Grand Canyon Deer Farm

About Grand Canyon Deer Farm

Grand Canyon Deer Farm is a walk-through animal park at 6769 E Deer Farm Rd in Williams, Arizona. The park's website describes it as 10 acres located on a section of old Route 66, with a path around the park where visitors view animals and can walk among deer and feed them by hand. The deer farm is privately owned and, according to its website, is not supported by any municipal, state or federal funds. The site says ticket and store merchandise purchases go toward feed, veterinary care and animal care.

The website says that raising the animals from babies is what allows for close human contact, and describes the opportunity to get hands-on with the animals as the core of the visit. It is not accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

History

The deer farm's website says it has been providing an up-close experience with nature since 1969, and its home page says it has been enjoyed by animal lovers of all ages for over 50 years.

Exhibits and habitats

The park is laid out as a walking path through the 10 acres. The home page names wallabies, coatimundi, bison and peacocks, and says there is more. It also mentions an umbrella cockatoo named Mozart and goats that visitors can pet.

The FAQ page lists the animals as fallow deer, sika deer, mule deer, coues deer, reindeer, elk, bison, African crested porcupines, wallabies, Patagonian cavies, miniature horses, miniature donkeys, alpacas, coatimundis, peacocks, talking birds and a zonkey. The interactive program page also mentions pot-bellied pigs.

Feeding is a central part of the visit. Animal feed is available for purchase at the gift shop counter, and the FAQ says outside food is not permitted with the animals, citing USDA guidelines. The site recommends casual clothing because animals chew on clothes, shoelaces and hats, and encourages cameras and video cameras.

Conservation and programs

The deer farm offers two paid programs, each described on its own page.

The Interactive Program is described as a 15-minute up-close experience in which guests feed animals their favorite treats and learn facts about them. The page says participants can touch animals, watch them hop or climb, have photos taken by the keeper, and learn some animal handling skills. Sessions are led by a wildlife biologist or keeper. Four options are listed: wallabies, open to any age; African crested porcupines, for ages 8 and up; miniature horses, for ages 8 and up; and pot-bellied pigs, open to any age. Closed-toed shoes are recommended because clothing may get muddy.

The Zoo Keeper Program is a one-hour session offered in morning or afternoon slots, with only one or two people per date and time. The program page describes participants helping with diet preparation, feeding, creating enrichment toys, learning handling skills, and grooming or exercising miniature horses, with exclusive access to animal exhibits. It is designed for ages 10 and up, with some exceptions, and the sign-up form allows a second child as young as 6 to be scheduled at the same time. Participants work under a qualified professional zoo keeper and staff. Children under 18 must arrive with a parent or guardian to read and sign paperwork. The page lists items to bring, including closed-toed shoes, pants, a hat, a water bottle and a camera, plus sunscreen and sunglasses in summer or gloves and warm clothing in winter.

Planning your visit

As listed on the deer farm's website, summer hours run March 16 through October 15, daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, and winter hours run October 16 through March 15, daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. The FAQ adds that winter hours are weather permitting, that Christmas Eve hours are 10 AM to 3 PM, and that the park is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The website lists the phone number (928) 635-4073 for more information.

The park is off Interstate 40 at exit 171, Deer Farm Road, between Flagstaff and Williams. The directions page says to take exit 171 about 25 miles west of Flagstaff or 8 miles east of Williams, then follow Deer Farm Rd to the parking area. The FAQ says the parking area can accommodate buses, RVs, trucks and other large vehicles.

The FAQ recommends a visit of at least one hour and says guests may stay until closing and may leave and return with their receipt. Five picnic tables sit outside under pine trees for guests. Visitors are asked not to throw rocks, grab or chase animals, or make loud abrupt noises, and may be asked to leave if disrespectful of the animals. Glass bottles, fountain drinks, straws, balloons and other plastic are not allowed outdoors. The site states that there are no refunds because of inclement weather. On service dogs, the FAQ says they may be prohibited where they could contact animals, citing Arizona law. Ticket prices and rates are on the deer farm's website.