Hand Me Down Zoo
Winder, GA
- Admission
- —
- Accreditation
- None listed
not accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Everything below is directory information drawn from public sources and the zoo's own site.
Animals at Hand Me Down Zoo
We haven't confirmed this zoo's animal list yet.
Feathers & Fangs from visitors
What people who've been to Hand Me Down Zoo say
A Feather is something this zoo does well; a Fang is something it gets wrong. Left by people who've been, and read by us before they appear.
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About Hand Me Down Zoo
Hand Me Down Zoo is at 1056 Highway 211 NW in Winder, Georgia. Its website describes it as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides sanctuary for exotic animals and non-releasable state wildlife, with a focus on putting its animal community first alongside community outreach and education. It is not accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
History
The zoo's website describes a fire, which it dates only to the month of April, after which the original main building was demolished. Updates on the site say the main building is now running again with new enclosures, and that the zoo has reopened to the public for tours by appointment. The site credits a volunteer group of supporters, The Book Bunch, with organizing a 50/50 raffle after the fire; it says the proceeds paid for new enclosures for animals that lost their homes in the fire and for remaining medical costs.
Exhibits and habitats
The website names animals in connection with its traveling services rather than as a list of residents: kangaroos, lemurs, sheep and tortoises for its traveling petting zoo, and bunnies, lambs, wild cats and kangaroos for photography sessions. It says many of the animals it takes in come from homes with abuse or neglect.
Conservation and programs
On site, the zoo offers tours and encounters, party spaces, and classes and camps for all ages. Its educational initiatives include Kids Going Wild environmental programs built on core educational standards, pet ownership consultations, and education on sustainable ways to coexist with wildlife. Traveling services listed on the website include petting zoos, educational presentations covering five to ten species, mini presentation packages and film and photography sessions; rates are on the zoo's website. Donations are accepted through an Amazon wish list, Zelle, PayPal and mail, and the zoo states that tax receipts are provided.
Planning your visit
The website states that all tours and encounters are by appointment only and that the zoo does not take walk-ins. Appointments are booked through a Facebook booking tool or by phone at 706-429-4591, and the listed email is handmedownzoo@gmail.com. Ticket and program details are on the zoo's website.
What we haven't confirmed
Everything above came from public sources. These specifics we haven't stood behind yet:
- Tour length and times
- Complete species list
- Parking
Hand Me Down Zoo compared with nearby zoos
How Hand Me Down Zoo lines up against other zoos in the same state. We don't have coordinates for it yet, so these aren't ranked by distance.
| Zoo | Admission | Hours | Size | AZA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hand Me Down ZooThis zooWinder, GA | — | All tours and encounters by appointment only; no walk-ins. | — | No |
| Bear Hollow ZooAthens, GA | Free | Daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (inside Memorial Park, open 8 AM–sunset). | — | No |
| Chehaw ParkAlbany, GA | $8 | 8:00 am – 6:00 pm | 800 acres | No |
| Pettit Creek FarmsCartersville, GA | $14.95 | Pumpkin Fest Oct 1–31: Tue–Fri 2:30–6:00 PM; Sat–Sun 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (last hayride 5:30 PM); Oct 31 10 AM–4 PM. Closed Mondays. Oct 31 shortened hours (10 AM–4 PM). | — | No |
Distances are straight-line. A dash means we haven't confirmed that detail yet, not that the zoo lacks it.
AZAThe Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Accredited members have passed an independent inspection of animal care and welfare, safety, conservation and education, repeated every five years. Many smaller facilities never apply, so “not accredited” isn't a verdict on its own. What accreditation means · How we check this
Hand Me Down Zoo: common questions
Can visitors drop in without an appointment?
No. The website says it does not take walk-ins.
How are tours booked?
Through the zoo's Facebook booking tool or by calling 706-429-4591.
What kind of organization is it?
The website describes it as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit sanctuary for exotic and non-releasable wildlife.
Does the zoo travel?
Yes. The website lists traveling petting zoos and educational presentations.
Is it AZA accredited?
No.
Something wrong here? Tell us — we correct in place, with a dated note.