Lions, tigers, and bears!
Two of North Carolina’s most beloved zoo attractions, Zootastic and Aloha Safari Park, are for sale, presenting a rare opportunity for investors to get into the wildlife tourism industry.
Zootastic, said to be the largest privately operated zoo in the state, has a staggering price tag of $16 million.
Meanwhile, Aloha Safari Park, known for its hands-on experiences, is offered for about $4.5 million.
The potential sale of these iconic zoos has alarmed the wildlife community. Because these facilities represent more than just businesses, they represent cherished institutions that are deeply ingrained in the hearts of North Carolinians.
zootastic
Zootastic, located near Charlotte, has a rich revenue stream that includes exotic animal encounters, personal encounters, field trips and even a casual holiday drive-thru, according to the listing.
The 186-acre zoo also has a merry-go-round and a train.
The $16 million deal includes real estate, business operations, inventory, and, of course, beloved animal residents.
Prospective purchasers must ensure compliance with federal regulations and demonstrate their qualifications to work with exotic animals.
Aloha Safari Park
Located near Fayetteville, Aloha Safari Park boasts interactive experiences, 300 animal species, and a reputation as the most interactive zoo in the United States.
The sale is valued at about $4.5 million and includes everything from real estate to animals.
Similar to Zootastic, potential buyers must demonstrate the ability to meet federal licensing standards for working with exotic animals.
The park boasts interactive safari experiences in a climate-controlled environment, featuring animals such as monkeys, sloths, lemurs, kangaroos, and kinkajous.
The 66-acre park recently added a two-mile drive-through safari where guests can feed and interact with the animals.
Scotty Brown, the owner of both parks, is looking to pass on his legacy to a passionate new steward.
Having fulfilled his childhood dream of running a zoo, Brown now aims to mentor the next generation of zookeepers while ensuring the continued success of these beloved facilities.
For animal lovers and investors, these opportunities are a rare opportunity to own North Carolina’s wildlife heritage while contributing to the conservation and education efforts promoted by Zootastic and Aloha Safari Park.
