Barn Hill Preserve Is A Louisiana Haven For The World's Coolest Creatures
By Sarah McCosham|Published June 14, 2022
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
The world is a wide and wonderful place, and the cohabitation of humans and animals is a beautiful thing. It’s a symbiotic relationship that must be handled with care, and there’s no better way to foster an appreciation of the natural world than a visit to a nature preserve or animal sanctuary. And in Ethel, Louisiana, Barn Hill Preserve is one such sanctuary that’s doing great things for the world’s most marvelous creatures.
What began as a mere seed of passion for animals and education has blossomed into a thriving haven for exotic animals, conservation initiatives, and educational programs. Barn Hill Preserve has, among other things, put the small town of Ethel, Louisiana, on the map as a place for fascinating animal interactions, world-class education, and high-level conservation efforts that extend far beyond its grounds.
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Barn Hill Preserve is a 13-acre oasis that's home to more than 150 amazing animals, some of which you've undoubtedly never seen in Louisiana before.
Reticulated giraffes, zebra, striped hyenas, African penguins, sloths, otters, and kangaroos; Barn Hill is unlike any other animal preserve in the country.
Barn Hill is owned and operated by John "Gabe" Ligon, a native of Clinton, Louisiana, with a big heart for all the creatures of the animal kingdom. With Ligon at the helm, Barn Hill creates personalized and engaging experiences that ignite a lifelong passion for wildlife and conservation among all who visit.
Hunter Hullett, Barn Hill's Director, adds that the preserve fulfills its mission in myriad ways, from "providing superior animal care and natural exhibitry" to "creating personal connections between people and animals [through vehicles such as] outreach programs."
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Because in a larger, bigger-picture sense, education really is the key to fighting all sorts of conflicts and indifference. When we understand something, we care. It's as simple as that.
"Our goal here at Barn Hill Preserve is to educate the public about animals and the issues facing them in the wild," explains Ligon, who adds that in doing so, an appreciation and relationship with nature is fostered and fed.
But it's not just about the animals; it's about the place. The state of Louisiana is near and dear to Ligon's heart, and he's proud to be a cornerstone of the Ethel community, by "providing jobs and opportunities to people and by increasing the number of people that visit our small town."
"Being the only tourism facility [...] was rough starting out," says Ligon, "but now it’s rewarding to see tens of thousands of visitors seek out a small rural town that had never 'been on the map.'"
Another feature that sets Barn Hill Preserve apart from typical "zoos" is its commitment to the animals' well being and care. Explains Hullett: "We are unique in our area due to the nature of our tours. Unlike your typical zoo, we are not open for general admission daily."
Hullett adds that Barn Hill only offers guided tours; these are scheduled events in which the preserve's highly trained tour guides educate guests about each animal that calls Barn Hill home. These tours are worth seeking out, however, as they provide opportunities for animal interactions that are unrivaled -- and fun. "During the tour, guests interact with our ambassador animals and [can even] feed a two-toed sloth!" Hullett says. "We are the only facility in the state that offers otter and penguin swims as well."
Because guess what? Animals *are* fun. And learning is always more effective when it's fun. Not only does Barn Hill Preserve make the wild world accessible, they make it fun, too, through events such as giraffe picnics, kangaroo yoga, and "Sips with Sloths," a wine tasting night with the preserve's irresistibly charming slow-moving mammals.
Looking ahead, Ligon says he plans to open Barn Hill's Safari Park to the public in the next year. This new experience sits on 90 acres along the scenic Comite River and is unlike any other animal encounter in the state!
But despite future plans for big growth and goals, the mission of Barn Hill Preserve will always remain at the heart of everything they do: education, conservation, interaction, and love.
And that's exactly what's happening at Barn Hill Preserve in Ethel, Louisiana.
Many thanks to Hunter Hullett and Gabe Ligon for sharing the story and mission of this amazing animal refuge in Ethel, Louisiana. Learn more about Barn Hill Preserve at its website, Facebook, and Instagram pages, and find this one-of-a-kind attraction at 11342 LA-955, Ethel, LA, 70730.
Of course, Barn Hill Preserve is just one of the many small businesses affecting positive change in Louisiana; please nominate your favorite attractions and businesses for a chance to be featured in an upcoming Only In North Carolina article. And be sure to follow Only In Louisiana on Facebook and Instagram to learn about the Bayou State’s most incredible places, attractions, and events.
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