Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue

The Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue is a private non-profit zoo located at 629 Granite Rd, Clinton, TN 37716. A small zoo featuring a variety of native wildlife, with a petting zoo also present. The zoo also features two rescue facilities, one for exotic animals and one for domestic animals like horses and goats.

History of Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue

The Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue is a private non-profit zoo located in Clinton, Tennessee. The zoo was started by a family that had a passion for wildlife and rescuing animals in need. The zoo is owned by the owner of Little Ponderosa Lodge, Darwyn “Catfish” Williams, along with his wife Shanna. The zoo is an extension of the Williams’s’s family business, Little Ponderosa Lodge. The zoo has been open for over 20 years and is the only zoo in the area that exclusively exhibits native wildlife. The zoo has a large variety of native wildlife and over 50 animals in their collection. The zoo has a private collection for breeding animals. The zoo also has a petting zoo with a variety of friendly animals. Browse Around

Facilities

Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue has a large outdoor African savannah cage with river rock flooring. The savannah contains a large aviary, large outdoor aviary, outdoor reptile area, and outdoor pond. The indoor aviary is surrounded by high-reaching windows. The zoo has a large outdoor petting zoo with a variety of animals. Little Ponderosa Zoo has a large indoor barn that can be used for a variety of activities. They have a variety of indoor and outdoor play structures. The indoor barn has a large greenhouse and is available for birthday parties. They also have a large outdoor play area that is available for children’s activities. Next post

Animals at Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue

African Wild Dogs - Savannah dogs have been in captivity for more than 50 years, with their first captive pair taken in 1959. The two were kept in a small cage with a wire bottom until their death in 1972. Little Ponderosa’s African Wild Dogs can be viewed at the zoo’s outdoor savannah. Serval Cats - The serval cat is a small, spotted cat native to Africa. The serval cat can be seen at the zoo’s outdoor savannah. Giant Ibis - Native to southern Africa, the giant ibis can be found at the zoo’s outdoor pond. Giant ibis are also sometimes kept at Little Ponderosa Lodge as guests can stay with these birds. African Cheetah - Little Ponderosa’s African cheetah is a sub-adult female who is named “Baby,” and is known to be friendly and approachable. Cheetahs are a critically endangered species and are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. Cheetahs can be seen at the zoo’s outdoor savannah. BullFrogs - The bullfrog, native to North America, can be found at the zoo’s outdoor pond. Bullfrogs are also sometimes kept at Little Ponderosa Lodge as guests can stay with these frogs.