easy
1–2 hours
Suitable for all fitness levels as the ride requires minimal physical exertion.
Discover Johnson City’s Exotic Resort Zoo from a new perspective with a private tractor-trailer ride. Get intimate with exotic wildlife while enjoying scenic views and expert insights.
Guided-Tour with a Professional Guide ★ Petting Zoo ★ Open 9am to 5pm
We are open 9am to 5pm, every day of the year! With the exception of Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
These tickets cover one Guided Tour and access into our Petting Zoo, Caged Animals and Picnic Area! The Guided Tours take approximately an hour and will give you a unique and interactive experience with a one-of-a-kind tour guide and hundreds of animals from all over the world. The tours do not leave at any set time; The longest wait you may experience is around 30-45 minutes!
If you have any questions at all, please give us a call and we would love to help. However, below, you will find a list of our most frequently asked questions.
When can we use our tickets? Your tickets are good for anytime between 9am and 5pm on the day you purchased. Unless you booked a Private Guided Tour, which leave at certain times. If you need to reschedule or cancel your tickets, please refer to our cancellation policy below.
What is the cancellation policy for my tickets? We have a 24-hour cancellation policy. If you cancel before 24 hours of your scheduled booking, you will receive a full refund. If you cancel within 24 hours of your scheduled booking, there is no refund. You will receive a gift card to be redeemed at a later date! Please call us to discuss your options.
What kind of wait times can we expect upon visiting the Exotic Resort Zoo? We have no wait-times in mind when it comes to checking-in and getting through the park. Please keep in mind that weekends and holidays are our busiest, so you can expect a lengthier visit. We are doing our best to keep everyone moving in a timely fashion, so please bring patience with you when you visit!
Is the Exotic Resort Zoo dog friendly? Thanks to recent experiences, we are steering away from the dog-friendly aspect of our park. If you have questions regarding this, please call us at (830)868-4357.
Are the Guided Tours handicap accessible? Oh yeah! We want everyone to enjoy this unique experience if they wish. We have a heavy-duty ramp that we use for wheelchairs and those with mobility issues. We have no problem getting anyone and everyone on the trailer to enjoy the ride!
When is the best time to visit? Any time. Our animals are hungry all day long, every day of the year. We are sure that you will make some unique experiences any time that you visit us!
What is the Exotic Resort Zoo's bad weather policy? We operate rain or shine! The only time that we do not offer our Guided Tours is if there is a lot of lightning in the area. However, in that case, we let our visitors Drive-Through the park in their own vehicle. Please call us if weather becomes a concern for your visit! We recommend that you bring some beach towels because the animals might be a little wet, which means you might get a little wet too!
Why should we visit the Exotic Resort Zoo? We are family owned and operated, which means that we receive no outside help for our animals or our facilities like your typical "zoo". This means, that we appreciate each one of you beyond measure! Our animals live in free-roaming environments and are not trained to perform or act any sort of way. So, when you visit us, you are interacting with true wild animals that enjoy the company of humans! Every visit with us is unique, and we can't wait to create some memories with you and your loved ones!
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Morning tours offer more comfortable weather and active animal sightings, perfect for photography.
Though the tractor-trailer gets close, binoculars enhance spotting animals deeper in the enclosures.
Texas weather can change quickly; layering helps you stay comfortable during the ride.
In warmer months, insects can be present—bug spray ensures a more pleasant tour experience.
The Exotic Resort Zoo started as a small private collection and has grown into Texas’s largest exotic animal sanctuary.
The zoo emphasizes ethical wildlife care and contributes to several international breeding programs for endangered species.
Protects from strong Texas sun during the open-air ride.
summer specific
Prevents sunburn during daytime outdoor activities.
Ensures safety and comfort when boarding and disembarking.
Captures close-up wildlife shots during the scenic ride.