Canton Grand Safari Adventure

About Canton Grand Safari Adventure

Canton Grand Safari Adventure is a zoo on Farm to Market Road 1255 in Grand Saline, Texas. It describes itself as an independent East Texas zoo that emphasizes hands-on animal experiences, and states its philosophy as the idea that people connect differently with animals when they can experience them up close. Its stated mission is "Care, Conservation, Adventure," built around guided, hands-on experiences meant to create meaningful connections between people and animals.

The zoo's about page says its CEO, Monique, bought a zoo to share a lifelong love of animals with others. The page also names Kevin Nye as operations manager and Kylee as director of animal care and husbandry. The zoo is not accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

History

According to the about page, what began as a passion for wildlife has grown into a place where families, friends and animal lovers can learn. The page describes the staff's paths to the zoo: Monique's background includes dog rescue work, Kevin Nye grew up around parrots and other exotic birds at his grandmother's exotic bird refuge, and Kylee bought animals from the facility before joining the staff.

Exhibits and habitats

General admission, as described on the zoo's admission page, covers access to the entire zoo and safari grounds for the day, with the chance to view more than 140 exotic animals, along with educational exhibits and animal presentations. The page also notes opportunities to buy feed and add encounters beyond standard admission.

The zoo's about page says the collection includes roughly 100 monkeys, and its encounters and photos feature sloths, otters, lemurs, peacocks and alligators. The homepage names a pair of spotted hyenas, Shenzi and Banzai, and mentions bears among the residents.

Conservation and programs

Animal encounters are the zoo's main add-on program. The website lists a sloth encounter, an otter encounter, a monkey encounter, a lemur encounter and a VIP all-access encounter package. Evening events include Safari After Hours, and the hours page lists an Adult's Night on the first Saturday of each month and a Family Night on the third Saturday of each month. The hours page also lists a program called Zoo To You.

Group offerings include birthday and party packages (Basic, Standard Party, Deluxe Birthday Party, Ultimate Birthday Safari and Birthday Takeover Experience) and field trip packages. The FAQ says the zoo accommodates birthdays, corporate events, field trips and church groups.

Planning your visit

The zoo's hours page says summer hours are in effect through the first week of November and that the zoo is closed to general admission on Tuesdays, while VIP appointments, private parties, field trips and special events continue by reservation. Daily opening and closing times are listed through the zoo's hours page and calendar. Ticket prices and encounter pricing are on the zoo's website.

The FAQ recommends reservations to ensure availability, and bookings can be made online or by contacting the zoo. It suggests comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and a camera, says photography is encouraged unless otherwise noted, and describes the experiences as designed for guests of all ages. The zoo's phone number is 903-962-5630.