Get up close and personal with playful otters at Magnolia Wilds’ unique swim experience. Perfect for animal lovers of all ages, this adventure combines fun with conservation awareness.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
30–45 minutes per session
Fitness Level
No fitness required, suitable for all ages
Wildlife
History
Magnolia Wilds was established in 2010 with the goal of conservation and education about local aquatic species.
Conservation
Magnolia Wilds actively participates in local wildlife conservation programs and promotes sustainable tourism.
Magnolia Wilds
Get up close and personal with playful otters at Magnolia Wilds’ unique swim experience. Perfect for animal lovers of all ages, this adventure combines fun with conservation awareness.
Magnolia Wilds is an immersive wildlife preserve and adventure destination in Louisiana known for hands-on animal encounters and outdoor activities. The preserve offers a diverse lineup of experiences that range from high-adrenaline ziplining across 32 acres of hardwood forest to intimate, staff-supervised Otter Swim sessions in a temperature-controlled pool. Guests can encounter sloths, kangaroos, giraffes, and other animal ambassadors during guided Wild Discovery tours, safari wagon rides, and full-day packages that combine animal meet-and-greets with lunch, live shows, and a Tipsy Safari giraffe feeding experience. Seasonal and community-focused events include goat yoga, a family-friendly Pumpkin Patch on October and November weekends, Teacher Night, homeschool hangouts, and Wild Nights at the Movies. Magnolia Wilds organizes both self-guided campus walks like Sips with Sloths and structured programs such as All Day Tours and specialized combinations featuring zipline, sloth safaris, and otter swims. Trained staff oversee interactions and safety protocols for all animal encounters and aquatic activities. Reservations are recommended for limited-capacity experiences such as otter swims and full-day tours. Magnolia Wilds serves families, groups, educators, and animal lovers seeking memorable wildlife interactions paired with adventure activities, presenting a mix of educational programming and recreational offerings.
Preserve Size
32 acres
Hardwood forest zipline course
Longest Zipline
900 ft
Final ride overlooking Comite River
Tours Offered
17 experiences
Zipline, swims, safaris, events
Animal Encounters
Sloths, Otters, Giraffes
Kangaroos and other ambassadors
Reserve popular experiences—zipline, otter swim, sloth safari, or goat yoga—before spots fill up.
Follow staff instructions closely
Always listen to staff for safety tips and animal interaction guidelines.
Arrive early for the best spots
Getting there early ensures a more relaxed experience and better interaction opportunities.
Wear easily washable clothing
Otter encounters can be messy; choose clothes that are easy to clean.
Bring a waterproof camera or phone case
Capture your moments without worry of water damage during the swim.
Waterproof camera or phone case
Perfect for capturing memories without water damage during the swim.
Comfortable clothing for water activities
Clothes that are easy to wash and dry after the encounter.
Sunscreen and hat
Protect your skin during outdoor time before or after the swim.
summer
Towel or change of clothes
Stay comfortable after exiting the pool and during transitions.