Yellow River Game Ranch: A Journey into Georgia"s Wildlife Haven

Current admission prices for the Yellow River Game Ranch are as follows:

• ADULT - $20.00
• SENIOR/MILITARY - $19.00
• CHILDREN - $13.00

The Yellow River Game Ranch, a cherished destination in Georgia, offers visitors a unique chance to connect with wildlife and nature. This serene sanctuary, set near Stone Mountain, has been a haven for both native wildlife and nature enthusiasts for decades. With its origins tracing back to the early 1960s, it was among the first establishments in Gwinnett County dedicated to sheltering injured or orphaned wildlife and promoting human-animal interactions.

Spanning over 24 wooded acres, the ranch provides a mile-long trail where visitors can engage with over six hundred animals, including white-tailed deer, bunnies, buffalos, kid goats, black bears, and many newborn animals. It"s renowned for its hands-on approach, allowing visitors an up-close experience with the wildlife, feeding and interacting with them in a safe, controlled environment.

The Yellow River Game Ranch has not only served as a wildlife refuge but has also played a pivotal role in educating the public, fostering a deeper appreciation for wildlife conservation. Its commitment to providing a natural habitat for the animals and an educative platform for visitors has made it a landmark in Georgia"s wildlife conservation efforts.

Experiencing the Yellow River Game Ranch offers an immersive nature encounter for individuals and families alike. Visitors can stroll along a picturesque, mile-long trail winding through 24 acres of lush woodland, providing a tranquil escape from the hustle of daily life.

• Tickets and Reservations: The ranch welcomes walk-in visitors but also offers the option to reserve tickets online to facilitate social distancing. Tickets can be changed or canceled with a simple phone call before the reserved time.
• Feeding the Animals: While personal food for the animals is not permitted, visitors can purchase feed cups at the Gift Shop, providing a unique opportunity to interact with the animals in the Petting Yard.
• Exploring the Trails: The well-maintained trails are designed to offer visitors a chance to meet the resident wildlife, including deer, bears, and an impressive variety of birds and smaller mammals.
• Special Encounters: For those looking for a more intimate experience, the ranch offers special encounters, like the Sloth Encounter, allowing for up-close interaction with these unique creatures.
• Accessibility: The majority of the trail is paved, ensuring accessibility for all visitors, with a small portion consisting of packed gravel.

Yellow River Game Ranch is not just a wildlife sanctuary; it"s an opportunity to bond with nature, learn about local wildlife, and create lasting memories with family and friends.

The Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary, nestled in the heart of Gwinnett County, Georgia, offers a unique and enriching experience for visitors of all ages. The sanctuary, originally known as the Yellow River Game Ranch, has been a landmark since 1962 and continues to provide a haven for injured or orphaned wildlife. Under new management, the sanctuary has seen significant improvements, ensuring a high-quality environment for both the animals and visitors.

• Stroll along a mile-long trail through 24 wooded acres and encounter a diverse range of over six hundred sociable birds and animals indigenous to Georgia. This includes white-tailed deer, bunnies, buffalo, sheep, kid goats, black bears, and newborn animals, all of which visitors can feed and interact with on a close basis.
• Enjoy unique attractions like the "Billy Goat Gruff Memorial Bridge" and the "Bunny Burrows," and witness one of the largest herds of buffalo east of the Mississippi in the back meadow.
• Partake in the Gemstone mining activity, where visitors can use a water-powered flume to find precious stones like Emeralds, Rubies, Sapphires, and Topaz.
• Embark on the "Walk on the Wildside" guided tours. These two-hour-long tours led by knowledgeable keepers include close encounters with various animals such as Sulcatas, Lynx, Bears, Porcupines, and different species of Lemurs, offering an educational and personal experience with wildlife.
• Experience the Sloth Encounter, providing a rare opportunity to get up-close with these unique creatures.
• Explore the sanctuary"s educational programs aimed at schools, homeschoolers, and the general public, focusing on wildlife appreciation and care.
• Participate in special events and programs throughout the year, designed to enhance the understanding and appreciation of wildlife.

The sanctuary operates with the mission of benefiting animals and educating humans, with a focus on providing animals with enrichment activities, high-quality diets, and well-maintained habitats. It"s an ideal destination for families, school groups, and anyone interested in experiencing wildlife in a responsible and interactive setting. The Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary continues to evolve, with ongoing efforts to improve and expand its offerings to the public.

The Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary, formerly known as the Yellow River Game Ranch, is a testament to the dedication and effort put into wildlife conservation and education. Established in 1962 in Gwinnett County, Georgia, the sanctuary has evolved into a haven for unreleasable wildlife, providing them with life-long homes that cater to their physiological and psychological needs.

• The sanctuary is home to a variety of species, including the original Bison herd, peacocks, pigs, albino wallabies, Babydoll sheep, Fallow deer, ring-tailed lemurs, alpacas, and more. This diverse range of animals represents the commitment of the sanctuary to care for different wildlife species.
• Major improvements have been made to the property, including the creation of a two-acre bear enclosure featuring a pond, waterfall, and night house, demonstrating the sanctuary"s commitment to providing quality habitats for its animals.
• The Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary works closely with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ensure the best practices in animal welfare and conservation.
• Educational programs are a core part of the sanctuary"s mission. These programs are designed for schools, homeschoolers, and the general public, emphasizing the importance of wildlife care and conservation.
• The sanctuary"s staff, including talented curators, keepers, and volunteers, play a crucial role in the promotion of animal appreciation and the provision of wildlife education.

The sanctuary"s vision and mission extend beyond just caring for animals. They aim to educate the community about the importance of wildlife conservation and the preservation of natural habitats. Through interactive exhibits, Keeper Talks, and hands-on experiences, visitors are encouraged to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for wildlife. The Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary"s efforts in wildlife conservation and education make it not only a refuge for animals but also a vital resource for community learning and engagement.

Welcome to the Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary, an enriching destination for families and nature enthusiasts. Here"s some essential information to help you plan your visit:

• Location: The sanctuary is located at 4525 US Highway 78, Lilburn, GA 30047, just two and a half miles east of Stone Mountain.
• Hours: Open from 10 am to 5 pm on Wednesdays through Fridays, and 10 am to 6 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. The sanctuary remains closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day, and Easter Sunday.
• Admission:
• Adults (13-64 years): $20.00
• Seniors/Military: $19.00
• Children (3-12 years): $13.00
• Children under 2: Free
• Tickets: Walk-ups are welcome, but reservations are recommended to assist with social distancing. Tickets can be purchased online or changed/canceled by calling ahead.
• Annual Membership: Available for individuals and families, offering unlimited regular daily admission.
• Activities: Enjoy a mile-long trail on 24 wooded acres, interacting with over six hundred animals, including white-tailed deer, bison, black bears, and more. The sanctuary also offers gem mining and an interactive petting zoo.
• Accessibility: 85% of the trail is paved, with the remainder being packed gravel, making it accessible for wheelchairs.
• Facilities: The sanctuary offers a gift shop and has free parking. Note that bringing food for the animals is not allowed, but feed cups are available for purchase.
• Nearby Attractions: The sanctuary is close to various restaurants and attractions, including Summit Skyride, Stone Mountain Carving, and Stone Mountain Park.

Experience the magical interaction between you and the animals at Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary. Whether you"re capturing memorable photos or learning about wildlife, it"s a perfect destination for a family day out!

The Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary, formerly the Yellow River Game Ranch, offers a range of exciting events and programs throughout the year, perfect for visitors of all ages:

• Seasonal Events: The sanctuary celebrates various seasonal events, such as Groundhog Day with General Beau Lee, the Official Weather Prognosticator, and special displays like "Here a Chick, There a Bunny" featuring adorable animal babies.
• Educational Programs: Engaging educational programs are hosted, including Sheep Shearing Saturdays, where visitors can learn about wool processing and animal care.
• Guided Tours: "Walk on the Wildside" tours provide a unique opportunity to get up-close with various animals. These two-hour-long guided tours include animal encounters, feed cups, and the chance to feed bison from a new platform.
• Special Events: The sanctuary hosts unique events, such as Grandparents Weekend, offering free admission for children accompanying their grandparents, and special occasions like the “Pour and Tour” cocktail event.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Regular family-friendly tours allow visitors to explore the sanctuary at their own pace, with opportunities to interact with a wide range of animals.

These programs not only provide entertainment but also educational insights into wildlife conservation and animal care. The sanctuary’s events are designed to foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of wildlife among visitors, contributing to its mission of wildlife education and conservation.

The Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary welcomes and greatly appreciates support from the community. Here"s how you can contribute:

• Monetary Donations: Financial contributions directly benefit the care and enrichment of the sanctuary"s animal residents. Donations can be made safely online.
• Amazon Wish List: The sanctuary has a curated list of items and supplies needed for the animals. You can purchase these items on Amazon, and they will be delivered directly to the sanctuary.
• Enrichment Projects: You can support the sanctuary by creating enrichment items for the animals. This can be a fun project for groups like scout troops or homeschoolers. The sanctuary provides ideas and instructions for these projects.
• Volunteering: The sanctuary offers volunteer opportunities, including roles as exhibit attendants to interact with guests and ensure proper animal interaction.

Your support, whether through donations, purchasing items from the wish list, engaging in enrichment projects, or volunteering, makes a significant difference in the lives of the animals at the Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary.

Planning a visit to the Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary? Here"s the information you need to get in touch and find your way:

• Address: 4525 US 78, Lilburn, Georgia, 30047. Conveniently located a few miles east of Stone Mountain, directly off Highway 78.
• Directions: If you"re heading east on Hwy. 78, turn left at the Ross Road light. Heading west on 78, turn right at Ross Road, then left on Paxton, left on Jessica Daron, and right onto the slip road running parallel to Highway 78. At the second stop sign, under the billboard, turn right to enter the parking area.
• Phone: For any queries or reservations, you can reach out at 678-395-3453.
• Visit Hours: Check the sanctuary"s current hours as walk-ups are welcome, and reservations can be made online for social distancing.
• Additional Information: If you find injured or orphaned wildlife, refer to the Animal Help Now website for appropriate rehab facilities.

Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary eagerly awaits your visit and is always ready to assist you in making your experience memorable!

Discover the enchanting Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary, a haven of diverse wildlife and engaging activities, ideal for families and nature enthusiasts seeking a unique, educational, and memorable experience.