Should we buy a zoo?
For anyone looking to purchase a zoo in North Carolina, you have two locations to choose from: Zootastic Park and Aloha Safari Park.
Zootastic Park is 186 acres of fun with easy access from I-77 and close proximity to Charlotte. Aloha Safari Park in Cameron is closer to Fayetteville. Both include all the business, inventory, and animals that call it home.
To call any of these zoos home, potential buyers will have to spend between $4.5 million and a staggering $16 million.
Anyone interested in Zootastic Park or Aloha Safari Park can contact Billy Parker of National Land Realty.
Billy Parker of National Land Realty is currently selling two North Carolina zoos, Zootastic Park (pictured) in Troutman and Aloha Safari Park in Cameron.
Aloha Safari Park (pictured) in Cameron is closer to Fayetteville and the listing includes all the business, inventory and animals that call it home.
To call any of these zoos home, potential buyers will have to spend between $4.5 million and a staggering $16 million.
According to Zootastic Park listing, it is the largest privately owned and operated zoo in North Carolina.
The park is known for its exotic animal interactions and children’s camps, and also features annual holiday light displays.
Animals currently housed at Zootastic Park include tigers, lions, leopards, giraffes, monkeys and lemurs.
Zootastic Park’s revenue comes from daily admissions, private animal encounters, the gift shop and the Jr. Zookeeper Camp, which has 10 summer sessions.
Surrounding the park are multiple streams that are great for animals.
Anyone wishing to bid on Zootastic Park must ensure they meet specific requirements. The person must be trained in handling exotic animals and ensure compliance with federal regulations.
If a buyer meets those needs, then all they would have to do is shell out $16 million and the zoo will be theirs.
People who want to buy a zoo for a much lower price can consider purchasing Aloha Safari Park.
Zootastic Park is known for its exotic animal interactions and children’s camps, and also hosts annual holiday light displays.
Zootastic Park’s revenue comes from daily admissions, private animal encounters, the gift shop and the Jr. Zookeeper Camp, which features 10 summer sessions.
Animals currently housed at Zootastic Park include tigers, lions, leopards, giraffes, monkeys and lemurs.
According to Aloha Safari Parks’ listing, the location “represents a unique opportunity” for a buyer to own one of the largest privately owned and operated zoos in North Carolina.
It is also home to more than 300 animal species and is easily accessible from NC-87.
Like Zootastic Park, Aloha Safari Park has a variety of ways to profit. Aloha Safari Park funding includes daily admission fee, gift shop, concessions, tours and special holiday events.
The zoo includes different sections to help keep all of your animals organized.
The self-catering section of the park includes bison, zebra, ostriches, antelope, donkeys, llamas, water buffalo and camels.
Its upper pedestrian section includes animals such as tigers, lemurs, wolves and monkeys. The indoor areas of the park are reserved for creatures such as the giraffe house and the reptile room.
The listing indicates the $4.5 million property on 66 acres includes improvements to the zookeeper’s residence, owner’s residence and staff residence.
The potential new owner must also follow similar requirements as Zootastic Park, but it is important for any zoo buyer to know all of the regulations required to own a zoo.
According to Aloha Safari Parks’ listing, the location “represents a unique opportunity” for a buyer to own one of the largest privately owned and operated zoos in North Carolina.
The upper pedestrian section of the park includes animals such as tigers, lemurs, wolves and monkeys.
The listing indicates the $4.5 million property on 66 acres includes improvements to the zookeeper’s residence, owner’s residence and staff residence.
Zoo owners must follow the Animal Welfare Act, a law that regulates the treatment of animals in research, teaching, testing, exhibitions, transportation and by traders.
In order to manage a zoo with animals, the owners are obliged to keep them in a clean space where they can move, provide a rest area for all species, adequate food and veterinary care.
Owners will need a federal zoo license to operate, which is distributed by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. However, permit requirements may differ depending on which state the zoo is located in.
Something North Carolina zoo owners will likely need is a wildlife captivity license.
The license authorizes an individual to possess wild animals or birds for scientific, educational, exhibition or other purposes.
Individuals who qualify for licensure must complete an application for review by staff members.
If an application is approved, the applicant may purchase the license for $55.00 within 30 days of approval.