Sharkarosa Zoo

About Sharkarosa Zoo

Sharkarosa Zoo is a self-guided exotic wildlife facility on a 126-acre ranch in Pilot Point, Texas. According to the zoo's website, it is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is licensed and regulated by the USDA, and it houses more than 180 animals on a typical day. It is not accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

The zoo states its mission as providing the North Texas community with the opportunity to experience rare, endangered and exotic wildlife in a unique and personal setting, and its About page frames conservation as something learned by seeing it up close and hands on. The zoo describes the visit as self-guided, with informational signs and staff, and schedules educational presentations every 30 minutes throughout the day in various locations.

The zoo's website says it has been featured on programming from the Discovery Channel and the A&E Network.

History

The zoo's About page carries a message signed by Scott Edwards as owner of Sharkarosa Ranch, in which he writes that the zoo was created to say thank you to the people who believed in him over the years.

The zoo describes itself as not primarily a rescue organization, but says it helps with exotic animal rescues when needed by lending experience, supplies, or housing.

Exhibits and habitats

The grounds include a front courtyard with picnic space, a reptile room, a walk-through petting zoo, playground areas, and a number of animal exhibit areas. Feeding is permitted only in designated areas, using feed supplied by the zoo; the zoo says all animal food is provided by the ranch and regulated by a veterinarian.

The zoo's animal directory lists a wide range of mammals on exhibit, including dromedary camels, Grant's zebras, a zedonk and a zorse, alpacas, beefalo, draft horses, miniature Belted Galloway cattle, Pere David's deer, white-tailed deer, Muntjac deer, pot-bellied pigs, miniature donkeys, ponies, and emus.

Primates and other exotic mammals on the list include capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, red ruffed lemurs, black-and-white ruffed lemurs, brown lemurs, ring-tailed lemurs, a binturong, African crested porcupines, capybara, two-toed sloths, a bobcat, American black bears, a white tiger, and a hyena. The directory also lists red kangaroos, eastern grey kangaroos including an albino eastern grey kangaroo, and Bennett's wallabies, along with scarlet macaws and blue-and-gold macaws.

The petting zoo animals listed are goats, miniature cows, miniature horses, and sheep. Reptile presentations feature an American alligator, a Dumeril's boa, and a bearded dragon. The directory notes that some animals may not be on display during certain events, and the zoo marks vulnerable or endangered species with asterisks.

Conservation and programs

The zoo offers several programs beyond general admission days. Animal encounters give visitors hands-on interaction with exotic animals. Field trips are offered Monday through Thursday, with start times between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Each field trip starts with a sixty-minute walk-through tour, followed by a second hour of free time for picnicking and the zoo's other attractions.

Private tours are also offered Monday through Thursday for groups of up to 15 people. According to the zoo, these feature animals from Madagascar, Africa, Asia, and other regions. Birthday parties and corporate parties can be booked through the zoo's events pages.

The zoo lists opportunities for employment, internships, volunteers, and community service, and accepts donations, including through an Amazon wish list.

Planning your visit

As listed on the zoo's website, the zoo is open to the public Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting. Monday through Thursday is reserved for private tours and field trips. Ticket details are on the zoo's website, where tickets can also be purchased online.

On-site facilities listed by the zoo include the Bear's Den Snack Bar and Gift Shop, outdoor dining areas, covered picnic areas, restrooms including portable toilets, hand-washing stations, a diaper-changing station, and a water fountain. The website also provides a park map.

The zoo lists these rules for guests: children under 13 must be supervised by an adult at all times; pets are not allowed, though service dogs as defined by the ADA are; shirts and shoes are required; and smoking and vaping are not permitted. Glass, alcohol, firearms, balloons, and bubble gum are prohibited. Guests are asked not to throw rocks, climb fencing, or taunt the animals.