Why Not An American Ark
📍 Monroe, NC
A 125-acre working farm and petting zoo in Monroe featuring camels, zebras, donkeys, goats, bunnies, pony rides, and guided trail rides. Feed buckets available at entry. Ages 2 and under admitted free.
They do an amazing job with school field trips. Jeff is the best!
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with toddlers through early teens who want open-air farm and animal interaction without the structure of a traditional zoo. Toddlers love the accessible pony rides and feeding stations. Bring cash for the smoothest entry experience. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays — confirm seasonal hours before visiting.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →510 Google reviews
Kim Hyland
“They do an amazing job with school field trips. Jeff is the best!”
Tori
“We had an absolute blast today! The farm staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming. Everyone we met was so kind and attentive. You can tell the animals are well cared for, and there’s so much to explore around the property. I highly recommend visiting this beautiful piece of heaven. My son had a fantastic time and even asked if we could return tomorrow! Don’t forget to grab some ice pops at the end of your visit.”
Ashleigh Alexander-Hilton
“This place is definitely a hidden gem. My toddler really enjoyed herself feeding the animals and running around in the open spaces. The pricing for everything is very affordable. There's even a discount on Groupon!”
Brandy Franklin
“Grandson loved it. They sell you a hige bucket of feed and the animals are fun to feed”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Why Not An American Ark has operated since 1996 on 125 acres of rolling farmland in Monroe, NC. The Two by Two Petting Zoo section houses camels, zebras, donkeys, goats, and bunnies with a large feed bucket available for purchase at entry. Pony rides run on-site without advance reservation. Guided trail rides on horseback require advance booking and are available on request. Multiple ponds, open trails, and scenic pastures make for easy exploration beyond the animal areas.
