Sometimes you find a place so special that you just want to tell the world, and that’s how we feel about Barn Hill Preserve. This incredible animal sanctuary in the middle of nowhere is fun for the whole family and easily worth a road trip from any corner of the state. Gas up the car, because not only will you get the chance to interact with some truly special exotic animals, you can even play with sloths in Louisiana right here!

Tucked away in the unincorporated community of Ethel, Louisiana lies a hidden gem that might just be the most incredible place in the Bayou State.
Google Maps
For animal lovers, this East Feliciana Parish animal sanctuary is an absolute paradise and must be sent be believed.
Established in 2012, Barn Hill Preserve might just be the best-kept secret in Louisiana.
Jacob Miller/Google
There are seven acres of sweeping landscape peppered with fascinating exotic animals that you rarely get to see so close. Sounds incredible, right?
Barn Hill Preserve takes a hand-on approach to animal education, preservation, and conservation.
Mike Brannin/Google
During your guided walking tour, the knowledgeable guides will show you around the beautiful property and introduce you to all of the animals that call the area home.
Kids and adults of all ages will have a blast getting up close and personal with these animals.
Daniel Hill/Google
Tortoises, kangaroos, woolly opossums, skinks, bearded dragons, and sugar sliders are just a few of the animals at the preserve.
As part of your guided walking tour, you’ll also get a chance to meet the ambassadors!
Barn Hill Preserve/Facebook
This fun-filled part of the tour allows you to meet their adorable animal ambassadors including kangaroo joeys, baby anteaters, and even sloths!

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That’s right! You get to lounge around with sloths!
Barn Hill Preserve/Facebook
What a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
They’ll place one of these beauties right on your lap.
Barn Hill Preserve/Facebook
You’ll quickly fall in love with these chill creatures.
As you’re walking around, be sure to keep your eyes to the sky. You might just see one of these brightly colored birds fly overhead.
Barn Hill Preserve/Facebook
Barn Hill Preserve’s macro rescue program takes in dozens of macaws that can no longer be cared for by their owners.
These free-flying birds can live up to 80 years!
Barn Hill Preserve/Facebook
And Barn Hill is dedicated to providing them with a forever home with ample space for them to fly around.
After you’ve lounged with sloths, fed kangaroos and admired macaws, change into your bathing suit and swim with otters.
Barn Hill Preserve/Facebook
The fun never ends at Barn Hill Preserve. Otter swim tours are a truly unique experience and you’ll get to swim around with these playful creatures for a whimsical adventure that you won’t ever forget.
Barn Hill Preserve is available for tours seven days a week.
Barn Hill Preserve/Facebook
Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. & 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Reservations are required, so be sure to schedule your appointment in advance because their tours do sell out! For more information about animal encounters, tours, field trips, and special event bookings, be sure to check out their website and give them a follow on Facebook.

Have you ever been to Barn Hill Preserve? If you enjoy animal encounters like this, you’ll love this Louisiana zoo that’s been rated one of the best in the country.

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More to Explore

Play With Sloths In Louisana

Leah | April 23, 2021

What other animal encounters in Louisiana can I have?

The Barn Hill Preserve in Louisiana isn't the only place in the state with cool animal encounters. The Insta-Gator Ranch and Hatchery in Covington, Louisiana has over 2,000 alligators to help conserve species in the area. When you visit, you can hold a real alligator - talk about a cool photo opportunity! If you enjoy the idea of encountering butterflies and other creepy crawlies, the Audubon Butterfly Garden & Insectarium in New Orleans is perfect. You'll learn all about all kinds of insects and be able to see them up close and personal.

What are the most unique things to do in Louisiana?

There are tons of opportunities to have unique experiences in Louisiana that are similar to animal encounters. You can have a sort of unusual animal-themed visit to Rayne, Louisiana, which touts itself as the "Frog Capital of the World." This quirky town has a variety of frog murals and frog statues. Perhaps you might even see a real frog hopping about! You can see Louisiana's local wildlife when you visit the Jean Lafitte Bataria Preserve and explore the swamp. Don't be surprised if you see gators up close while riding on a pontoon.

Are there any other zoos in Louisana?

Louisiana is a great place for those who love seeing exotic animals and learn about conservation. Some of the zoos in the state are rated as some of the best in the country. The Baton Rouge Zoo in Baton Rouge, Louisiana has a variety of species from around the world. The Zoosiana, located in Broussard, Louisiana is a unique zoo with over 100 species of animals. Their large free-range savannah habitat has a train ride you can experience it from. The memories you'll make will certainly last, no matter what age you are. Families will love a visit to either of these spots, and they make perfect day trip destinations.

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Featured Addresses
Barn Hill Preserve, 11342 LA-955, Ethel, LA 70730, USA