Discover Party Paddock at Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary in Lilburn, GA—an intimate wildlife adventure that brings you close to native animals and natural landscapes. Perfect for families and nature lovers!
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels with mostly flat, accessible trails.
Wildlife
History
Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary has been a dedicated conservation site since the early 2000s focusing on native species preservation.
Conservation
The sanctuary operates with sustainable practices aimed at minimizing human impact and promoting native habitat restoration.
Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary
Discover Party Paddock at Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary in Lilburn, GA—an intimate wildlife adventure that brings you close to native animals and natural landscapes. Perfect for families and nature lovers!
Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary in Lilburn, Georgia, is a nonprofit wildlife refuge dedicated to rescue, care, and education for both native and exotic animals. The sanctuary provides year-round housing and professional care for resident species such as black bears, bison, lemurs, kinkajous, two-toed sloths, and wallabies. Visitors can attend public self-guided visits, keeper-led Wild Encounters, private Sloth Encounters, educational Field Trips, Anniversary Tours with curator Clint Murphy, and special events like the Bears' Birthday Bash.
Staff at Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary includes trained keepers and animal care professionals who run species-specific training, enrichment programs, and nutritional plans. Keeper Talks and guided tours explain rescue histories, daily routines, and the sanctuary’s approach to rehabilitation, while clearly communicating safety and no-direct-contact rules for certain animals.
Field Trip programs are designed for schools and youth groups, offering interactive learning through exhibits, a petting zoo, and educational talks that align with common curriculum goals. The sanctuary is accessible to metro Atlanta visitors and emphasizes transparent policies on safety and animal welfare.
Through public programs, special encounters, and community partnerships, Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary advances education, rehabilitation, and conservation efforts while encouraging responsible wildlife stewardship and visitor engagement.
Location
Lilburn, GA
Accessible from metro Atlanta
Tours Offered
5 Experiences
Guided and self-guided options
Resident Species
Bears, Sloths, Lemurs
Diverse rescued animals
Weekend Events
Wild Encounters
Keeper-led programs on weekends
Reserve Wild Encounters, Sloth Encounters, Field Trips, or special events like the Bears' Birthday Bash — limited weekend availability.
Wear Comfortable Footwear
Select sturdy, closed-toe shoes for walking on uneven, sometimes muddy terrain.
Bring Insect Repellent
Georgia’s warm climate means bugs can be active, especially near water and wooded areas.
Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water, as summer days can get hot and humid during your visit.
Respect Wildlife Boundaries
Observe animals quietly and avoid feeding or disturbing them to protect their natural behavior.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Provides traction and support on mixed terrain throughout the year.
Water Bottle
Keeps you hydrated during warm and humid summer visits.
summer
Insect Repellent
Protects against ticks and mosquitoes during active insect seasons.
spring
Light Jacket
Useful for cooler mornings and evenings in the fall and winter.
fall