2710 N. Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402. We do not allow the otters to be restrained, both for the safety of you and our otters. The guests were able to swim among two otters, Otto and Sweetpea, who loved to play-fight each other. You can find us hanging out with our Mustang friends. A top priority is to ensure our animal ambassadors are safe and secure at all times. We love to be out and about in Austin and are always looking for fun things to do with the family. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. If swimming with otters isn't your thing; they offer other services there including: Renting out cabins so you can have a getaway for a weekend Dining with the giraffes The Safari Ranch where people can see the other animals there like kangaroos, donkeys, emus & cows You can even plan your wedding there if you want. Mini donkeys will come right up to your back porch! Be Bound By, Weird & Wonderful Places to Stay in Texas, Your Austin To-Do List: Best May Family Events, Where to Rent Kayaks, Canoes & SUPs on Lady Bird Lake, The Best Family-Friendly Breweries Around Austin, Summertime Green: Great Spots for Teens to Work in Austin. Because of this, the otters have quickly become the most popular guests at the resort. I am the mom to all the animals that live in and around the house. The Blue Hills Ranch & Resort has a variety of accommodations for overnight guests, including animal and pirate themed cabins which range in price from $100-$500 per night. We get visitors from all across the country for this experience. Gibbons, eagles, elephants, giraffes, black bears, orangutans, komodo dragons, and big cats are only a few of the animals you'll see at this beautiful zoo in Waco, Texas. With realistic plants and scenery, several swimming areas, and even a slide, these otters have every opportunity to get wet and wild. "TikTok has definitely been a big help as far as advertisement wise," property manager Skylar Lightfood said back in April of last year. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Cameron Park Zoo is known for its lush, natural habitats that give visitors close-up views of its exotic inhabitants. All your money goes toward caring for the animals here! @readysetjetset said in thecaption. We are native to Europe. Monique Welch was an engagement reporter for the Houston Chronicle. We watch over the cattle and the baby calves, and stand guard to let the other animals know if we see any possible trouble. They turned two years old in March and are Asian small-claw otters, the smallest of all the otter species: they weigh just 10 pounds. Blue Hills Ranch & Giraffe Sanctuary in McGregor, TX features 150 acres of beautiful land with rolling hills, ponds, and endless sunset views where a wide variety of animals roam freely. Along your journey, the zoo has many play areas for kids, including a splash pad open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. This enrichment is vital to engage these smart and active otters both mentally and physically. The Capital of Texas Zoo is one of Greater Austin's and Bastrop's most exciting adventures! Start your zoo journey by visiting and exploring Gibbon Island and Lemur Island. I would recommend that anyone check out this place for a great family or group event. We are called British Whites, better known as the Mickey Mouse cows. We are going to be about 150 lbs each. 6 Best Weekend Getaways in Texas for National Park Adventures, Luxury Resorts, and Small-town Charm, This California Destination Is the 8th Largest City in the U.S. and It's Home to Casual Beach Towns, Family Theme Parks, and Beautiful Golf Courses, 10 Family-friendly U.S. I am Google, the 1 year old giraffe who follows in Blue's footsteps, learning all about Blue Hills Ranch. The resort offers encounters with other animals like giraffes, and camels but the otters are what's made them famous. All reschedules must be done 14 days prior to the reservation. Otters are very playful creatures. We love our treats and want you to come say hello. Tel: 225-286-3003 Ext 2. Watch these entertaining primates play and communicate! An animal guide will be there to answer questions during your hands-on wildlife experience. The BSR Cable Park is home to the longest lazy river in the world. The animal sanctuary/resort/wedding venue allows guests to swim in a heated hot tub with two otters adorably named Otto and Sweet Pea for about an hour, the San Antonio Express-News reports. "They're warmer climate," Lightfoot said. Another popular place to swim in Waco is the BSR Cable Park. We were the first two exotic animals here at the sanctuary. See more of Waco, TX Local - News Break on Facebook. Head to Blue Hills Ranch, just 15 minutes outside of Waco, and you can look forward to the most unique animal experiences in the state. Spanning 150 acres in McGregor, Texas, Blue Hills is an animal sanctuary that doubles as a cabin/RV resort and wedding venue. Otter Creek is home to three North American River Otters: Merlin, Arthur, and Fisher. At the Otter Mill, children can swim with the otters by sliding through the exhibit down a built-in slide. Our favorite game is hide and seek. It's no wonder it's one of the top things to do in Waco! This is a carousel. Blue Hills Ranch is a 150 acres animal sanctuary in McGregor, Texas with activities and facilities such as an RV resort, cabin rentals, animal encounters (giraffes, zebras, mini cows, pigs, kangaroos, you name it! Blue Hills Ranch & Giraffe Sanctuary in McGregor, TX features 150 acres of beautiful land with rolling hills, ponds, and endless sunset views where a wide variety of animals roam freely. The Brazos River Country Exhibit features native species and the history of the Brazos River Basin. Katharine Morris is using her environmental activism to raise awareness about public health and the local ecosystem in her neighborhood. Otters We are Asian small-clawed otters, donated in March 2020 and are as cute as can be! We will see you before you see us. The BSR Cable Park. This is the only place in Texas and one of six opportunities in the country to swim with these cute creatures. A native Baltimorean and previous Tampa resident, Monique joined the Chronicle in the summer of 2021 after nearly four years at the Tampa Bay Times where she worked on all things digital, launched the newspaper's first race and identity newsletter, Regarding Race, and covered local news. River otters are native to Texas, but because of the demand for pelts back in the 19th century, followed by habitat loss and water quality degradation, otters were virtually wiped out except in . It's the only place in the state and just one of six spots in the. I was named after a special little boy named Corbin "James" who is our favorite visitor here. Come spend 20 minutes swimming and interacting with our baby otters, Kumo and Okami, The world's smartest baby otters! Then visit the South America exhibit and see capybara, sun conures, king vultures, squirrel monkeys, giant Galapagos tortoises, scarlet ibis, sloths, and other South American animals. 129 talking about this. No smoking or open flames on Ranch property, Outside animals are not allowed outside RV Area, Children under 18 years of agemust be accompanied by an adult at all times, Wild animals are present, death or injury can occur, Liability Waiver must be signed by all visitors prior to entering the Ranch. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. "Our priority is the safety and care of the animals.". We had to use our portable ramp a couple of times but she had a blast. Come help bottle feed our 2 newest residents, baby camels! Come To Texas. Here, you'll encounter lions, giraffes, elephants, white rhinos, and meerkats. No exceptions! We are proud to be one of a select few zoological facilities in the US that offer otter swims. What a very cool family sleepover! We are the newest puppies to the mix at the ranch. I was named after Tonkawa Falls in Crawford, TX. I was born in Texas but grew up in California, but I am for sure the Princess of the ranch. They're also spoiled so they have to have that perfect temperature," Lightfoot said. These tours are private per family so youre not mixed in with a big group. Headless Animals Repeatedly Dumped In Houston Neighborhood, Houston Black and Hispanic Neighborhoods Fight Back Against Concrete Pollution. The installation offers 60-minute exclusive tours of up to six people that let them see and interact with animals like giraffes, kangaroos, mini donkeys, zebras, cows, deer, emus, and more. 2. If you wish to get a more up-close and personal experience you can book extra animal encounters with the giraffes, kangaroo, or mini cows, bison and camel, or an adorable duo of Saint Bernard puppies. Log In. You can actually swim with otters in Texas and TikTok is officially obsessed. The King. Swim with otters at Blue Hills Ranch near Waco, Texas! Luke, Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Captain Hook, Wendy, Darling,Wheelie. Giraffes maybe separatedfor safety during spring and summer time. Come and watch our swimming skills while we eat our favorite treat - fish popsicles! This month, a family of otters at the Lake Waco Wetlands has been getting some public attention, thanks to photos posted online by Lake Waco Park Ranger Mike Champagne and veteran local wildlife . A womans gym mystery catches the attention of a famous author. In 2000 we were considered extinct by the IUCN. The Asian Forest is also home to Sumatran tigers where you can watch these big cats roam their forested habitat. If you're interested in swimming with Otto and Sweet Pea, you must be at least 12 years old and your group must make a reservation. A Chronicle investigation reveals the extent of the ballot paper shortage in Harris County's November election, including how the shortages could impact the future of Texas' election laws. Reservations can only be made up to a month in advance as the property often hosts weddings. It's the only place in the state and just one of six spots in the country where visitors can swim with otters, according to property manager Skylar Lightfoot. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You have entered an incorrect email address! The resort offers a special dinner with Giraffes, which lasts one hour and includes a full menu of wine, salad, charcuterie board, and dessert. Coupled with a wedding / event venue and adventures it makes for the perfect destination to stay or just come for the day. If you scratch our belly we will roll over. Business is booming for Waco-area animal sanctuary, Blue Hills Ranch, thanks to a viral TikTok of one of their most popular attractions: swimming with otters.