Visit Us
The Conservators’ Center opened to the public for the first time in 2007. Visitors to the Center have the opportunity to see many of our animals at very close range. Most are amazed at our friendly and curious big cats – they often come up close to observe the interesting humans.
Some visitors are startled when a lion suddenly growls, and everyone is delighted when a tiger “chuffles” (that’s how they joyfully greet you; your guide will teach you how to politely respond).
If you want to visit because you are excited to see big cats up close, you won’t be disappointed. But we hope you’ll be equally fascinated by our enchanting servals, caracals, bobcats, lynx, jungle cats, wolves, New Guinea singing dogs, and binturongs.
All tours are by appointment only. Please call ahead to schedule at (336) 421-0883 or contact us by email at tours@conservatorscenter.org.
We generally schedule tours on Saturdays and Sundays, but weekday opportunities may be available upon request.
If you would prefer we can come to you for a community or classroom program, click here for more information.
All proceeds from tours and Conservators’ Center merchandise directly support the Center’s programs and services.
Educational Tours
Individuals, Families, and Friends.
Group size is limited to 15 visitors so everyone has a great opportunity to see the animals and ask questions. These tours last at least one hour and may run longer, depending on the group’s interest level.
Cost:
- Adults - $10
- Children under 12 - $7
- Military or Student ID - $7
Groups
If you have a group that would like to visit the Center, please call and talk to us about your needs. We welcome school and community groups; Scouts, 4-H, and FFA; home schools; and anyone else who is interested in learning about our animals. We can tailor a program to meet your particular needs, and can provide a group rate.
Payment for Group Tours must be received at least five days prior to the tour date. You may send a check or pay online with a credit card to reserve your space.
You are welcome to bring a camera to photograph our animals on any educational tour. But if you’re a serious photographer, you’ll probably prefer one of our Photography Tours.
Photography Tours
Please note: there is no contact with the animals on these, or any other tour at the Center.
Standard Photography Tour
Group size is limited to 10 people to assure excellent access to subjects for every photographer. Because the tour lasts about 3 hours, you’ll spend extra time at the compound’s best vantage points. If your group would like a longer or shorter tour, please contact us for additional pricing information. Staff will encourage cooperation from the animals for great photo ops.
Cost: $375/group
Exclusive Photography Tour
This personalized tour, for 1 or 2 people, offers an unparalleled photographic experience. You’ll have behind-the-scenes access to areas that aren’t available to the general public. In addition to the animals on the Standard Photography Tour, you can photograph spotted leopards, fully-maned male lions, adult lionesses, and co-habitating lions and tigers.
Cost: $125/hour
Payment for Photography Tours must be received at least five days prior to the tour date. You may send a check or pay online with a credit card to reserve your space.
Specialty Tours
Twilight Tour
Have you ever heard lions calling to one another as darkness falls, or wolves howl as the moon rises? Come experience these breathtaking moments on an evening tour of the compound. This is an exciting opportunity to view the compound’s nocturnal species, and our big cats when they are most active.
Minimum age: 12
Tour length: 1½ – 2 hours
Cost: $25/person
Group limit:10 visitors
Payment for Twilight Tours must be received at least five days prior to the tour date. You may send a check or pay online with a credit card to reserve your space.
Seminar with the Founders
Douglas Evans and Mindy Stinner created the Conservators’ Center, Inc. in 1999, after years of experience with wild, exotic, and unusual animals. Come tour our compound with them! You’ll hear their fascinating story, and witness their devotion to the animals.
Please note: the Center does not encourage or support the inexperienced ownership of the animals in our care, so do not schedule the above tour planning to seek advice on purchasing and/or housing an exotic pet. The Center recommends people interested in owning these animals to begin by volunteering at an established facility.
Minimum age: 16
Tour length: 3 hours
Cost: $300/tour
Group limit: 10 visitors
Payment for Seminar with the Founders must be received at least five days prior to the tour date. You may send a check or pay online with a credit card to reserve your space.
Educational Programs
Want to learn more about these animals and the Center’s conservation work? The Center’s staff is pleased to be able to come to you. We offer a range of programs appropriate for schools, community groups, scouting events, senior centers and private functions. Most programs consist of a PowerPoint presentation, getting to meet an animal from the center, and a question and answer session. Programs can be tailored to meet the needs, interest, and age of the audience. Contact us by email at keeper@conservatorscenter.org or by phone at (336) 421-0883 for more information.
How to Plan Your Visit to the Center
All tours are by appointment only. Please call ahead to schedule at (336) 421-0883 or email us at tours@conservatorscenter.org. We are sorry that we are usually unable to accommodate last minute tour requests.
Because curious children could try to stick their hands into cages, we must insist that there is one guardian for every two children under 16, except for pre-arranged school field trips when we have made other arrangements.
Everyone who visits the Center must sign a waiver. It is designed specifically to be very explicit about the risks of not following the rules at the Center. Unlike a zoo, the Conservators’ Center was made for the animals, not the people, so people have to take extra precautions to be safe here. If you will be escorting anyone under 18 who is not under your guardianship, you will need to secure a signed waiver from their parents before bringing them on site. You can arrange to receive waivers in advance when you call to schedule your tour.
If anyone in your party has special needs of any sort, please discuss this with the tour coordinator. Most needs can be accommodated here, but there may be some situations where we will need to do advance planning to ensure everyone has a positive, up-close animal experience on site.
If you require wheelchair access for someone in your party, please inform the tour coordinator when scheduling. The large cats can get over-stimulated by chairs and motorized carts, so we will offer that individual alternative transport while in that area of the compound. It is easier for us to have it prepared if scheduled ahead of time.
Important Notes About Visiting the Center
The Conservators’ Center is not a zoo; it is a special haven for animals where they need to feel respected and at peace. The facility was built for the care and well-being of the animals, first and foremost. The animals are all in cages, but the barriers in front of cages are there as a visual reminder to everyone that going closer is not safe.
This means we have some rules that are different from most zoos, and which may seem odd at first. Your tour guide will explain them to you before you enter the compound and answer any questions you may have.
Be sure to dress for the weather, as our tours are all-outdoor. Assume you will be walking in grass and possibly mud…this is not a good place for open-toed shoes or heels. There are insects and other wildlife in the area, so long pants are a good idea, and it’s advisable to avoid strong perfumes.
Strollers are not allowed on site because of the over-excitement they cause some animals. You may leave them in the Visitors Welcome area.
We strictly enforce the one guardian per two children rule for kids under 16, except for pre-arranged school field trips when we have made other arrangements. All children must remain with their guardian at all times. There is no running or yelling in the Center.
Do not bring your animals to the Conservators’ Center. There is no safe place for them to stay and there is a disease risk for both your animals and ours.
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