The Lazy 5 Ranch offers a glimpse of over 750 animals from six continents. Visitors may ride through the 3.5 mile privately owned safari in their own vehicle or ride one of the ranch’s horse-drawn carriages. Animals may eat from a person’s hand or from buckets of food sold at the ranch. In addition to providing family fun, entertainment, and education since 1993, the Lazy Five Ranch seeks to help recover some endangered species. Readers may also wish to learn more details about the birds and 4-legged animals at the Lazy 5 Ranch.
Helpful Hints and Money-Saving Tips for the Lazy 5 Ranch Safari
- Have funds available because the ranch does not accept credit or debit cards at the entrance gate at this time.
- Groups of more than fifteen people enjoy significantly discounted prices. Party options are also available.
- Carefully review the rules for the safari before entering. For example, some animals are off-limits for feeding, and honking horns and flashing lights are discouraged.
- Plan to arrive well before closing time as visitors can easily spend several hours enjoying the wide variety of animals, play, and education offered at the ranch.
- Visitors may bring in food for themselves, but the animals must eat food purchased on site.
- The speed limit through the safari section is 5 miles per hour, but visitors may need to sit back and enjoy the scene for a few moments if an animal decides to have lunch in the middle of the road.
- Those who enjoy taking pictures and videos may want to bring extra media storage and ensure that batteries are charged as the ranch provides a great opportunity to see incredible and ever-changing scenes. Visitors may see a male ostrich sitting on 40 eggs, a Jacob’s four horned sheep grazing, or a reindeer going for a stroll. The Lazy 5 offers an excellent booklet with pictures of the types of animals including detailed information about their natural habitat and interesting details. For example, babies of the wildebeest may walk or even run within seven minutes after birth!
- Large birds, like the rhea, tend to stick their heads in vehicles with open windows, so visitors may be wise to roll up windows during certain sections of the safari.
- Visitors in their own vehicles must remain inside their vehicles but are welcome to pull off the road for a longer look if desired.
- Feeding the giraffes is more feasible from the back of a wagon.
- Hold buckets firmly if feeding an animal unless you want to bless one animal with a private feast.
- Reservations are recommended for those planning a wagon ride.
- Pets are not allowed in the park for safety reasons.
Petting and Viewing Areas at the Lazy 5 Ranch
The Lazy Five Ranch offers a walk-through petting and viewing area with a wide collection of smaller animals, including many birds, ducks, swans, peacocks, koi, goats, huge turtles, a prairie dog, the endangered ring-tailed lemur, and more. Enjoy petting or seeing some larger animals like camels, cattle, and llamas in this area as well. See a variety of horses, donkeys, and authentic farm equipment at the two horse barns.
Walking Tips for the Lazy 5 Ranch
- Wear comfortable shoes. The walkways are dirt paths. Some areas have a few steps.
- Read the rules regarding the walking areas as some animals should not be fed or petted.
- Some areas are shaded, but sunscreen is recommended.
- Camels may spit.
- Hand washing areas are available near the bathrooms.
- Staff members are willing to share their knowledge of the animals as visitors enjoy the ranch.
Recreation and Eating Areas at the Lazy 5 Ranch
A shaded picnic and playground area with swings, slides, and climbing areas is also popular at the Lazy 5. The fenced safari area is adjacent to the playground, and some animals may come to see the fun and try for a snack as well. Other areas of interest include the blacksmith shop, where visitors can see and speak with a working blacksmith, the trading post, and snack shack.
Lazy 5 Ranch Offers Rentals and Educational Opportunities
The Lazy 5 Ranch is open every day of the year, and each season provides a wealth of viewing and photo opportunities. The Ranch offers other services and educational opportunities, including:
- Horse and carriage rentals
- Santa with live reindeer
- Live nativity scenes
- Antique farming exhibitions and education
- Parties with accommodations for a wide range of group sizes
Visit the Lazy 5 Ranch web site for pricing information, photos, details, address, and directions.
The Lazy 5 Ranch is not the fast paced safari ride at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom nor is it the wide expanse of the North Carolina Zoological Park. This small, less expensive ranch enjoys the support of surrounding areas and is a popular destination for school field trips. People interested in visiting the Lazy 5 Ranch may also be interested in visiting Dan Nicholas Park in Rowan County, North Carolina.
Sources
Lazy 5 Ranch web site
Lazy 5 Ranch booklet
Katrena Wells - Katrena Wells is a RN in NC with 17 1/2 years of experience in oncology, an educator since 1995, and has taught exercise classes since ...
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