Ages 8+ • 25 Minutes • Up to 2 Guests
Discover the unique Prairie Dog Encounter in Sweetwater, Tennessee, where you can pet, hold, and feed playful Black Tailed Prairie Dogs Goose and Cracker up close. This 25-minute hands-on experience is perfect for animal lovers and families looking for a memorable wildlife connection.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
25 minutes
Fitness Level
No special fitness needed; activity is suitable for all ability levels.
Wildlife
History
Mitchell's Petting Zoo has provided family-friendly wildlife education and interaction in Sweetwater for over a decade, fostering community connection to regional and exotic animals.
Conservation
The zoo focuses on educating visitors about wildlife preservation and the important ecological roles prairie dogs and other local species play in their habitats.
Mitchell’s Petting Zoo & Exotics
Ages 8+ • 25 Minutes • Up to 2 Guests
Mitchell’s Petting Zoo & Exotics in Sweetwater, Tennessee provides hands-on animal interactions and educational experiences for visitors of all ages.
The facility features a petting zoo area and specialized exotic encounters that include named ambassadors and trained staff supervision. Signature offerings include 25-minute encounters with capybaras Jelly Roll and Bunnie, a two-toed sloth named Princess Peanut, red kangaroos Rose and Jack, and black-tailed prairie dogs Goose and Cracker. General admission gives access to a variety of animals where guests can cuddle goats, feed deer, and enjoy up-close viewing of exotic species.
The operation schedules timed encounters to ensure safe, focused interactions. Trained staff guide each encounter, provide animal care information, and supervise handling and photography to prioritize animal welfare and visitor safety. Encounters are designed to be both educational and memorable, combining close contact with facts about behavior, diet, and habitat.
Mitchell’s emphasizes animal health and responsible handling practices. Appropriate sanitation, supervised feeding, and controlled access to enclosures are standard procedures. The business serves families, school groups, and animal enthusiasts seeking an accessible, hands-on wildlife experience near Sweetwater.
Located in Monroe County, Mitchell’s Petting Zoo & Exotics offers a convenient rural destination for day visits and special event bookings. Visitors are encouraged to review specific encounter details and booking requirements before arrival to confirm availability and age or size restrictions. Parking is available on site and the venue often accommodates private groups and educational visits with advance notice; guests should consult the business's booking page for hours and reservation policies.
Location
Sweetwater, TN
Monroe County location
Encounter Length
25 minutes
Timed, supervised 25-minute encounters
Experiences
5 Offered
Hands-on visits for all ages
Animal Ambassadors
5 Ambassadors
Includes named capybaras and sloth
Book 25-minute capybara, sloth, kangaroo, or prairie dog encounters — or purchase general admission for a full petting zoo experience.
Bring your camera
Prairie dogs are lively and photogenic—capture their playful moments during the encounter.
Wear comfortable clothing
Light, casual clothes allow easy movement and petting during the interaction.
Book general admission first
You must purchase general admission along with your encounter for zoo access.
Arrive with confirmation
Have your booking confirmation ready upon arrival to check in smoothly.
Camera or smartphone
To capture memorable close-ups of Goose and Cracker during the encounter.
Comfortable closed-toe shoes
For safe and comfortable footing around the petting zoo area.
Light jacket or layers
spring
Hand sanitizer
Useful for hygiene after petting the prairie dogs.