North Georgia Zoo
2912 Paradise Valley Road, Cleveland, GA, 30528
North Georgia Wildlife & Safari Park (also called North Georgia Zoo) is a non-profit animal conservation center with more than 80 species of animals across 30 acres (12 hectares) of space. Experiences in the park include guided walking tours, self-guided driving tours, interactive visits with animals at the petting zoo, and private meet and greets.
The basics
North Georgia Zoo is much more than your usual zoo; its specialty experiences make it the ideal place for wildlife lovers. Combination admission packages can save you money if you want to enjoy more than one experience, or you can buy tickets separately. For instance, families with toddlers can pay for only the petting zoo and feeding, while an animal-loving adult celebrating a birthday may want to purchase a private wolf meet and greet.
Things to know before you go
You can buy snacks at the ticket office, but no food vendors are on-site. Pack a lunch and use the picnic area.
You may get wet, muddy, or dirty as you explore this rural park, especially during a wolf or otter encounter. Bring a change of clothes.
The zoo is wheelchair accessible in some areas, but most pathways are gravel, dirt, or rocks. Visitors who need assistance can schedule a golf cart tour.
You can buy clothing and other souvenirs from the on-site gift shop.
This wildlife park is an unplugged experience due to the limited cell and Wi-Fi service. It’s a good idea to screenshot your tickets in advance.
You can’t take photos during a private animal encounter.
How to get there
North Georgia Wildlife Park & Safari is at 2912 Paradise Valley Road between Dahlonega and Cleveland. It shouldn’t be confused with the North Georgia Safari Park, which is on the same road but not affiliated with the North Georgia Zoo. Do not turn onto roads with “Zoo” wayfinding signs; follow your GPS directions to the address instead.
When to get there
The North Georgia Zoo is open year-round, though it limits operating hours to weekends in the winter. Depending on your chosen experiences, you could spend the day at the zoo. Crowds are heavier on weekends, holidays, and in the summer; weekdays have fewer groups. All experiences start on time, so arrive at least 30 minutes early or pay a rescheduling fee if you’re late.
A Hallmark holiday experience in Georgia
Cleveland in Dahlonega and Helen in Georgia are all literal Hallmark towns: many holiday movies are filmed in the city's historic squares. North Georgia Zoo gets into the festivities with an annual Christmas pageant, guided hayride safari tour with Santa, and photos with Santa on select days throughout December.
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