My party of 5 did two otter swims, five encounter tours, and five sipping with sloths. We are all named after Disney characters. They are both beautiful and comfortable and allow you to experience the ranch in such a unique way. It's no wonder it's one of the top things to do in Waco! There's a ranch near Waco where you can swim with otters during their playtime | All your money goes towards caring for the animals here! They can be seen from multiple perspectives, whether performing their graceful underwater maneuvers or just napping in the sun after a long swim. Business is booming for Waco-area animal sanctuary, Blue Hills Ranch, thanks to a viral TikTok of one of their most popular attractions: swimming with otters. The otters looked happy to interact with the women as they excitedly scurried around them. Other Travel Brochures you may be interested in that are nearby your selection: Texas State Parks near El Paso & Big Bend, Texas State Parks near Abilene, Amarillo & Midland. If you scratch our belly we will roll over. Do512 Family is all about what to do in Austin with kids. I love my walks to find bugs and frogs, and I enjoy napping anywhere I want. If you scratch our belly, we will roll over. A Chronicle investigation reveals the extent of the ballot paper shortage in Harris County's November election, including how the shortages could impact the future of Texas' election laws. Business is booming for Blue Hills Ranch, thanks to a viral TikTok of one of their most popular attractions: swimming with otters. We are Asian small-clawed otters, donated in March 2020 and are as cute as can be! Head to Blue Hills Ranch, just 15 minutes outside of Waco, and you can look forward to the most unique animal experiences in the state. #texascheck #texas #texastravel #bluehillsranch #wacotexas #otters #ottersoftiktok The King 55.9K exploringamanda Experience being a part of their playground and share in food time fun. The otter swim is an amazing event. I am sometime shy but I am definitely the sweetest. or Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Blue Hills Ranch (McGregor) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Texas ranch lets you swim with otters in a hot tub I am still learning all the new sounds and smells of the different animals. Blue Hills Is trying to help with the repopulation of Oryx into the wild. If You've Ever Wanted To Swim With Otters In Texas, Here's Your Chance This month, a family of otters at the Lake Waco Wetlands has been getting some public attention, thanks to photos posted online by Lake Waco Park Ranger Mike Champagne and veteran local wildlife . We play with everyone and loveeee treats. Monique Welch was an engagement reporter for the Houston Chronicle. At Blue Hills Ranch, located just outside of Waco, you can do just that! For $300 you can spend the day in their facilities and can spend up to an hour with their two otters, Sweet Pea and Otto. SWIM WITH THE OTTERS now available at Capital of Texas Zoo!!! The otters are the most popular attraction of the place. TikTok is obsessed with this Texas animal sanctuary that lets - Yahoo My favorite treat thus far is carrots. Spanning 150 acres in McGregor, Texas, Blue Hills is an animal sanctuary that doubles as a cabin/RV resort and wedding venue. In 2000 we were considered extinct by the IUCN. We may be small but we are mighty! See more of Waco, TX Local - News Break on Facebook. Come help bottle feed our 2 newest residents, baby camels! Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Top 10 Best Swimming Holes in Waco, TX - April 2023 - Yelp I am a King Charles. She's my favorite here. "TikTok has definitely been a big help as far as advertisement wise," property manager Skylar Lightfood said back in April of last year. We all enjoyed our time. Start your zoo journey by visiting and exploring Gibbon Island and Lemur Island. We came to the ranch fall of 2021 from the ranges of Utah and Nevada. Log In. The animal sanctuary/resort/wedding venue allows guests to swim in a heated hot tub with two otters adorably named Otto and Sweet Pea for about an hour, the San Antonio Express-News reports. The King. This enrichment is vital to engage these smart and active otters both mentally and physically. The otters and the kids will all have a wonderful time! The Barn Hill Preserve is one of only a few zoos in the United States that allows otter swims. People really love it. Reservations can only be made up to a month in advance as the property often hosts weddings. At the Otter Mill, children can swim with the otters by sliding through the exhibit down a built-in slide. Just outside of Waco, TX sits the perfect destination for animal-lovers to meet giraffes, zebras, kangaroo, lemurs, otters, horses, mini cows, and more. No smoking or open flames on Ranch property, Outside animals are not allowed outside RV Area, Children under 18 years of agemust be accompanied by an adult at all times, Wild animals are present, death or injury can occur, Liability Waiver must be signed by all visitors prior to entering the Ranch. My party of 5 did two otter swims, five encounter tours, and five sipping with sloths. Gibbons, eagles, elephants, giraffes, black bears, orangutans, komodo dragons, and big cats are only a few of the animals you'll see at this beautiful zoo in Waco, Texas. Blue Hills Ranch is home to other animals, including mini horses, camels, zebras, bison, kangaroos, emus and mini Scottish highland cows. The other animals don't know it, but we pretty much run the place. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You have entered an incorrect email address! | Meet Otto and Sweetpea | .. The video received over 2.6 million views on TikTok . Here's what the data says. Swim with otters in Texas: TikTok loves this animal sanctuary - In The Know Use tab to navigate through the menu items. April 6, 2022, 9:42 AM. We enjoy welcoming new visitors coming into the ranch. Otter Creek is home to three North American River Otters: Merlin, Arthur, and Fisher. I grew up in California before moving to Texas. For $300 you can spend the day in their facilities and can spend up to an hour with their two otters, Sweet Pea and Otto. The swim with otters have become popular on social media, and the Ranchs Instagram shows adorable videos of the otters interacting with staff and guests.If swimming with otters isnt quite your speed, the resort has other unique animal experiences. Luke, Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Captain Hook, Wendy, Darling,Wheelie. Blue Hills Ranch - Facebook Max 6 people (lap riding is OK) 12 months of age and under free 60 minutes Rates $50 per person (March 1 - Nov 30) LEARN MORE BOOK NOW Otter adventure Please enable Javascript in your browser settings. We love to be out and about in Austin and are always looking for fun things to do with the family. Visitors also have the chance to participate in giraffe feedings during select times throughout the week. Camp Fimfo Waco. We do not allow the otters to be restrained, both for the safety of you and our otters. Log In. Swims will still happen in cases of rain. You must be at least 12 years of age to swim with Sweet Pea and Otto, and 18 years old to go to most animal activities (minors must be accompanied by an adult). Discover otters waco tx 's popular videos | TikTok You can actually swim with otters in Texas and TikTok is officially obsessed. Animal Encounters at Blue Hills Ranch & Giraffe Sanctuary I enjoy playing with the pigs and laying under my tree. As of May 2021, we implemented a price increase on all of our otter swim tickets. Luke, Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Captain Hook, Wendy, Darling, must be accompanied by an adult at all times. You certainly dont have to book an overnight to have a wonderful experience at Blue Hills Ranch. Lake Whitney State Park. You can find us hanging out with our Mustang friends. Otto and Sweet Pea are Asian small-clawed otters, the smallest of the 13 otter species. Of course a big thanks to all the animals. We love our treats and want you to come say hello. @bluehillsranch #waco #texas #otters #swim #bucketlist #weekendgetaway #summerstories #fyp #dallasdiscovered. See more of Waco, TX Local - News Break on Facebook. Otters exhibit a characteristic love of playtime. The final portion of the experience is a one-of-a-kind chance to swim alongside Asian small-clawed otters in our climate-controlled saltwater pool! Swims are operated daily from 2pm to 5pm, and reservations are required. Wanna Swim With Otters In A - Waco, TX Local - Facebook Wanna Swim With Otters In A Hot Tub? Come To Texas Chalk Ridge Falls Park. She and a friend sat in a small pool with Asian small-clawed otters fooling around in the water. This Texas ranch resort lets you swim with otters in a hot tub and is a 3-hour road trip from Houston. Classic Waco Tour: Best Sites & TV highlights in Waco 2,184 Recommended Bus Tours from $78.00 per adult Amazing Brazos River Sunset Boat Adventure in Waco Texas 20 Recommended Water Tours from $59.00 per adult Waco Wine Tours 13 Recommended from $119.00 per adult Ghost Maker Tour in Georgetown: Adults Only 11 Recommended Walking Tours from $23.95 Here, you'll encounter lions, giraffes, elephants, white rhinos, and meerkats. What is the song 'car dragon' on TikTok and where did it come from? Wine (choice of drink) Charcuterie Board, Dessert included, 1 hour experience, inside or out (based upon weather conditions and safety of giraffes). SWIM WITH THE OTTERS now available - Capital of Texas Zoo - Facebook This interactive experience begins with a 1 hour guided tour of our facility led by our experienced and knowledgeable staff. If you see me, stop and say hello because I love meeting new people and love being the center of attention! Woman is saved by Uber Eats driver after locking herself out on roof: Hope you tipped that man well. The otters looked happy to interact with the women as they excitedly scurried around them in the pool. Just 20 minutes east of downtown Austin, the Zoo is home to over 500 rare and beautiful wild animals. They're also spoiled so they have to have that perfect temperature," Lightfoot said. Swim with otters at Blue Hills Ranch near Waco, Texas! Take a ride with us and see all our animal families, including our free-roaming cows, deer, emus and more. An animal guide will be there to answer questions during your hands-on wildlife experience. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Blue Hills Ranch & Giraffe Sanctuary in McGregor, TX features 150 acres of beautiful land with rolling hills, ponds, and endless sunset views where a wide variety of animals roam freely. Soon after, we welcomed Monica, then along came Ross. The ranch offers visitors a chance to stay in its cabins, where guests can pay$200 per personto experience the otter swim service. What the heck is Swig, and why are the lines for it so long? If otters aren't your thing, you can also come face to face with giraffes and camels. We loved riding around and feeding the many gorgeous cows and horses, and a camel, too. Located 86 miles north of Austin, the 150-acre Blue Hills Ranch Resort provides a variety of animal excursions, including swim time with two adorable Asian small-clawed otters named Otto and Sweet Pea. Elvis, Garth, Dolly, Wynonna, Naomi, Salt, Pepper, Patsy, Madonna, Pink. You can also stop for a meal at one of the two cafes and visit the Zootique Gift Shop for all of your souvenir and gift giving needs. Perhaps thats why otters who live in zoo habitats goof off so much., Simple sidewalk chalk obstacle course is the perfect activity for bored toddlers. #texascheck #texas #texastravel #bluehillsranch #wacotexas #otters #ottersoftiktok. I am Blue, the two year old giraffe born in April of 2020. GOP leaders say ballot shortage was targeted at Republicans. No smoking or open flames on Ranch property, Outside animals are not allowed outside RV Area, Children under 18 years of agemust be accompanied by an adult at all times, Wild animals are present, death or injury can occur, Liability Waiver must be signed by all visitors prior to entering the Ranch. You can take a day trip to enjoy a grand safari tour where the owner of the ranch will drive your family around the property in an open-air safari vehicle to show you ALL of the animals. Our favorite snacks are strawberries and watermelon. You can swim with otters on Blue Hills Ranch, Texas, outside of Waco. Tel: 225-286-3003, Email: [email protected] Be Bound By, Weird & Wonderful Places to Stay in Texas, Your Austin To-Do List: Best May Family Events, Where to Rent Kayaks, Canoes & SUPs on Lady Bird Lake, The Best Family-Friendly Breweries Around Austin, Summertime Green: Great Spots for Teens to Work in Austin. Inside Wacos Cameron Park, you'll find a place where the wild things are Cameron Park Zoo. The dinner date with Giraffes starts at $400 per person. You can actually swim with otters in Texas and TikTok is officially obsessed. The response has been great. the ranchs team told Travel + Leisure recently. "TikTok has definitely been a big help as far as advertisement wise," Lightfoot said in April 2022. Cuddle Up With Otters At This Wild Texas AirBnB - Secret Houston Otter population moving westward, thriving in Waco's shadow - WacoTrib.com Geneva is my big sister and we have grown up together since I was a baby. Guests must be age 12 or older and all animal encounters are a private VIP experience, meaning appointments are required, according to Blue Hills' website. Hungry from your travels? 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I used to live inside the farmhouse but now I hop around the barn yard. There are three color variations of fallow; white, tan with white spots, and brownish in color almost to the point of being black. The Asian Forest is also home to Sumatran tigers where you can watch these big cats roam their forested habitat. Business is booming for Waco-area animal sanctuary, Blue Hills Ranch, thanks to a viral TikTok of one of their most popular attractions- swimming with otters. We get visitors from all across the country for this experience. The guests were able to swim among two otters, Otto and Sweetpea, who loved to play-fight each other. What a very cool family sleepover! 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The video received over 2.6 million views on TikTok. An excellent non-profit organization that is sure to inspire and provide you with a once-in-a-lifetime . Author John Green is officially invested in womans TikTok gym mystery: This is literally great American drama, Have you ever seen how cinnamon is harvested?: TikTok is shocked to learn where cinnamon actually comes from. You Can Have A Neat Dinner With Giraffes & Swim With Otters At This There are thought to be 50,000 of us in India and 35,000 of us in Texas. Lilly and I were the first animals here at Blue Hills Ranch. Gypsy, Mia, Cash, Misty, Lightning, Smokey, Cisco, Junior, Spirit. Cameron Park Zoo in Waco | Tour Texas This is the only place in Texas and one of six opportunities in the country to swim with these cute creatures. I was named after Tonkawa Falls in Crawford, TX. Along your journey, the zoo has many play areas for kids, including a splash pad open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. According toHow Stuff Works, Playtime ranks at the bottom of adult otters priorities, and the mustelids must ensure that theyve satisfied their basic necessities of nutrition and shelter first. Cameron Park Zoo is known for its lush, natural habitats that give visitors close-up views of its exotic inhabitants. All reschedules must be done 14 days prior to the reservation. If you see us, we will go hide again, because you are always "it". Mini Donkeys. They can be seen from multiple perspectives, whether performing their graceful underwater maneuvers or just napping in the sun after a long swim. The guests were able to swim among two otters, Otto and Sweetpea, who loved to play-fight each other. If swimming with otters isn't your thing; they offer other services there including: Renting out cabins so you can have a getaway for a weekend Dining with the giraffes The Safari Ranch where people can see the other animals there like kangaroos, donkeys, emus & cows You can even plan your wedding there if you want. 2710 N. Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402. Resort | Weddings | Cabins & RVs | Animal Encounters | Texas 129 talking about this. We enjoy welcoming new visitors coming into the ranch. 5 Best Places to Swim with Otters - Daring Planet Otter Swims | Barn Hill Preserve We will see you before you see us. We came to the ranch November of 2021. 11 Amazing Kid Friendly Weekend Getaways in Texas - 365 Traveler As you watch the sunset, youll enjoy the sight of zebras just walking around your cabin. The Capital of Texas Zoo is the largest and fastest growing zoo in Central Texas. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. We watch over the cattle and the baby calves, and stand guard to let the other animals know if we see any possible trouble. Swim and Play With the Most Adorable Otters at This Texas Ranch Because of this, the otters have quickly become the most popular guests at the resort. Capital of Texas Zoo These tours are private per family so youre not mixed in with a big group. I love to run around with my cow friends, McGregor & Elsa. Kids get to interact with animals and swim with otters in a transparent slide that takes them through an otter swim tank. Monique reported on the trendiest news within the greater Houston region and across Texas, and occasionally contributes to the Chronicle's race and identity newsletter, HouWeAre. They were donated to the facility by a California couple and are almost 3 years old. Children must have an adult in the pool with them (ticket required). Warm waters are where these otters thrive, so you can expect the hot tub to be about 85 to 90 degrees. The one-mile-long lazy river at BSR Cable Park is a fantastic place to relax and enjoy the cool water on a sweltering summer day in Texas. George Washington was thought to be the first American to have Fallow Deer. We are the prettiest deer out there because of our unique white spots. Our otters enjoy meeting new people, they look forward to swimming and interacting with you. Dine With Giraffes And Swim With Otters At This One-Of-A-Kind Texas Fish popsicles and shrimp treats are their faves if youre lucky, they may offer toys to you and share their mischievous energy, must be accompanied by an adult at all times. RELATED: Otters take rare swim near downtown portion of Buffalo Bayou after Tropical Storm Nicholas. This is a carousel. Ranches to Experience the Great Outdoors, Take Glamping to the Next Level With These Airstream Airbnb Trailers, The 17 Best Trips Our Travel Editors Took This Year, 10 Adults-only All-inclusive Resorts Around the World. Blue Hills Ranch is approximately 20 miles from Waco and offers a unique safari getaway where visitors can swim with otters, feed giraffes, observe donkeys and zebras and more. The prices are definitely worth it. With this increase, we will also be decreasing the number of otter swim experiences sold each year. Our favorite game is hide and seek. Otters are very playful creatures. Travel blogger @readysetjetset stopped by Blue Hills Ranch, a 150-acre giraffe and animal . for safety during spring and summer time. More than 1,700 animals, representing more than 300 species, live within the natural habitat zoos 52 acres. The swimming excursion takes place in the otters private bubbling jaccuzzi, and visitors are given the unique chance to swim, play, and feed the otters their favorite treats including fish popsicles and shrimp. They love to swim and dive in shallow waters although there are records of sea otters diving as deep as 100 meters. You will not be able to watch others swim. One-night stays are priced at $229 for an adult couple - with cleaning, service, occupancy taxes and fees the price comes out to $310. The installation offers 60-minute exclusive tours of up to six people that let them see and interact with animals like giraffes, kangaroos, mini donkeys, zebras, cows, deer, emus, and more. I am a city girl who has relocated to the country. It's the only place in the state and just one of six spots in the. Otters exhibit a characteristic love of playtime. Continue your travels through the Asian Forest, where the habitat replicates the abandoned Angkor Wat temple inhabited by orangutans and komodo dragons. If you're interested in swimming with Otto and Sweet Pea, you must be at least 12 years old and your group must make a reservation. The ranch offers accommodations in two side-by-side cabins one with a zebra theme and one with giraffe decor. "Our priority is the safety and care of the animals.". Theres a ranch near Waco where you can swim with otters during their playtime. Nurtured by Nature - California. A Few Places To Swim With Otters - CelestialPets For $150 to $200, guests at Blue Hills Ranch outside of Waco can hop in a heated hot tub for nearly an hour with two otters, Otto and Sweet Pea. Monique holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications Media Studies from Goucher College. This was a great place to visit. All reschedules must be done 14 days prior to the reservation. The Capital of Texas Zoo is one of Greater Austin's and Bastrop's most exciting adventures! The resort offers a special dinner with Giraffes, which lasts one hour and includes a full menu of wine, salad, charcuterie board, and dessert. Tickets will sell out quickly, so reserve yours today! Texas ranch offers exotic wildlife, 'grand safari' experience in the We do not have an observation deck for bystanders to view otter swims, those wanting to participate must purchase a ticket to access the pool. For other Air B&B inspiration, check out our roundup of our 10 favorite Air B&Bs in the state. I was named after a special little boy named Corbin "James" who is our favorite visitor here. 3. 1. Swims are limited so it remains a positive experience for them. If you have $200 burning a hole in your pocket, why not use it to swim with otters? Swim with otters at Blue Hills Ranch near Waco, Texas! Animal Adventures | Blue Hills Ranch Zebras. The resort offers encounters with other animals like giraffes, and camels but the otters are what's made them famous. Just 15 minutes outside of Waco Texas sits our beautiful 150 acres of. If you've ever wondered what it's like to swim with otters, here's your chance! Email: [email protected] Animal lovers who are looking to get up close and personal with wildlife are in for an otterly awesome treat at this Texas ranch and resort. We are a type of Antelope native to India. My mom is my guide to the world and is very protective of me. Cameron Park Zoo combines family-fun education and conservation with entertainment for visitors of all ages. This increase is a response to protect our otter ambassadors safety as they grow older. No exceptions! 50. Adult swim tickets will cost $280 and child swim tickets will cost $225, with children (10 to 15 years old) paying the same. One of the best places to swim with the otters, this swim with otters San Diego cove is a fun weekend outing for the family, and goes above and beyond as far as options to do once you arrive are concerned. Outdoors: Wild life the otter side of the story - WacoTrib.com Mr Blue Sky - Fiach Moriarty & Various Artists. Forget Babes, Otters are the New Swim Partners You Need in Texas 2. This aquatic exhibit mimics a Texas river bed, the natural habitat of these highly intelligent mammals. Immediately following the tour you will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of reptiles, mammals, and even a sloth! It's the only place in the state and just one of six spots in the country where visitors can swim with otters, according to property manager Skylar Lightfoot. The resort is also home to other animals including zebras, kangaroos, mini donkeys, camels, pigs, an african tortoise, and more. Swims are operated daily from 2pm to 5pm, and reservations are required. I am going to show Google the ropes here at Blue Hills and introduce him to all my animal friends. The animals play with their food, slide to amuse themselves, and, yes, like to wrestle. All your money goes toward caring for the animals here! @readysetjetset said in thecaption. Headless Animals Repeatedly Dumped In Houston Neighborhood, Houston Black and Hispanic Neighborhoods Fight Back Against Concrete Pollution. Explore the biodiversity of Texas when you step into the Brazos River Country. Lisa may come up to say hi while I stand back and be her watch guard. The BSR Cable Park is home to the longest lazy river in the world.