was our favorite he was super friendly they sold animal feeds to feed the animals for $5 a bag. it's a small walk though but it's worth it for the price! Also avoid bring a stroller it's a bit hilly and Rocky but other wise a great experience!"

Crystal Dee

"I read some of the reviews and was a little reluctant, but went anyway. We had a ball!! We got there an hour too early, but the owner let us in. If you’re expecting a Birmingham or Nashville zoo, this is not it. This is a rescue zoo, with some adorable animals, some you look at, some you can feed. She obviously cares for each animal, and it shows in their health. She was also kind enough to let me pet Sissi the sloth, even though we didn’t have an appointment scheduled. It was well worth the trip, and made our anniversary weekend that much more special!!"

Bethany Sanders

"Visited the preserve for a field trip. They had some cool animals but the walking terrain was a little rough. Overall, cool place to visit!"

Jessica Smith

What People Like

Friendly and interactive animals
Up-close animal encounters
Fair admission prices

What People Dislike

Hilly and rocky terrain
Can be hot in summer

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The preserve is located in Dahlonega, Georgia. While specific public transport options are limited, driving is the most common way to reach it. Many visitors report it's a scenic drive through the North Georgia mountains. Instagram+1

Yes, it's generally well-marked. Visitors often mention it as a stop on drives through the Dahlonega or North Georgia area. Instagram

Walking is the primary way to explore. Be prepared for a small, but hilly and rocky walk. Reddit

Dahlonega is known for its gold mining history and wineries. Helen, a Bavarian-themed town, is also a popular nearby destination. Instagram

Yes, GPS navigation systems are effective for reaching the preserve. Ensure your map app is updated. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission is typically $15 for adults (ages 12 and older) and $10 for children (ages 11 and younger). Feed bags are an additional $5. Instagram

Advance booking is generally not required, and tickets can be purchased upon arrival. However, checking their official website or social media for any updates is always a good idea. Reddit

The preserve usually opens around 10 AM. It's best to check their official hours before your visit, as they can vary seasonally. Instagram

While specific discounts aren't widely advertised, visiting during weekdays or off-peak seasons might offer a less crowded experience. Keep an eye on their social media for potential promotions. Instagram

Yes, it's considered fun for all ages, from young children to adults. The interactive feeding and diverse animals appeal to everyone. InstagramReddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see a variety of exotic and native animals, including white Siberian tigers, wolves, bears, kangaroos, sloths, horses, zebras, and white bison. Many are rescued animals. TikTokReddit

Yes, you can purchase feed bags for $5 to feed many of the animals, which is a highlight for many visitors. InstagramReddit

The preserve has a hilly and rocky terrain, making it challenging for strollers. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended. Reddit

Basic facilities are available, including clean porta-potty bathrooms. The preserve also provides umbrellas if you forget yours. Reddit

The zoo is on the smaller side, allowing for a more intimate and manageable visit, typically taking about an hour to go through. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Food options within the preserve are limited. It's recommended to bring your own snacks or plan for a meal before or after your visit. Instagram

Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks. Many choose to have a picnic lunch, especially after exploring the preserve. Instagram

Dahlonega offers various dining options, from casual cafes to sit-down restaurants. You can also find eateries in nearby Helen. Instagram

Bags of animal feed are available for purchase for $5 each. InstagramReddit

It's advisable to bring your own water, especially during warmer months, as hydration is important. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Every enclosure offers a chance for great photos, especially the white Siberian tigers and the friendly camel. Early morning light is often best. Instagram+1

Drone usage policies can vary. It's best to check with the preserve management directly before flying a drone on the property. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, flash photography might be discouraged in certain areas to avoid disturbing the animals. Instagram

A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing animals from a distance, but a standard zoom lens is versatile for most shots. Instagram

The preserve's layout allows for relatively close viewing of many animals, making it easier to get good shots. Reddit

You may also like

Chestatee Wildlife Preserve and Zoo (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide