George Washington was thought to be the first American to have Fallow Deer. This Texas ranch resort lets you swim with otters in a hot tub and is a 3-hour road trip from Houston. We came to the ranch fall of 2021 from the ranges of Utah and Nevada. A womans gym mystery catches the attention of a famous author. The resort offers encounters with other animals like giraffes, and camels but the otters are what's made them famous. The resort highly encourages booking in advance, as dates have begun to fill up as word of the otter swim gains popularity. SWIM WITH THE OTTERS now available at Capital of Texas Zoo!!! Katharine Morris is using her environmental activism to raise awareness about public health and the local ecosystem in her neighborhood. Outdoors: Wild life the otter side of the story - WacoTrib.com The King. Business is booming for Blue Hills Ranch, thanks to a viral TikTok of one of their most popular attractions: swimming with otters. for the whole 60 minutes, the giraffes do also eat from trees during adventure. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. Do512 Family is all about what to do in Austin with kids. The Asian Forest is also home to Sumatran tigers where you can watch these big cats roam their forested habitat. According toHow Stuff Works, Playtime ranks at the bottom of adult otters priorities, and the mustelids must ensure that theyve satisfied their basic necessities of nutrition and shelter first. 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. Guests must be age 12 or older and all animal encounters are a private VIP experience, meaning appointments are required, according to Blue Hills' website. Nurtured by Nature - California. Swims are operated daily from 2pm to 5pm, and reservations are required. There's a ranch near Waco where you can swim with otters during their playtime | All your money goes towards caring for the animals here! 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. Railbiking Is a New Adventurous Way to Experience Train Travel Here Are the Best Places to Try It in the U.S. 5 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for the Ultimate Care-Free Vacation, 11 European Castles to Spend the Night Like a Royal, 15 Trips You Need to Take as Soon as You Retire, 11 Most Beautiful Lakes in the United States, 10 Farm Stays in the U.S. to Get in Touch With Nature and Animals, 50 Best Romantic Getaways for a Couples Trip, 12 Best Caribbean Islands for Couples Who Want White Sand, Gourmet Food, and Private Resorts, Can't-miss Places to Visit in Australia, According to Australians. Visitors also have the chance to participate in giraffe feedings during select times throughout the week. Travel blogger @readysetjetset stopped by Blue Hills Ranch, a 150-acre giraffe and animal . Classic Waco Tour: Best Sites & TV highlights in Waco 2,184 Recommended Bus Tours from $78.00 per adult Amazing Brazos River Sunset Boat Adventure in Waco Texas 20 Recommended Water Tours from $59.00 per adult Waco Wine Tours 13 Recommended from $119.00 per adult Ghost Maker Tour in Georgetown: Adults Only 11 Recommended Walking Tours from $23.95 2019 Do512 Family. 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. Swim with otters in Texas: TikTok loves this animal sanctuary - In The Know Please enable Javascript in your browser settings. Lake Whitney State Park. Start your zoo journey by visiting and exploring Gibbon Island and Lemur Island. You'll feel as though you've. Blue Hills Ranch is home to other animals, including mini horses, camels, zebras, bison, kangaroos, emus and mini Scottish highland cows. Otters exhibit a characteristic love of playtime. The BSR Cable Park is home to the longest lazy river in the world. It's the only place in the state and just one of six spots in the. Ranches to Experience the Great Outdoors, Take Glamping to the Next Level With These Airstream Airbnb Trailers, The 17 Best Trips Our Travel Editors Took This Year, 10 Adults-only All-inclusive Resorts Around the World. Warm waters are where these otters thrive, so you can expect the hot tub to be about 85 to 90 degrees. See more of Waco, TX Local - News Break on Facebook. We were donated in March of 2021 and we patrol the fence line. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You have entered an incorrect email address! I grew up in California before moving to Texas. You can actually swim with otters in Texas and TikTok is officially obsessed. The ranch offers visitors a chance to stay in its cabins, where guests can pay$200 per personto experience the otter swim service. Fish popsicles and shrimp treats are their faves if youre lucky, they may offer toys to you and share their mischievous energy. Inside Wacos Cameron Park, you'll find a place where the wild things are Cameron Park Zoo. We enjoy welcoming new visitors coming into the ranch. The Blue Hills Ranch Resort, north of Austin, provides a variety of animal excursions including swim time with two adorable otters. At the Otter Mill, children can swim with the otters by sliding through the exhibit down a built-in slide. There are thought to be 50,000 of us in India and 35,000 of us in Texas. We were rescued November of 2021. The guests were able to swim among two otters, Otto and Sweetpea, who loved to play-fight each other. What the heck is Swig, and why are the lines for it so long? 2710 N. Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402. While in the pool, you are an observer. Log In. A Few Places To Swim With Otters - CelestialPets Otter Encounter: An Unforgettable Experience with Otters My party of 5 did two otter swims, five encounter tours, and five sipping with sloths. We do not allow the otters to be restrained, both for the safety of you and our otters. Swim with otters at Blue Hills Ranch near Waco, Texas! What is the song 'car dragon' on TikTok and where did it come from? The Capital of Texas Zoo is one of Greater Austin's and Bastrop's most exciting adventures! 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. 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. You can swim with otters on Blue Hills Ranch, Texas, outside of Waco. Spanning 150 acres in McGregor, Texas, Blue Hills is an animal sanctuary that doubles as a cabin/RV resort and wedding venue. I thought you might be interested in this story from the Tour Texas web site: Get your copy of the Texas State Travel Guide, the comprehensive guide to all that the Lone Star State has to offer. Swim with otters at Blue Hills Ranch near Waco, Texas! The otters and the kids will all have a wonderful time! If otters aren't your thing, you can also come face to face with giraffes and camels. We are called British Whites, better known as the Mickey Mouse cows. 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. Just 20 minutes east of downtown Austin, the Zoo is home to over 500 rare and beautiful wild animals. The prices are definitely worth it. Otter Swims | Barn Hill Preserve You can also stop for a meal at one of the two cafes and visit the Zootique Gift Shop for all of your souvenir and gift giving needs. With realistic plants and scenery, several swimming areas, and even a slide, these otters have every opportunity to get wet and wild. The video received over 2.6 million views on TikTok . Take a ride with us and see all our animal families, including our free-roaming cows, deer, emus and more. Texas ranch lets you swim with otters, 3-hour road trip from Houston All your money goes toward caring for the animals here! @readysetjetset said in thecaption. Tel: 225-286-3003 Ext 2. The video received over 2.6 million views on TikTok. The other animals don't know it, but we pretty much run the place. RELATED: Otters take rare swim near downtown portion of Buffalo Bayou after Tropical Storm Nicholas. 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. The otters quickly became one of the resort's most popular attractions. Every effort will be made to get great pictures including going over time limit if needed. I was named after Tonkawa Falls in Crawford, TX. Gypsy, Mia, Cash, Misty, Lightning, Smokey, Cisco, Junior, Spirit. The Barn Hill Preserve is one of only a few zoos in the United States that allows otter swims. We are Asian small-clawed otters, donated in March 2020 and are as cute as can be! Animal lovers who are looking to get up close and personal with wildlife are in for an otterly awesome treat at this Texas ranch and resort. based upon weather conditions and safety of giraffes). Coupled with a wedding / event venue and adventures it makes for the perfect destination to stay or just come for the day. Loved our visit, and thanks to the staff. Our otters enjoy meeting new people, they look forward to swimming and interacting with you. I am still learning all the new sounds and smells of the different animals. A top priority is to ensure our animal ambassadors are safe and secure at all times. Otters exhibit a characteristic love of playtime. Resort | Weddings | Cabins & RVs | Animal Encounters | Texas They are both beautiful and comfortable and allow you to experience the ranch in such a unique way. The experience is only available to those 12 and over, with a minimum of two participants and maximum of six people per swim. Experience being a part of their playground and share in food time fun. This is the only place in Texas and one of six opportunities in the . Perhaps thats why otters who live in zoo habitats goof off so much., Simple sidewalk chalk obstacle course is the perfect activity for bored toddlers. Blue Hills Ranch inside of a 150 acre Giraffe & Animal Sanctuary. 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. The guests were able to swim among two otters, Otto and Sweetpea, who loved to play-fight each other. Tickets will sell out quickly, so reserve yours today! Next, slither over to the Herpetarium and get cozy with the snakes, reptiles, and amphibians that inhabit rainforests and deserts before taking a safari across the African Savanna. Of course a big thanks to all the animals. All rights reserved. Lisa may come up to say hi while I stand back and be her watch guard. 38. They weigh no more than eight to 10 pounds and measure up to two feet in length. An animal guide will be there to answer questions during your hands-on wildlife experience. 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. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. Wanna Swim With Otters In A - Waco, TX Local - Facebook At Blue Hills Ranch, located just outside of Waco, you can do just that! Cameron Park Zoo is known for its lush, natural habitats that give visitors close-up views of its exotic inhabitants. Swim and Play With the Most Adorable Otters at This Texas Ranch Blue Hills Ranch is approximately 20 miles from Waco and offers a unique safari getaway where visitors can swim with otters, feed giraffes, observe donkeys and zebras and more. We help our zebras stand guard and protect our other animals from any harm, but we will also seek, Bonnie, Clyde, Monica, Ross, Chandler, Phoebe, Emma, Joey. We will have 2 bottles available to bottle feed our 1 humped friends. If you have $200 burning a hole in your pocket, why not use it to swim with otters? The otters looked happy to interact with the women as they excitedly scurried around them. I am the baby of the mini cows. Mini donkeys will come right up to your back porch! Texas ranch lets you swim with otters in a hot tub There are three color variations of fallow; white, tan with white spots, and brownish in color almost to the point of being black. Come swim and play with our Asian Small-clawed Otter water sausages, Otto and Sweet Pea, in their private hot tub! Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Max 6 people (lap riding is OK) 12 months of age and under free 60 minutes Rates $50 per person (March 1 - Nov 30) LEARN MORE BOOK NOW Otter adventure With realistic plants and scenery, several swimming areas, and even a slide, these otters have every opportunity to get wet and wild. Otto & Sweet Pea Zebras We are the official "Guards" of Blue Hills Ranch. I am the newest mini cow, and I am a Belted Galloway. If you scratch our belly we will roll over. Offers may be subject to change without notice. The 3-year-old small-clawed otters, the smallest of the otter species, were donated by a couple from California. In cases of inclement weather, tickets may be rescheduled. People really love it. We are a type of Antelope native to India. We are all named after Disney characters. They are semi-aquatic animals, and they are well adapted to life on both land and in water, like rivers, streams, freshwater wetlands, and the sea. Immediately following the tour you will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of reptiles, mammals, and even a sloth! My favorite treat thus far is carrots. This is the only place in Texas and one of six opportunities in the country to swim with these cute creatures. Swims are operated daily from 2pm to 5pm, and reservations are required. 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. 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. 11 Amazing Kid Friendly Weekend Getaways in Texas - 365 Traveler Headless Animals Repeatedly Dumped In Houston Neighborhood, Houston Black and Hispanic Neighborhoods Fight Back Against Concrete Pollution. Explore the biodiversity of Texas when you step into the Brazos River Country. As of May 2021, we implemented a price increase on all of our otter swim tickets. We use a state-of-the-art saltwater pool system that is temperature-controlled for both guest's and the otter's comfort level no matter the time of year. Just 15 minutes outside of Waco Texas sits our beautiful 150 acres of. They can be seen from multiple perspectives, whether performing their graceful underwater maneuvers or just napping in the sun after a long swim. "They're warmer climate. Email: office@barnhillpreserve.com Devices like puzzles, palm fronds, coconuts, and Frisbees encourage the otters natural behaviors and give Merlin, Arthur, and Fisher a chance to explore their environment, solve problems, and make decisions. Because of this, the otters have quickly become the most popular guests at the resort. 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. If you see us, we will go hide again, because you are always "it". You certainly dont have to book an overnight to have a wonderful experience at Blue Hills Ranch. We are a little shy but getting better at letting you see us. All otter swim encounter tours include the full Barn Hill encounter tour and petting zoo experience prior to the swim. Just outside of Waco, TX sits the perfect destination for animal-lovers to meet giraffes, zebras, kangaroo, lemurs, otters, horses, mini cows, and more. I used to live inside the farmhouse but now I hop around the barn yard. Come help bottle feed our 2 newest residents, baby camels! You've probably heard about swimming with dolphins, but what about swimming with otters? The swim with otters have become popular on social media, and the Ranchs Instagram shows adorable videos of the otters interacting with staff and guests.If swimming with otters isnt quite your speed, the resort has other unique animal experiences. Come To Texas. This enrichment is vital to engage these smart and active otters both mentally and physically. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. The owners of Blue Hills Ranch have lots of cool plans in store for the near future including the addition of an RV Resort and some awesome new pirate-themed cabins coming soon. 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. I am a Dromedary Camel and my color is very rare. This is a carousel. The 60 minute swim time costs $200 per person. These tours are private per family so youre not mixed in with a big group. Press Enter / Return to begin your search. We get visitors from all across the country for this experience. The entire experience was AMAZING! Our trainers interact with our otters and provide them with enrichment to keep them physically and psychologically healthy. My mom is my guide to the world and is very protective of me. There are about 50 of us at Blue Hills Ranch. TikTok is obsessed with this Texas animal sanctuary that lets - Yahoo Cuddle Up With Otters At This Wild Texas AirBnB - Secret Houston The animals play with their food, slide to amuse themselves, and, yes, like to wrestle. At the Otter Mill, children can swim with the otters by sliding through the exhibit down a built-in slide. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. One of the best places to swim with the otters, this swim with otters San Diego cove is a fun weekend outing for the family, and goes above and beyond as far as options to do once you arrive are concerned.