Come To Texas. If you scratch our belly, we will roll over. We all enjoyed our time. You can actually swim with otters in Texas and TikTok is officially obsessed. This month, a family of otters at the Lake Waco Wetlands has been getting some public attention, thanks to photos posted online by Lake Waco Park Ranger Mike Champagne and veteran local wildlife . Because of this, the otters have quickly become the most popular guests at the resort. This is the only place in Texas and one of six opportunities in the country to swim with these cute creatures. 've ever wondered what it's like to swim with otters, here's your chance! Woman is saved by Uber Eats driver after locking herself out on roof: Hope you tipped that man well. What a wild adventure! You certainly dont have to book an overnight to have a wonderful experience at Blue Hills Ranch. They are semi-aquatic animals, and they are well adapted to life on both land and in water, like rivers, streams, freshwater wetlands, and the sea. I am the newest mini cow, and I am a Belted Galloway. With realistic plants and scenery, several swimming areas, and even a slide, these otters have every opportunity to get wet and wild. Kids get to interact with animals and swim with otters in a transparent slide that takes them through an otter swim tank. Log In. It's the only place in the state and just one of six spots in the. I am a Saint Bernard. Geneva is my big sister and we have grown up together since I was a baby. You must be at least 12 years of age to swim with Sweet Pea and Otto, and 18 years old to go to most animal activities (minors must be accompanied by an adult). The Blue Hills Ranch & Resort has a variety of accommodations for overnight guests, including animal and pirate themed cabins which range in price from $100-$500 per night. A top priority is to ensure our animal ambassadors are safe and secure at all times. It's the only place in the state and just one of six spots in the country where visitors can swim with otters, according to property manager Skylar Lightfoot. My little sister is in a motorized wheel chair she was able to get around. ), and wedding and event venues. River otters are native to Texas, but because of the demand for pelts back in the 19th century, followed by habitat loss and water quality degradation, otters were virtually wiped out except in . "Our priority is the safety and care of the animals.". Mini donkeys will come right up to your back porch! My mom is my guide to the world and is very protective of me. Monique Welch was an engagement reporter for the Houston Chronicle. Blue Hills opened for safari tours and animal encounters at the end of 2020, but management says they didn't really get things going until early 2021. The resort offers encounters with other animals like giraffes, and camels but the otters are what's made them famous. I came to Blue Hills Ranch at just 6 weeks old. We do not have an observation deck for bystanders to view otter swims, those wanting to participate must purchase a ticket to access the pool. We were donated in March of 2021 and we patrol the fence line. The guests were able to swim among two otters, Otto and Sweetpea, who loved to play-fight each other. The guests were able to swim among two otters, Otto and Sweetpea, who loved to play-fight each other. Reservations can only be made up to a month in advance as the property often hosts weddings. If you see me, stop and say hello because I love meeting new people and love being the center of attention! Camp Fimfo Waco. 1 of 12. May 14, 2022 You can swim with otters on Blue Hills Ranch, Texas, outside of Waco. Otto and Sweet Pea weigh no more than 8 to 10 pounds and are about 2 feet long. Luke, Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Captain Hook, Wendy, Darling,Wheelie. Otto and Sweet Pea are Asian small-clawed otters, the smallest of the 13 otter species. Blue Hills Ranch & Giraffe Sanctuary in McGregor, TX features 150 acres of beautiful land with rolling hills, ponds, and endless sunset views where a wide variety of animals roam freely. Lilly and I were the first animals here at Blue Hills Ranch. We use a state-of-the-art saltwater pool system that is temperature-controlled for both guest's and the otter's comfort level no matter the time of year. Experience being a part of their playground and share in food time fun. We love our treats and want you to come say hello. With this increase, we will also be decreasing the number of otter swim experiences sold each year. They're also spoiled so they have to have that perfect temperature," Lightfoot said. For other Air B&B inspiration, check out our roundup of our 10 favorite Air B&Bs in the state. #texascheck #texas #texastravel #bluehillsranch #wacotexas #otters #ottersoftiktok The King 55.9K exploringamanda Monica, Ross, Chandler, Phoebe, Emma, Joey. Swim with otters at Blue Hills Ranch near Waco, Texas! Swims are operated daily from 2pm to 5pm, and reservations are required. Of course a big thanks to all the animals. Perhaps thats why otters who live in zoo habitats goof off so much., Simple sidewalk chalk obstacle course is the perfect activity for bored toddlers. The animal sanctuary/resort/wedding venue allows guests to swim in a heated hot tub with two otters adorably named Otto and Sweet Pea for about an hour, the San Antonio Express-News reports. 2019 Do512 Family. You can book a private safari tour to meet the animals, or opt for extra special encounters like bottle-feeding young giraffes or swimming with otters. I used to live inside the farmhouse but now I hop around the barn yard. I am going to show Google the ropes here at Blue Hills and introduce him to all my animal friends. Email: office@barnhillpreserve.com All rights reserved. Continue your travels through the Asian Forest, where the habitat replicates the abandoned Angkor Wat temple inhabited by orangutans and komodo dragons. Press Enter / Return to begin your search. You will not be able to watch others swim. Come and watch our swimming skills while we eat our favorite treat - fish popsicles! based upon weather conditions and safety of giraffes). My party of 5 did two otter swims, five encounter tours, and five sipping with sloths. Its a low priority if food is scarce, but otters who are well taken care of tend to spend lots of time having fun. Warm waters are where these otters thrive, so you can expect the hot tub to be about 85 to 90 degrees. The other animals don't know it, but we pretty much run the place. You can actually swim with otters in Texas and TikTok is officially obsessed. 6 Best Weekend Getaways in Texas for National Park Adventures, Luxury Resorts, and Small-town Charm, This California Destination Is the 8th Largest City in the U.S. and It's Home to Casual Beach Towns, Family Theme Parks, and Beautiful Golf Courses, 10 Family-friendly U.S. The 60 minute swim time costs $200 per person. GOP leaders say ballot shortage was targeted at Republicans. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. This aquatic exhibit mimics a Texas river bed, the natural habitat of these highly intelligent mammals. Stay tuned to their website, Facebook and Instagram for news! It's no wonder it's one of the top things to do in Waco! I love to run around with my cow friends, McGregor & Elsa. The Asian Forest is also home to Sumatran tigers where you can watch these big cats roam their forested habitat. No smoking or open flames on Ranch property, Outside animals are not allowed outside RV Area, Children under 18 years of agemust be accompanied by an adult at all times, Wild animals are present, death or injury can occur, Liability Waiver must be signed by all visitors prior to entering the Ranch. They definitely want to see you up close and personal. Here, you'll encounter lions, giraffes, elephants, white rhinos, and meerkats. If you've ever wondered what it's like to swim with otters, here's your chance! Cameron Park Zoo is known for its lush, natural habitats that give visitors close-up views of its exotic inhabitants. Lake Whitney State Park. I grew up in California before moving to Texas. 2. Adult Swims: She's my favorite here. We are proud to be one of a select few zoological facilities in the US that offer otter swims. Guests must be age 12 or older and all animal encounters are a private VIP experience, meaning appointments are required, according to Blue Hills' website. Come help bottle feed our 2 newest residents, baby camels! Is Abbott Trading Texas Future to Become Trumps Running Mate? RELATED: Otters take rare swim near downtown portion of Buffalo Bayou after Tropical Storm Nicholas. "They're warmer climate. Business is booming for Waco-area animal sanctuary, Blue Hills Ranch, thanks to a viral TikTok of one of their most popular attractions- swimming with otters. We help our zebras stand guard and protect our other animals from any harm, but we will also seek, Bonnie, Clyde, Monica, Ross, Chandler, Phoebe, Emma, Joey. They can be seen from multiple perspectives, whether performing their graceful underwater maneuvers or just napping in the sun after a long swim. Travel blogger @readysetjetsetstopped byBlue Hills Ranch, a 150-acre giraffe and animal sanctuary. Just outside of Waco, TX sits the perfect destination for animal-lovers to meet giraffes, zebras, kangaroo, lemurs, otters, horses, mini cows, and more. At Blue Hills Ranch, located just outside of Waco, you can do just that! There are thought to be 50,000 of us in India and 35,000 of us in Texas. The ranch offers visitors a chance to stay in its cabins, where guests can pay$200 per personto experience the otter swim service. The response has been great. the ranchs team told Travel + Leisure recently. If otters aren't your thing, you can also come face to face with giraffes and camels. We came to the ranch November of 2021. No exceptions! This interactive experience begins with a 1 hour guided tour of our facility led by our experienced and knowledgeable staff. "TikTok has definitely been a big help as far as advertisement wise," Lightfoot said in April 2022. Blue Hills Ranch is just about a 15-minute drive from Waco, TX, where you'll find 15 acres of exciting activities away from the busy city life. Log In. Come swim and play with our Asian Small-clawed Otter water sausages, Otto and Sweet Pea, in their private hot tub! Otto & Sweet Pea Zebras We are the official "Guards" of Blue Hills Ranch. They turned two years old in March and are Asian small-claw otters, the smallest of all the otter species: they weigh just 10 pounds. The entire experience was AMAZING! This was a great place to visit. In cases of inclement weather, tickets may be rescheduled. The experience is only available to those 12 and over, with a minimum of two participants and maximum of six people per swim. Devices like puzzles, palm fronds, coconuts, and Frisbees encourage the otters natural behaviors and give Merlin, Arthur, and Fisher a chance to explore their environment, solve problems, and make decisions. Travel blogger @readysetjetset stopped by Blue Hills Ranch, a 150-acre giraffe and animal . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You have entered an incorrect email address! Whether you like to slither with the snakes or roar with the lions, Cameron Park Zoo has it all. The one-mile-long lazy river at BSR Cable Park is a fantastic place to relax and enjoy the cool water on a sweltering summer day in Texas. Immediately following the tour you will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of reptiles, mammals, and even a sloth! While in the pool, you are an observer. Fish popsicles and shrimp treats are their faves if youre lucky, they may offer toys to you and share their mischievous energy, must be accompanied by an adult at all times. We are a little shy but getting better at letting you see us. I was named after Tonkawa Falls in Crawford, TX. The animal sanctuary/resort/wedding venue allows guests to swim in a heated hot tub with two otters adorably named Otto and Sweet Pea for about an hour, the San Antonio Express-News reports. The dinner date with Giraffes starts at $400 per person. I am Google, the 1 year old giraffe who follows in Blue's footsteps, learning all about Blue Hills Ranch. This enrichment is vital to engage these smart and active otters both mentally and physically. Hungry from your travels? Take a ride with us and see all our animal families, including our free-roaming cows, deer, emus and more. Chalk Ridge Falls Park. Ranches to Experience the Great Outdoors, Take Glamping to the Next Level With These Airstream Airbnb Trailers, The 17 Best Trips Our Travel Editors Took This Year, 10 Adults-only All-inclusive Resorts Around the World. You can take a day trip to enjoy a grand safari tour where the owner of the ranch will drive your family around the property in an open-air safari vehicle to show you ALL of the animals. The animals play with their food, slide to amuse themselves, and, yes, like to wrestle. Classic Waco Tour: Best Sites & TV highlights in Waco 2,184 Recommended Bus Tours from $78.00 per adult Amazing Brazos River Sunset Boat Adventure in Waco Texas 20 Recommended Water Tours from $59.00 per adult Waco Wine Tours 13 Recommended from $119.00 per adult Ghost Maker Tour in Georgetown: Adults Only 11 Recommended Walking Tours from $23.95 Zebras. Every effort will be made to get great pictures including going over time limit if needed. All your money goes toward caring for the animals here! @readysetjetset said in thecaption. All reschedules must be done 14 days prior to the reservation. Located 86 miles north of Austin, the 150-acre Blue Hills Ranch Resort provides a variety of animal excursions, including swim time with two adorable Asian small-clawed otters named Otto and Sweet Pea. "They're warmer climate," Lightfoot said. We do not allow the otters to be restrained, both for the safety of you and our otters. The BSR Cable Park. The swim with otters have become popular on social media, and the Ranchs Instagram shows adorable videos of the otters interacting with staff and guests.If swimming with otters isnt quite your speed, the resort has other unique animal experiences. They are both beautiful and comfortable and allow you to experience the ranch in such a unique way.
