Free Summer Activities: Noah's Ark Animal Rehabilitation Center in Locust Grove, Georgia

For a free summertime activity what better than a combination of sun, nature trails, exotic animals, domestic animals and an up close look at wild animals in their natural habitat. If this sounds to good to be true then you haven't been to Noah's Ark Animal Rehabilitation Center yet!

Noah's Ark is located in Locust Grove, Georgia. While you won't find any huge ship in dry dock there, it certainly seems to have enough animals to fill one. Noah's Ark provides care and treatment for injured, ill, or abused animals with the goal of returning them to the wild if at all possible. They also have an assortment of exotic animals on exhibit that have been rescued and given a permanent loving home there.

Often it is not possible to release injured animals back into the wild, in that case they are considered permanent members of the Noah's Ark family and live out their days in their natural habitat area on the property. Presently there are an estimated 800 animals on the grounds.

The large central visitor's center is a good place to start as you are asked to sign their guest book. Here you can pick up a map of the nature trails and animal exhibits. The visitor's center has restrooms and a water fountain for a cool drink as well as a vending machine dispensing soda or bottled water. You may wish to carry a bottle of water with you along the trails in warm weather but please don't litter. The natural habitat is home to many animal friends who could be injured investigating anything left behind.

Just behind the visitor's center are several aviaries housing an assortment of parrots. They are a colorful and noisy flock and sure to be a hit with the children in your group. With a bit of coaching, a cockatoo may even talk back to you! Some may find the parrots much friendlier than the two snacks in large glass enclosers inside the visitor's center.