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7 Unbelievable Hands-On Animal Experiences You Can Only Find At Wild Acres Mississippi

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Are you ready to redefine what a 'petting zoo' means? As of December 24, 2025, the Wild Acres Hands-On Animal Experience in McHenry, Mississippi, continues to be one of the most talked-about and unique animal sanctuaries in the Southern United States, offering intimate encounters with exotic species that go far beyond a typical farm visit. This fresh, unique destination has quickly become a must-see for animal enthusiasts, promising personal connections with creatures like sloths, capybaras, and even kangaroos in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.

Far from a standard drive-through exhibit, Wild Acres is built on a philosophy of fostering genuine, hands-on interaction, requiring advance reservations to ensure a high-quality, personal experience for every visitor. Founded by Cody Breland, this unique habitat houses over 100 animals, providing a sanctuary environment where guests can truly connect with the natural world.

The Visionary Behind the Sanctuary: Cody Breland Profile

Wild Acres Hands-On Animal Experience is the passion project of founder Cody Breland, whose lifelong love for animals inspired this one-of-a-kind sanctuary.

  • Name: Cody Breland
  • Role: Founder and Owner of Wild Acres Hands-On Animal Experience
  • Location: McHenry, Stone County, Mississippi
  • Inspiration: His love for animals came from watching and interacting with them from a young age.
  • Founding Year: Breland started Wild Acres in 2016.
  • Original Concept: It initially began as a traveling hands-on petting zoo, bringing the experience to various locations.
  • Breakout Star: The farm gained significant notoriety in 2019, largely due to "JoJo" the celebrity kangaroo, who helped put Wild Acres on the map.
  • Mission: To offer a unique, close-up animal encounter that educates and fosters personal connections between people and exotic wildlife.

Breland’s dedication has transformed Wild Acres into a permanent habitat and a hidden gem in Mississippi, known for its commitment to animal welfare and unforgettable visitor experiences.

The 7 Most Extraordinary Hands-On Experiences at Wild Acres

Wild Acres is not just a place to observe animals; it is a destination for deep, interactive animal encounters. The facility offers several distinct tours designed to maximize your time with its diverse residents, which include over 107 animals and a growing population.

1. The Exclusive Otter & Capybara Swim Excursion

This is arguably the most unique offering at Wild Acres. The Otter & Capybara Swim Excursion is an immersive 3.5-hour experience that allows guests to interact directly with these charismatic semi-aquatic mammals. The tour is comprehensive, including the standard animal encounter tour as well as a special sloth interaction. This extended session provides ample time for unforgettable photos and genuine bonding with the animals.

2. The Intimate Sloth Encounter

Sloths are among the most sought-after exotic animals, and Wild Acres provides an incredibly intimate sloth encounter. Visitors get up close and personal, learning about their slow-moving lifestyle and unique adaptations. This hands-on experience allows guests to appreciate the gentle nature of these tree-dwelling creatures, often cited as a highlight in visitor reviews.

3. The Group Animal Encounter Tours

The staple of a Wild Acres visit is the Group Animal Encounter Tour, a guided journey that starts at 1.5 hours in duration. These tours are family-friendly and are specifically designed to be hands-on, allowing guests to feed, touch, and learn about a wide variety of species. It’s an excellent option for first-time visitors who want a comprehensive overview of the sanctuary’s residents.

4. Meeting JoJo the Famous Kangaroo

Wild Acres gained significant national attention thanks to its resident kangaroo, JoJo. Kangaroos are a major highlight among the exotic animal population, and the opportunity to interact with them—whether feeding them or simply observing their playful nature—is a core part of the experience. The kangaroo encounter is a unique photo opportunity that visitors cherish.

5. Interacting with Exotic Monkeys

The facility is home to a colony of twelve monkeys, offering an engaging and lively interaction. These primates provide a different kind of energy compared to the sloths and capybaras, showcasing their intelligence and playful antics. The monkey interaction is carefully managed to ensure both visitor and animal safety, making it a thrilling part of the tour.

6. The Grizzly Bear and Large Predator Exhibit

While not a direct hands-on experience like the petting zoo animals, Wild Acres is home to a large predator, including a grizzly bear. This exhibit offers a crucial educational component, allowing visitors to appreciate the power and majesty of these animals from a safe distance while learning about conservation efforts. It adds a layer of depth to the sanctuary, moving beyond small, domesticated animals.

7. Discovering the Avian Wonders (30 Parrots)

Beyond the mammals, Wild Acres houses an impressive collection of avian life, including thirty parrots. The parrot encounter introduces guests to a world of vibrant colors and complex intelligence. Visitors often have the chance to interact with these talking birds, making for a memorable, colorful, and noisy part of the hands-on experience.

Essential Visitor Information and Booking Your Encounter

Planning your visit to the Wild Acres Hands-On Animal Experience in McHenry, Mississippi, requires attention to detail, as it is a reservation-only facility. The staff’s commitment to a personal and welcoming environment means tours are often capped and must be booked in advance.

Location and Contact Details

The sanctuary is situated in the heart of Stone County, Mississippi, making it an accessible day trip for residents and tourists in the Gulf Coast region.

  • Address: 84 Our Rd, McHenry, Mississippi 39561
  • Phone: (228) 209-9436
  • Email: wildacresms@gmail.com

It is always recommended to check the official Wild Acres website or contact them directly for the most current directions and information before driving to the location.

Hours of Operation and Reservation Policy

Wild Acres operates on a specific schedule, and the most critical detail for planning your visit is the mandatory reservation policy. You cannot simply walk in; you must book a tour slot ahead of time.

  • Closed Days: Monday and Tuesday.
  • Open Days: Wednesday through Sunday (Check official site for specific hours).
  • Booking Requirement: Reservations are absolutely required for all hands-on animal encounters and tours.

This reservation system is integral to maintaining the quality of the hands-on experience, ensuring that the animals are not overwhelmed and that every guest receives personalized attention from the staff.

Ticket Prices and Feed Buckets

While specific ticket prices for 2025 are dynamic and should be checked on the official booking portal, the facility offers various tiers of experience, from the standard Group Animal Encounter to the premium Otter & Capybara Swim Excursion. Tickets are required for ages 3 and up for the Group Tours. Additionally, visitors can purchase feed buckets—often starting around $10—to enhance their interaction with the more common petting zoo animals. Always check for the latest deals and specific tour costs when booking your Wild Acres trip.

The overwhelming sentiment from visitor reviews is that the experience is worth the price, frequently highlighting the friendly staff and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for personal connections with the exotic wildlife. Wild Acres truly delivers a unique, unforgettable hands-on animal experience that sets it apart from any other sanctuary in the region.

7 Unbelievable Hands-On Animal Experiences You Can Only Find at Wild Acres Mississippi
wild acres hands on animal experience
wild acres hands on animal experience

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