Sharkarosa Zoo is a nonprofit wildlife ranch that is licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture. And it’s on a mission to educate the north Texas community about conservation and provide the public with opportunities to meet various rare, endangered and exotic animals. It does this through various animal exhibits (many of which are interactive), a petting zoo and animal encounters.
If you knew this facility as Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch, don’t worry: Sharkarosa Zoo is the same interactive facility you know and love. The name was changed slightly to help guests better understand what to expect from a visit here (and to reduce the confusion with other parks that offer drive-thru tours that require reservations).
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Though it’s only open to the public Friday–Saturday, Sharkarosa is open for many school holidays, it offers homeschool days, and sometimes you’ll find face painters and food trucks on-site. Plus, this year is Sharkarosa’s 20th anniversary; to celebrate, it’s planning to open its new splash pad soon.
Want to plan a weekend day trip to visit Sharkarosa Zoo? Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your visit.
Sharkarosa Zoo Hours
The zoo is open to the public year-round, Friday–Sunday, 9am–4pm. Last admittance to the park is at 3pm, but the park recommends arriving by 2pm to ensure you have enough time to explore.
Sharkarosa Zoo Location
11670 Massey Road, Pilot Point, about a 1-hour drive north of Dallas-Fort Worth
Sharkarosa Zoo Admission
General admission is $15 for adults; $10 for seniors ages 65 and older and children ages 3–12; and free for children ages 2 and younger. Season passes are available for $50 for adults; $35 for seniors and children; or a Pack Pass (for 2 adults and 2 children) for $150.
How big is Sharkarosa Zoo?
Sharkarosa Zoo sits on a 126-acre ranch that dozens of species of wildlife, including a few that are vulnerable or endangered, call home. These animals span the spectrum: alpaca, deer, emu, zebras, pot-bellied pigs, bobcats, lemurs, kangaroos, sloths, black bears, hyena, capybara, donkeys, lions, tigers and monkeys.
It’s best to plan to spend three to four hours exploring the park, while specific timing will vary for each family based on their kids’ ages and interests.
Can’t-Miss Exhibits and Activities
All the animals that call Sharkarosa home are interesting and special in their own way, but a few highlights include the pair of black bears, siblings Barnaby and Bailey, who you can see eat lunch at their own picnic table Friday–Sunday at 1:30pm , two-toed sloths, Banzai, the spotted hyena, and the red ruffed, black-and-white ruffed, brown and ring-tailed lemurs. The Safari Walkway includes camels, emu, a pot-belly pig, llamas and alpaca.
Sharkarosa Zoo is a self-guided experience, but there are informational signs and staff available along the way. The keepers also give free educational presentations every 30 minutes throughout the day at various locations. Make sure to grab a schedule of presentations when you arrive.
Want to get up close and personal with some of the animals that call Sharkarosa home? Stop by the petting zoo, where little ones can pet, engage with and feed goats, sheep and mini ponies. Animal feed is $3 per bag or 4 bags for $10.
For an extra-special experience, check out the Animal Encounters, where a group of 1-6 people can spend 15–20 minutes interacting with and feeding lemurs, sloths, reptiles or a skunk (don’t worry, his scent glands were removed so he won’t spray you).
Animal encounters are $100, plus general admission, and can be booked in the gift shop when you arrive. Keep in mind that not all encounters are available each day. The animals’ moods and weather can play a factor in determining whether an encounter is in the best interest of the animal.
If your kiddos get antsy and need to run around for a bit, stop by one of two playground areas. There’s a small, covered toddler playground with play equipment for little ones and a larger playground area with swings, a merry-go-round, jungle gym and slide.
Dining options at Sharkarosa Zoo
Sharkarosa Zoo’s snack bar is open the same hours that when the ranch is open to the public—9am–4pm. It offers hot dogs, chips, candy, ice cream, drinks and other treats.
For families who want to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy before or after their visit, Sharkarosa has covered picnic tables outside the wildlife ranch’s main gate. Outside food items are not allowed in the park, but guests can bring in water.
Tips for Visiting
Getting ready to visit Sharkarosa Zoo? Here are a few more things you’ll want to know:
- Sharkarosa offers BOGO Fridays. Follow the zoo on Facebook to find out the word of the day. You’ll need to tell the person at the ticket window this word to get the deal.
- Children younger than 13 must be with an adult at all times.
- If it looks like rain is in the forecast, make sure to pack umbrellas and raincoats. Sharkarosa will stay open when there is light rain.
- Want a private tour? Sharkarosa Zoo offers those Monday–Thursday for one to 15 people. Contact the ranch to schedule.
- Restrooms are located near the playground and near the main entrance.
- The best way to find out events happening at Sharkarosa Zoo is to follow on Facebook.
Want more info? Follow Sharkarosa Zoo on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok; call 940/686-4600; or visit sharkarosa.com.
All photos courtesy of Sharkarosa Zoo
