Best Exotic Animal Encounters in Dallas

TGR Exotic Wildlife Park: Spring, TX

At TGR Wildlife Park, you will get up close and personal with some of the planet’s most exotic, fascinating, and endangered animals. It’s home to more than 100 animals representing over 25 species. From kangaroos and porcupines to aardvarks and owls,  there is something to see here for kids and adults alike! TGR brings great fun for the whole family by allowing them to touch and learn about some incredible animals.

Take A Dive on the Wild Side! SeaQuest Ft. Worth

Experience underwater life like never before at SeaQuest Ft. Worth, the ultimate land and sea adventure!  SeaQuest is home to some of the most unique and interactive experiences among Texas animal attractions! Here, you’ll see more than just fish and sea creatures. Discover mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and amphibians from around the planet! This is a hands-on adventure, as visitors get to touch, feel, and feed animals from various habitats around the world.  Some of the special animal encounters include:

• Asian Otter Interaction: Meet Chip and Dale! During your time to feed the otters, you’ll get an educational overview of the otter species and habitat, then participate in an informational Q&A on how you can help save the otters in the wild!
• Meet a Capybara! That’s right, capybaras have become so popular these days, and SeaQuest is home to one of the most famous Texas capybaras: Alvin! He’s won the hearts of many on TikTok – but here, you’ll get to meet Alvin in person.
• Sloth Interaction: Hang out with Flash the Sloth while learning all about him. You get to feed, pet, and touch the sloth in this once-in-a-lifetime experience! Be sure to bring your camera for a selfie during your hand-feeding session.
• Fishy Kisses: Dip your feet into a tank of fish that gently “kiss” your toes, removing dead skin cells.
• Snorkel With Stingrays: Splash on in with Seaquest! Bring your suit and towel and jump in the water with a variety of rays, tropical fish, and non-threatening sharks for an ultimate up-close animal experience.

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Monkey See, Monkey Do Mobile Petting Zoo

Just as it sounds, Monkey See, Monkey Do is a mobile petting zoo that can bring the animals right to you! Great for a birthday party or homeschool field trip, the zoo started out as a USDA-licensed rehab and rescue operation. Now, it runs petting zoo services featuring exotic animals that are not commonly found at regular zoos and aquariums.  They’ve been known to feature kinkajous, lemurs, spider monkeys, and tortoises. They’re happy to bring animals for various events or educational purposes, and they regularly organize school/library visits to educate students about animals.

Sea Life: Grapevine

Located inside Grapevine Mills, Sea Life boasts all forms of sea life, from starfish to seahorses and sharks to jellyfish! More than 30 displays house thousands of sea creatures, featuring both exotic saltwater and native freshwater sea life. Visitors can learn firsthand what it’s like to rescue sea turtles in the Sea Turtle Rescue Center or attend talks and feeds of animals. There’s even a special behind-the-scenes tour for an additional cost. They also feature a few exotic animal encounter activities, including:

• Sting Ray Bay: Discover a variety of species and be mesmerized by the happy and smiley rays. You don’t get to swim with stingrays or feed them like the SeaQuest encounter, but it’s still a fun activity.
• Rainforest Exhibit: Enter the mysterious world of the rainforest where unique creatures lie hidden around every turn. Or venture through the Piranha Tunnel! While you don’t get to feed or touch most of the animals as you do at SeaQuest, it’s still a neat afternoon jungle adventure.

Exotic Resort Zoo: Johnson City 

More of a guided safari tour attraction, Exotic Resort Zoo offers a variety of options when you visit the animals. Private guided tours, a drive-thru tour, and a petting zoo are available to get a chance to see some amazing animals that call this Texas ranch home! There’s Asian water buffalo, Antelope, Yak, Bison, Red Kangaroo and so much more! They also rent safari cabins for overnight stay events! It is an adventure to be had at this unique exotic animal attraction!

When it comes to exotic animal encounters in the Dallas area, these are just some of our favorite picks! DFW has a variety of aquarium and zoo locations that will surely bring your family the adventure of a lifetime! For the BEST animal interactions in the state, check out the SeaQuest Ft. Worth website. You can book your special exotic animal encounter today!