Hedrick Exotic Animal Farm
Nickerson, KS
- 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 Hedrick Exotic Animal Farm
4 confirmedMammals3
Feathers & Fangs from visitors
What people who've been to Hedrick Exotic Animal Farm 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 Hedrick Exotic Animal Farm
Hedrick Exotic Animal Farm is in Nickerson, Kansas, on Highway 96 west of Hutchinson. According to its website, the animal farm, its entertainment affiliate Hedrick's Promotions, Inc., and Hedrick's Bed and Breakfast Inn are all owned and operated by the Hedrick family. The farm is not accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Visit Hutch tourism site describes it as a place to meet exotic wildlife.
History
According to the website, the business is owned and operated by Joe and Sondra Hedrick, both native Kansas ranchers. Joe's years on the rodeo trail with specialty acts involving exotic animals eventually evolved into exotic animal breeding as Hedrick Exotic Animal Farm, Inc. The website says the farm was soon followed by Hedrick's Promotions, Inc., and that the bed and breakfast inn on the farm opened later.
Exhibits and habitats
The website describes zebras, camels, ostriches, giraffes, kangaroos and other exotic animals on the farm, along with domestic animals. Farm tours are walking tours of about one hour, led by staff, that take visitors into areas where they can touch the animals; the tour page says visitors can feed and pet kangaroos and get up close to the giraffe. The farm also offers camel rides, which it says are for riders from 1 to 99 with some restrictions, and pony rides for small children of 60 pounds and under.
Conservation and programs
The promotions division offers camel, ostrich, zebra and pig races and educational exotic animal exhibits at state fairs, along with petting zoos at fairs and events. The website lists family, group and school tours of the farm, along with bed and breakfast lodging, and says guests can meet and interact with the animals when they stay at the inn.
Planning your visit
The website directs visitors to call 1-888-489-8039 for the farm and bed and breakfast, and 1-800-618-9577 for events and racing. Tour and lodging details are on the farm's website.
What we haven't confirmed
Everything above came from public sources. These specifics we haven't stood behind yet:
- Public visiting hours
- Complete species list
- Parking
Hedrick Exotic Animal Farm compared with nearby zoos
How Hedrick Exotic Animal Farm lines up against the closest zoos we have details for — useful if you're deciding between them for the same day out.
| Zoo | Distance | Admission | Hours | Size | AZA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hedrick Exotic Animal FarmThis zooNickerson, KS | — | — | Open 7 days a week, January–December, guided tours by reservation only (call ahead). Tours ~1 hour walking. Office hours Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00–5:00 PM. | — | No |
| Hutchinson ZooHutchinson, KS | 11 mi | Free | 10am – 4:45pm | 9 acres | Yes |
| Great Bend ZooGreat Bend, KS | 41 mi | — | Daily 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (except Thanksgiving and Christmas). Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas. | — | No |
| Sedgwick County ZooWichita, KS | 46 mi | $28–$33 | Daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; onsite ticket sales end 4:00 PM. | — | Yes |
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
Hedrick Exotic Animal Farm: common questions
Where is Hedrick Exotic Animal Farm?
In Nickerson, Kansas, on Highway 96 west of Hutchinson.
Who runs it?
The website names Joe and Sondra Hedrick.
Does the farm travel to events?
Yes. Hedrick's Promotions offers races, exhibits and petting zoos at state fairs and events, according to the website.
Can visitors stay overnight?
The website lists a bed and breakfast inn and says guests can interact with animals during overnight stays.
Is it AZA accredited?
No.
Something wrong here? Tell us — we correct in place, with a dated note.