FAQ
Is it safe for pregnant women?
Yes! The experience is safe for everyone.
Is the Experience good for kids?
While hundreds if not thousands of children of all ages have loved the Dinner or Brunch and Wildlife experience, they are designed with more mature guests in mind.
The dining feature is meant to be an experience. The pacing is relaxed and set to live music. We share information about our program, our staff, our history. The menu is always evolving, is creative and offers fresh and unique culinary sampling for adventurous palates. It is pointedly not rushed, and not typical zoo food. That means that some children can get bored, or are uninterested in the regular menu. To help with this we offer the universally loved chicken strips and fries and have coloring books on offer.
The Wildlife feature is also a robust and immersive experience. You get to go inside habitats. This is completely different than a zoo where you are just herded passed exhibits. That means that we have extra rules not only because we have strict regulations to follow from the USDA, but for the safety of our guests, our animals and also for the overall enjoyment of the group. If children are unable to stay calm inside habitats with incredible and socialized but still wild animals, or are unable to follow the rules to interact with animals, they and a parent will be asked to leave the habitat. We very rarely need to ask guests to step out – most children are highly motivated to stay interacting with these precious animals!
The Experiences are 4 – 5 hours long. This is an amazing amount of time to get to spend immersed in such unique sensory experiences and it is a goal to not rush through habitats; we strive to ensure that each guest gets to interact with the animals for the amount of time that feels right. The evening flows and is organic to each group. It can also be a very late night for some children.
We are not trying to discourage you from bringing your children. In fact, we hope you do and we look forward to hosting you and your family. The goal here is to help people manage their expectations. Children love the Dining and Wildlife Experiences and we love y’alls children – we just want everyone to be on the same page about what to expect.
How do I enter the Ranch?
If you are staying in one of our Airbnb suites, you were given a code you can input into the gate to enter the Ranch. Please proceed to the Welcome Center to be checked in.
Once you arrive at the gate you can text 808-295-5557 AND push the call button on the bottom left corner of the silver call box, and wait for our operator to open the gate. A guide will meet you at the Welcome Center to greet you, sign waivers, and park in our designated parking area.
Why can't I cancel or reschedule?
We are a small, private, family-owned facility. Each Dinner and Animal Experience, or Brunch and Animal Experience is a very limited booking with a maximum of 40 participants. We keep our experiences small and intimate so that the guest has the best experience, but also so that our animals do not get overwhelmed. Because we have very limited bookings, we count on you to keep your commitment to your reservation. We don't allow rescheduling because a last minute date change effectively holds 2 tables - the one you originally booked that we may not be able to resell, and your new date. You are getting a 2 for 1 deal in this instance! If life gets in the way of your booked experience, we recommend gifting it to someone who can attend.
I'm uncomfortable with some of the animals - do I have to participate?
No, you will not be forced to participate in anything you don't want to! It is quite common for guests to avoid our Ball Python, for example. You are welcome to sit out of an encounter that is not your cup of tea - though we do encourage people to challenge their fears! You may discover that some animals surprise you!
We have mobility aids - will this be an issue?
No! We have ramps into and out of the Whitehorse Restaurant, and our ranch is reasonably level. The ranch is unpaved though, so please be prepared for some gravel. We also offer guests rides on our golf carts if distances are too far.
Can we just come and look around?
No. We are regulated by the USDA and have strict regulations to follow about having guests on the property. We require reservations to have you on site.
Can I come early?
No. We are regulated by the USDA and have strict guidelines we have to follow regarding having people on the property. Please follow your given itinerary and arrive at your scheduled time.
Do I really get to hug a sloth?
Unless Mother Nature has other plans, Sir Winston the Sloth will absolutely be there - and yes, he is ready to give you one of his famous hugs during your animal encounter
What should I wear?
Please dress for the weather as we do the tour rain or shine. Closed-toe footwear are required. Tank tops are permitted, but please bring a light coverup for portions of the tour.
NOT permitted for the safety of the animals:
- perfumes
- scented or unscented lotions
- firearms or knives in habitats
- tobacco or vapes on tour
Please keep jewelry minimal. Please refrain from bringing bags and purses if possible. Sunscreen needs to be Reef Safe - please show your guide before application to ensure safety of the wildlife.
There will be no time to change clothes between the animal tour and dinner - the experience flows from one activity to the next.
Is the animal encounter included in the airbnb rental?
No. The animal encounter is not included in the Airbnb rate. The Airbnb fee covers your private cabin rental only. Animal experiences must be booked separately.
What do we do if it rains?
We do the tours rain or shine! Don't worry, the animals are unbothered by the rain and your interactions with them will be as wonderful as any other time. We have umbrellas, indoor habitats, and break up our schedule so guests don't spend too much time in the rain.
How do I book an experience?
Please book here