Sierra Safari Zoo

This place is horrible!!! They threat the animals so bad here. I just wanted to cry seeing the living conditions these poor animals are subject to. Some of them you can see are dieing. I will never take my son here again. And their way over priced for how many animals there are and how they people treat them. Please please don’t go. I really should have lessened to the other reviews on here. I don’t even know how they stay open. Wish I didn’t even have to give it one star.

If you love animals don’t go here. I have no idea how they are even still open. It’s like a puppy mill with wild animals.
Shameful.
Shame on anyone who owns this disgrace of a place.

I’m completely disgusted at the state of this zoo. How is it possible that’s it is still running? If you can’t afford to make these animals comfortable, then send them to a facility that can. We were so excited to see these beautiful animals, especially the liger. My entire family was left broken hearted after our visit.

This looks and feels like a zoo jail. The animals look like they are depressed and in not good health. Their food (raw meat) was thrown on the ground and the animals didn’t even want to eat it. Flies everywhere, filthy water. There were 2 camels there and they both looked to be in very bad condition. I asked the worker in the gift shop about the camels and she told me that it was normal for the camel to look like he had a broken jaw because that’s what the males do to attract a female. The lion looked emaciated and was very lethargic; granted he was old, but he just didn’t look good at all. I left this place with a heavy heart for those poor animals.

I took my family on the first Monday of the month when they have a discount on the entrance. Totally worth it for the awesome encounter with the roaming peacocks and the glimpse at the Liger, as well as Limo, the cute little turtle they let roam around the gift shop. We pretty much saw everything in about 30 — 45 min., so I’m considering getting the annual since my 1 yr old loved it. As most reviews have mentioned, it is pretty small, smelly and sad. I think it’s all the chicken wire on top of chicken wire and dirt paths that make it a little too dreary… But I honestly leave most zoos thinking they were smelly and sad. That being said, these animals really do need better larger habitats and more resources. They had a lot of friendly volunteers there, so really they need money/​donations/​patronage. The only way I see it improving is through community support and action. So if you have little ones and need something to fill the day, I think it’s a good option.

Just visited today and the I’ve never seen such sad animals kept in dog cages. the poor liger kept in a big dog pen and it’s only shelter is a tin dog house wich had to be super hot in the summer. the sign says it’s very sociable and loves water but is kept by himself and his pond is all dried up.

Nothing special. Kinda sad seeing the rotting raw meat on the rocks in the lions cage with flies buzzing everywhere.

Read Louis M’s review for more useful information about the zoo’s limiting space.
This Zoo is 20 min away from where I live in South Reno. I went here for my daughter’s first birthday. I wanted for her to have fun even while away from our family in California. The Sierra Zoo is easy to find and has plenty of parking in the front. They have a small gift shop where you pay for admission and also have the option of purchasing food for the petting zoo. Their petting zoo is filled with beautiful creatures including majestic deer… and one of them even took a liking to my daughter. I love that each animal has an information plaque. They came in handy for teaching my daughter some facts about the animals. The staff couldn’t be more welcoming and they even greeted my daughter a happy birthday. A worker even answered some questions that me and some other guests had. She was well informed. There are a few spots that have shade including the eating area and walkway to the lions. Even the kiddos have two playgrounds to play on. Overall, we had a fun time and though we would like for the animals to have more space to roam, we can only hope for the best and keep supporting the zoo so that this may someday (hopefully soon) become a reality. I overheard what appeared to be customers that visited the zoo a while back. What I herd was, «Wow, this place really improved.» That gives me confidence that positive changes are happening.
Check out their website (you can donate here and check out what animals they have)
P. S. the mountains and clouds in the back drop… absolutely stunning!

Working at a small, nonprofit zoo myself I cannot believe this ‘zoo’ is allowed to stay open. Haphazard fencing, gaps and missing links leaving spaces for arms and hands to get into the ‘enclosures’ is asking for trouble. Not to mention the meat thrown lazily into the sun and rotting with flies and larva covering it. The lions wouldn’t even touch it. The smell, the feces everywhere, and the complete lack of irrigation leaves stagnant putrid water sitting in puddles around the animals. I left completely emotionally exhausted, flabbergasted at how this is allowed to stay open. If I were to be associated professionally with this zoo it would result in activating the animal welfare act.
Also: please see Desiree S.‘s review, which is honest and heartfelt.

This zoo is bad news. I want to first say that I am not against zoos, animals in captivity or any kind of PETA nut. However, I think there are some real issues with how this «zoo» is being operated. Despite the issues outlined in the movie, at least Sea World gives back to the community through forms of conservation, research and education. Most Zoos provide a certain level of conservation and animal biology/​zoology therefore it can be argued that it should receive support. This place appears to be strictly a for-​profit business that does not adhere to any standards maintained by the animal conservation community in regards to captivity. After contacting the USDA and WWF, I found out that complaints have been made at every level of government regarding this business. First of all, it is NOT accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and that makes sense since they do not adhere to any of there standards. Every major zoo or aquarium you have ever been to voluntarily gets this accreditation. Furthermore, after researching this place a bit, it was confirmed that Sierra Safari Zoo operator Dale McDaniel has advertised in Animal Finders Guide, a swapsheet type publication that peddles exotic animals to the «pet» trade, breeders, dealers, and trophy hunters; this is where circus animals are traded until they die. The living space of some animals here is atrocious. I would almost say you have to see it to believe it but I don’t think anyone should support this «business.» They have large mammals (lions) in what looks like large dog kennels from Costco; it is disturbing. Most zoos meet or exceed the recommended sizes of living space for animals set forth by the World Wildlife Fund; this place does not. In fact, it looks like they use 10% of recommended space and call it quits. Another reviewer mentioned that the entire zoo looks like someone’s backyard that just has too many animals and I have to agree with that being accurate. Animals in captivity is never ideal but zoos offer children and adults the opportunity to learn about animals, their environments and the world. This place only teaches children that’s it’s okay to keep large animals in extremely small living spaces. It’s obviously a for-​profit business because that is exactly how it is run in regards to the quality of care for the animal life. I’v read some other reviews stating that you should support this place so that it can hopefully grow in size but unfortunately that is circular logic. As long as people continue buying a ticket, these displays will continue to exist and the animals will continue to suffer. It’s that simple. Talk to family, friends and co-​workers, especially those with small children who may be inclined to go. Explain to them that every ticket purchased is directly contributing to the animals’ miserable lives.

I am trying not to compare this zoo to all the zoos I have been to in Texas (where I am from) because those are state funded, and this one isn’t. I guess if you go on a day that isn’t too hot, or in the morning, it will be worth the $ 10 per person. I think they are doing the best they can with what they have even if the animals look completely depressed. The petting part is kind of cool because its huge, and there ALOT of animals. If you buy food for them, be prepared to be swarmed!
They have a small play area which is awesome too!

It’s been a while since I‘ve felt compelled to write a review the day I‘ve had an experience somewhere but if I don‘t write this review now, I‘ll feel my words building up inside of me.
This place, in a word: SAD. I read the reviews before I went, and I had really wanted to go to The Animal Ark, but my friend wanted to go here instead so I agreed reluctantly. Driving passed it on the freeway, to exit, I commented on how small the place looked and how they could not possibly have big animals there (I saw big cats on their website). It was easy to find, I‘ll give them that, situated right next to the freeway. We parked in the small parking lot and went in to pay. I bought some feed for the petting zoo because why not? I already had that sinking feeling that I was going to be seriously depressed over the conditions of this place, so I figured I would buy some feed and treat the petting zoo animals.
The «zoo» looks like someone’s large backyard with a bunch of fences. It is all dirt trail with animals in cages spread about the grounds. There were a few people there, with their kids, and all I could think of «this is just super sad and I want to leave». I walked the entire grounds, seeing some animals that were in a broken down covered, enclosed space. The one that stood out was the sloth, who was WAY too big for this small glass enclosure they had him/​her in. I don‘t care if this animal moves slowly and doesn’t seem to need much room, this looked like a glass enclosure for a snake. Anyway, there were some peacocks walking around, which was kind of neat, but all I could see was crap all over the place. I understand animals poop but it just looks like the cages/​enclosures were not kept up well and the animals were living in their own feces. The monkeys all looked sad and dejected in their small enclosures, with the exception of one very small, cute baby monkey. I wanted to set them all free, people!
Getting to the most tragic part of the grounds… the lion, the tiger, and the bobcat. Let’s put it this way: My house cat has more room to roam in my condo than the lion (king of the jungle) does. The lion looked dirty, his fur matted and overall unkempt. The tiger was taking a nap under, what looked liked, some badly cut plastic tube. Poop all over the place, and with poop comes flies. Really crappy (literally). The rest of the «zoo» wasn’t much better. All the animals just looked like they were «over it», some with dirty coats/​fur, some with a lot of injuries to their ears (from the other animals? bugs? Who knows). The plus was the petting zoo, which was still craptastic (due to the amount of crap all over the place) but the animals at least got to interact with people who had food and could give them some love. I didn‘t spend very much time at this place. I walked around, fed the petting zoo deers and goats, and exited. I will never return here unless someone has a plan to help me set these poor animals free. The workers don‘t seem to know much about what they’re doing. To be honest, they look like mostly kids who do this as a part time gig. None of them attempted to interact with us or smile, and they generally seemed to hate life at the Sierra Safari «Zoo». Blah.

This is a smaller zoo, so it won’t take you all day and you won’t get tired of walking. They don’t have an elephant or a giraffe but have lots of other unique animals. Fun for all ages — easy walking. I think the price for a family of 4 is a little high for the size of this zoo.

For the snobs complaining about this zoo why don’t you leave Reno then if you hate it so much. Morons. I thought the place for being a low budget zoo was fine. It’s a small zoo with small support so you aren’t going to be amazed like some huge city zoo. It is what it is and at least it’s something!

This is the best zoo I have ever been to. It has most of the animals of a city zoo, but you can actually see the animals. City zoo’s have large areas for the animals, and they are often at the back of their areas. To see them binoculars are needed. This zoo has large cats like lions, a liger, a white tiger, etc, that are almost within arm’s reach.
The large cat’s trade off being in the large enclosure, which was explained by a very conscientious employee. They explained that the liger was pacing because it’s turn had been delayed. The liger was pacing 6 feet in front of me. I have never experienced being that close to a large animal like that.
I also made an emotional connection with an exotic goat in the petting zoo area.

Reno has two places to see animals, both native and non-​native. This review is on Sierra Safari Zoo.
First and foremost, this establishment has been with walking distance of my house for nearly 20 years. Sometimes, on old Virginia, in the evening, you can hear the Parrots screaming for attention.
I have heard the reviews of how the animals are kept and how terrible it is. But, I look at things a bit differently. Mind you, I am not saying my type of thinking is correct or not. I’m just stating it.
I like this zoo. There is no comparison to other established zoos in Calif, but we are not there. This zoo has been open since 1989. It’s a non-​profit organization. I think it’s doing a damn bang up job at it too! There is a finite amount of acreage and land is not cheap. Taxes and permits are not cheap. What’s even more expensive is the amount of food each animal consumes, plus the care and medical expenses the zoo incurs each and every month. I truly think they do a great job. Is there room for improvement, heck yes. Even on their web site, they, themselves, state that the zoo continues to build better facilities, but needs help from the community to do it.
Do you know that the Sierra Safari zoo is the largest zoo in Nevada? Not even Vegas can claim that (currently)! There are over 150 animals from over 40 different species.
So, if you want to see a sloth, birds, lion, primates, tortoises or take the kids to a large petting zoo (yes, they have a very large petting zoo for kids). Come and take a look.
Just remember, don’t compare the Sierra Safari Zoo to the big boys. There is no comparison. But, considering how many zoos are in Las Vegas, I think ours is doing pretty good. It’s fun, close by and they can use our support.
Why 4 stars instead of 5? There’s always room for improvment.

Kalika the liger, and Juma the baby hyena are two of my personal favorites!

The Sierra Safari Zoo is a small, family run Zoo in North Reno. If you are a Zoo snob, and want state of the art facilities, stop here. Don’t even bother visiting, because you will only disappoint yourself and complain.
Ok. Still with me? Good. You have a sense of adventure, and don’t mind something a little less polished. Let’s take a look at what you will find:
The staff was fabulous. We received an almost private tour with a female feeder, that really added a personal touch. She talked about the animals personalities, their ailments, and a touching story about a mother hyena that died in going birth to her pup, who was being hand raised by the staff.
The animal collection has a surprising variety for such a small facility. It comprises mostly of Cats, Primates, and hoofed animals. However, the star attraction by far is the female Liger. If you have never heard of one, suffice to say, ‘it’s pretty much my favorite animal.’ The Liger is a crossbreed between a tiger and a Lion. Because of this animal, the zoo is ineligible for AZA status.
The small cats and monkeys were also very active and entertaining. Seeing the small cats in the open and walking around was refreshing compared to the usual «do you see him?» «nope» that you experience at some bigger zoos.
In the end, come for a nice hour, hour and a half of personal viewing time with these animals. Your visiting helps them to stay open and healthy. The caretakers are doing all they can to treat the animals with respect and raise them in a healthy, loving environment. Your admission will help them to continue to do so.

You are all a bunch of freakin cry babies! Its a small non profit zoo! What do you expect? Contrary to what all these people have to say, I found this zoo to be quite pleasant. If you are expecting a large scale SF or San Diego zoo don’t bother going because all you are going to do is complain.
I recently went to this zoo and I enjoyed going to the petting zoo. They had deer and goat. Also for a small fee you can buy food to feed them. I saw many peacocks they were adorable. Among other animals we saw a White tiger, lion, panther and many more.

Though small and not strong in variety, this Zoo is fun for small family trips (and I believe I went here on a field trip back in elementary school). I hadn’t been here as far as I can clearly remember, so my girlfriend and I went here today for her birthday.
Overall the zoo isn’t strong, but it has a great petting area with deer and goats, (super-​fat too) who are somewhat friendly, but still mostly skiddish when approached without food.
Also, some of the exhibits are hard to spot since they aren’t on a main path, and can only be viewed around the petting area or from a short distance.
And the condition of the animals is fine. I see a lot of harsh complaints, but there are larger enclosures for the large animals and medium enclosures for the small, with more than enough room to run around and play (some with freely-​open doors to sheds, where I assume they are primarily fed and cleaned). The only bad part is that more than half of the animals are just tired from the heat and don’t do much, so it’s hard to catch them when they actually are moving around and active.
A definite fun experience for families during the summer months, though I would hope they could get some more money to afford more than just volunteers (for educational purposes) and improve upon pathways (as is add more).