Ethel is a tiny little town just outside of St. Francisville that you may have never heard of, but that’s about to change. Tucked away within the rolling hills of this East Feliciana Parish village is one of the most incredible animal preserves in Louisiana, and if you’re an animal lover, you need to clear your schedule to make your way over to this lovely hidden gem. It’s not very often you get the opportunity to interact with exotic animals like kangaroos, sloths, and more!

Whether you’re 1 or 100, Barn Hill Animal Preserve is bound to put a smile on your face.

Google Maps

Barn Hill is home to more than 50 species of exotic animals, and you’ll get the opportunity to interact with them during your visit.

Barn Hill Preserve/Facebook

From camels…

Barn Hill Preserve/Facebook

…to kangaroos, Barn Hill is one of the most unique petting zoos in the state.

Barn Hill Preserve/Facebook But they’re so much more than just a petting zoo. During your visit, you’ll learn all about these cuddly creatures and Barn Hill’s preservations efforts.

Barn Hill offers unique animal encounters that kids and adults of all ages will love.

Barn Hill Preserve/Facebook

Want to enjoy a picnic with a giraffe?

Barn Hill Preserve/Facebook

Or what about sloths?

Barn Hill Preserve/Facebook

Barn Hill is home to several two-toed sloths, and they often host a special event where you can sip wine with sloths!

Barn Hill Preserve/Facebook This monthly event is one you’ll want to mark on your calendar. Check their website to find out when the next Sip with Sloths is happening.

You really can do it all at Barn Hill. Have you ever wanted to swim with otters?

Barn Hill Preserve/Facebook Well at Barn Hill, you can! These Asian small-clawed otters are just so quirky, you’ll be grinning from ear to ear the moment one of these little fellas swims up (or on) you.

Oh, and while you’re touring the property, don’t forget to look up.

Meredith Poissot/Google As if the giraffes, sloths, and kangaroos weren’t enough of a reason to visit, Barn Hill is also home to one of the largest free-flying macaw rescues in the country! You’ll see these beauties soaring high in the sky during your visit, adding a wonderful splash of color to a day you’ll never forget.

Are you ready to book your encounter? Head over to their website to learn more, and don’t forget to give them a follow on Facebook so you never miss out on any future events. If you’ve ever been to Barn Hill Preserve, share your experience with us in the comments below!

Google Maps

Barn Hill Preserve/Facebook

But they’re so much more than just a petting zoo. During your visit, you’ll learn all about these cuddly creatures and Barn Hill’s preservations efforts.

This monthly event is one you’ll want to mark on your calendar. Check their website to find out when the next Sip with Sloths is happening.

Well at Barn Hill, you can! These Asian small-clawed otters are just so quirky, you’ll be grinning from ear to ear the moment one of these little fellas swims up (or on) you.

Meredith Poissot/Google

As if the giraffes, sloths, and kangaroos weren’t enough of a reason to visit, Barn Hill is also home to one of the largest free-flying macaw rescues in the country! You’ll see these beauties soaring high in the sky during your visit, adding a wonderful splash of color to a day you’ll never forget.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Barn Hill Preserve, 11342 LA-955, Ethel, LA 70730, USA