ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Zoos around the country have been trying to make visitor experiences more personal with their animals, but large zoos often find that difficult because of their size.
But an Orlando woman has started Exotic Animal Experience, allowing anyone who wants to visit to go inside animal cages and even hold and pet unique species.
What You Need To Know
- Exotic Animal Experience gives visitors a chance to get close to and touch unique species
- The animal park in Orlando features more than 40 species on 7 acres
- Leslie Rush started the animal park to share her love of animals with others
- Visitors can go inside animal cages and pet or even hold some
On any given day, Exotic Animal Experience founder Leslie Rush can be seen carrying an exotic animal across the property.
More than 40 animals call the animal park home — such as an African pygmy goat, a kinkajou, a fainting goat, a Dromedary camel and a lemur.
"So, this is Awesome Blossom," Rush said, showing off a Linnaeus two-toed sloth.
People visit the animal park for that one-on-one experience.
"Here at Exotic Animal Experience, it's hard to believe, but you will get up close and personal with a sloth," Rush said. "And you will have the chance to pet one, and even have an opportunity, if you like, to hold this real unique creature."
Sloths are naturally ornery animals, Rush said.
"It took me 45 days of 12-hour days to tame her," Rush said. "To the point where I could feel comfortable letting someone even touch her."
There is a kangaroo pen, too.
"It's pretty amazing to touch them and feel safe," said Gene Austin, who visited from the state of Washington.
"The kangaroos are just amazing animals," Rush said. "They don't kick, they don't bite. They are not ornery. They are very sweet animals when brought up in captivity like this."
Rush, who has loved animals since she was a child, built and created the experience in 2010 to share her passion and love for animals with guests in a casual tour experience on her seven-acre property.
"Because you are up close and personal with all the species, not just one or two," Rush said. "Your two-hour tour includes everything."
Some animals are excited to see guests and welcome them immediately. For others, it takes a little more time to get close.
"We give you a good 20 (to) 30 minutes with the animals on your own," Rush said.
A variety of personal animal experiences are available for you and your family, and pricing varies. Visit the Exotic Animal Experience website for details or to book an animal experience.