Private Zoo Tour in Prineville: Kangaroos, Emus & Marshmallow Roasts in Central Oregon

Private Zoo Tour in Prineville, Oregon, offers a playful, hands-on animal experience on a small farm sitting on the high-desert edge of the Ochoco foothills. This two-and-a-half to three-hour private tour invites visitors to meet kangaroos and wallabies, llamas, porcupines, armadillos, Patagonian cavies, emus, zebra, tortoises, reptiles, and an exotic pig—an unusual lineup for Central Oregon that reads like a collector’s cabinet of curiosity. The visit is structured but informal: a guide leads your group through a series of enclosures, introduces species-specific behaviors and handling protocols, and builds in time to snack and socialize in a party room. Weather-dependent extras such as a fire pit and marshmallow roast convert the afternoon into a low-key celebration; families appreciating close encounters and photographers wanting characterful portraits will find rich material here. The site emphasizes animal welfare and calm, staged interactions rather than high-energy performances, so expect relaxed meeting spaces and gentle introductions suited to children and adults alike. What makes this private zoo notable is its eclectic species mix and its scale. Unlike municipal zoos, this farm feels domestic—animals often show curious, individual personalities and the guides offer conversational, on-the-ground context about care routines. The surrounding landscape is the high desert of Central Oregon: sagebrush, juniper, and the distant slope of the Ochocos frame the property and remind visitors they are far from a metropolitan zoo. That setting also means dusty paths and open skies; plan accordingly. Practical notes: reservations are required and tours are private for your group. The meeting point and owner/operator details are not supplied in the listing and should be confirmed at booking. Tours last roughly 2.5–3 hours and allow food in the party space. The farm welcomes relaxed picnics and family celebrations and is ideal for birthday parties, educational outings, and visitors seeking a gentle, up-close animal experience off the beaten track in Crook County. Why book? If you’re traveling through Prineville or using the town as a base for outdoor time in the Ochoco National Forest, this visit pairs well with a morning hike or afternoon river trip, offering tactile animal encounters that appeal to kids and animal lovers. It’s an approachable, memorable stop that showcases an eccentric array of species, a community-minded operator, and the spare beauty of Central Oregon’s high desert. Visitors should book in advance through the listed referral link and confirm accessibility concerns or age restrictions ahead of time. Bring closed-toe shoes, water, and an appetite for questions; staff are willing to share care stories and species trivia but input may vary by tour. Because the property operates on a smaller scale than public institutions, groups are intentionally limited to preserve animal comfort—ask at booking about maximum group size and seasonal offerings.