Chestatee Wildlife Preserve & Zoo | Atlanta

Chestatee Wildlife Preserve & Zoo, located near Dahlonega, Georgia, is a dedicated nonprofit sanctuary specializing in the rescue, rehabilitation, and lifelong care of exotic and native wildlife. Established and owned by C.W. Wathen, the preserve began when Wathen traded two miniature horses for a pair of zebras, which ignited his passion for exotic animal rescue. Since its founding, Chestatee Wildlife Preserve has grown into a sanctuary home for more than 100 animals, many of which have been orphaned, abused, or illegally kept as pets. The preserve provides a safe haven for these animals that otherwise would have faced uncertain futures.

Animal Collection and Diversity

Chestatee is home to a wide variety of species, ranging from big cats and primates to hoofed mammals, carnivores, reptiles, and birds. The diversity of animals at the preserve makes it a unique place for visitors to see species they would not commonly encounter in the wild or in traditional zoos.

Big Cats: The preserve houses white and golden Bengal tigers, African lions, leopards, servals, and bobcats. These majestic predators are given spacious habitats designed to mimic their natural environments, and the preserve staff are dedicated to their care and enrichment.

Primates: Visitors can observe chimpanzees and various monkey species, all of which have been rescued from situations of neglect or improper captivity.

Hoofed Mammals: The preserve includes zebras, zedonks (a hybrid between a zebra and a donkey, notable for their unique striped appearance), camels, elk, and deer. These animals often have histories as exotic pets or were displaced from circuses or private collections.

Carnivores: Aside from big cats, the preserve cares for grizzly and black bears as well as wolves, providing specialized habitats to meet their complex needs.

Reptiles and Birds: The reptile collection includes alligators and tortoises, while the bird population features colorful and rare species such as macaws and emus, contributing to the preserve’s biodiversity.

One of the preserve’s standout residents is “Pippi,” a zedonk who became internationally known for her striking appearance and friendly demeanor. Pippi embodies the preserve’s commitment to caring for unique and often misunderstood animals.

Visitor Experience and Facilities

Chestatee Wildlife Preserve offers visitors an intimate and educational experience centered on animal observation and interaction, emphasizing respect for wildlife and conservation awareness.

Location and Access: The preserve is situated at 469 Old Dahlonega Highway, just outside Dahlonega, GA, making it easily accessible for day trips or longer visits.

Operating Hours: The preserve is open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with the last entry permitted at 2:30 PM. These hours allow for a relaxed visit while giving the animals ample time for rest and care outside of visitor hours.

Admission Fees: General admission is priced at $15 for adults (ages 12 and up) and $10 for children 11 and under. Children under 2 enter free. Visitors can purchase feed bags for $5 each to feed certain animals at their own risk, adding an interactive element to the visit.

Amenities: While the preserve offers picnic areas where guests can bring food and enjoy a break, it lacks indoor restrooms, providing only porta-potties and hand-washing stations. Pets are not allowed on the grounds for the safety of both visitors and animals, though service animals are permitted under strict guidelines.

Special Animal Encounters and Educational Programs

Chestatee provides unique opportunities for more in-depth engagement with its animals through special encounters and educational sessions, designed to deepen visitor understanding of wildlife and conservation.

Sloth Encounter: Guests can book a 20-minute private session with “Sissi,” a two-toed sloth. During this encounter, visitors learn about sloth biology, behavior, and conservation challenges. The experience is priced at $100 per person and requires advance reservations.

Breakfast with the Big Cats: This exclusive event allows participants to help feed the preserve’s lions and tigers, accompanied by expert staff who provide insights about the animals’ care and natural history. Due to the hands-on nature and safety considerations, this experience is priced at $250 per person and requires at least a one-week advance booking.

Small Animal Shows: Scheduled presentations featuring animals such as cockatoos, alligators, and snakes allow visitors to see these creatures up close and learn about their adaptations, behavior, and role in the ecosystem.

Group Visits and Field Trips: The preserve welcomes school groups, clubs, and organizations, offering discounted rates for groups of 25 or more. Educational field trips are available at $10 per person, with free admission for teachers and chaperones who arrive on the bus. These visits typically last about 1.5 hours and are designed to align with educational goals in biology, conservation, and animal science.

Conservation and Animal Welfare Mission

As a nonprofit organization, Chestatee Wildlife Preserve emphasizes animal welfare, rescue, and education over commercial gain. Many animals at the preserve have been seized from illegal ownership or rescued from abusive situations, providing them with a safe environment where they receive lifelong care.

The preserve relies heavily on donations and community support to maintain the health and well-being of its animal residents. Visitors are encouraged to contribute by donating fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and other supplies, which are crucial for the diverse dietary needs of the animals. Examples of welcomed donations include kale, greens, corn on the cob, peaches, grapes, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, apples, oranges, pineapples, peanut butter, jelly, raisin bread, beef, and chicken.

Summary

Chestatee Wildlife Preserve & Zoo is a distinctive animal sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and caring for a broad spectrum of exotic and native species. Its combination of rescued wildlife, educational programs, special animal encounters, and dedication to conservation makes it an enriching destination for visitors interested in learning about animals and supporting ethical wildlife care. With a focus on hands-on learning and respect for the natural world, Chestatee offers a meaningful experience that raises awareness about wildlife rescue and the challenges facing exotic animals in captivity and the wild.