We are very excited to have you visit Wild Hearts or book our Mobile Teaching Zoo. If you have a question, you might find the answer here. If not please email us at contact@wildheartsafricanfarm.org and we will get back to you with an answer! Thank you so much!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: Is Wild Hearts African Farm Humane Certified™?
    A: YES! As of 2019, Wild Hearts African Farm is the first American Humane Certified™ zoo in Ohio. The Humane Certified certification mark is owned by, and used under agreement with, American Humane Association, a non-profit organization founded in 1877. For information about the Humane Certified program, visit americanhumane.org.

  • Q: Can we visit anytime?
    A:     Wild Hearts African Farm offers seasonal walk-in hours as well as year-round experiences by reservation!

    During our regular seasonal walk-in hours, general admission includes access to BaseCamp, the EcoDome, and the Boma, with additional animal experiences available for an added fee.

    Visits by Reservation Year-Round: Capybara Encounters can be booked directly through our website. Guided tours, field trips, group visits, and our Mobile Teaching Zoo (where we bring the animals to you!) can be scheduled year-round.

    Don’t see exactly what you’re looking for? We’d love to help you plan your visit! Call us at 937-416-5520 to discuss availability, special requests, or customized experiences.

    Current Walk-In Hours: Our regular walk-in season has concluded for 2026. We look forward to welcoming walk-in visitors again in spring 2027! Reservations and special experiences are available year-round.

  • Q: Who do we make check payments and donations out to?
    A: Please make out checks to Wild Hearts Zoological Society is our legal business name.
  • Q: Are you a 501c3 non-profit?
    A: Yes we are. Our EIN Tax ID number for Wild Hearts Zoological Society is 46-5750211.
  • Q: What kind of animals will we see at Wild Hearts African Farm?
    A: We are home to over 85 animals and over 35 species, ranging from domesticated livestock such as cows, donkeys and Nigerian Dwarf Goats, to native wildlife such as owls, hawks and an eagle, as well as exotic animals such as African tortoises, an African sand cat, African black-backed jackals and porcupines, Patagonian maras, hedgehogs and bearded dragons.
  • Q: Do you have dangerous animals like lions, tigers, bears or venomous snakes?
    A: We do not have and we do not plan to ever house those types of dangerous animals.
  • Q: Will we get to feed or touch the animals?
    A: We encourage it! Not every animal is touchable, and the tour guide will explain what animals you can touch. Touchable animals include our Patagonian Maras, tortoises, goats, emu, ducks, lizards, and more!
  • Q: Are you handicap accessible?
    A: We have handicap parking spaces, restrooms and sidewalks around our Education Center. We are a working farm and there are a variety of uneven surfaces such as gravel, grass and mulch that are common on our property.
  • Q: What is your farm producing?
    A: Wild Hearts is a USDA APHIS licensed facility. Currently we produce hay, corn, apples, hibiscus flowers, and porcupine quills (naturally shed).
  • Q: Where are you located?
    A: Our new Visitor’s Entrance is at 7010 Jordan Rd. Lewisburg, Ohio 45338.
  • Q; Where do we park? Parking is free. Pull into our farm and park in the parking lot at 7010 Jordan Rd. Lewisburg, Ohio 45338.
  • Q: What is your mission?
    A: Wild Hearts African Farm & Petting Zoo’s mission is to make a positive impact on wildlife conservation both locally and globally through unique educational experiences while providing a fun and recreational resource for our community.
  • Q: Are you members of a professional organization?
    A: Professionalism is highly important to us. Founder Amanda Badger has been a professional member of the Zoological Association of America since January 2015. Additionally, Wild Hearts is Humane Certified™ by American Humane, of the “No Animals Were Harmed” fame.
  • Q: Don’t animals belong in the wild?
    A: Absolutely. Animals are a crucial part of the wild and ecosystem. They are a crucial part of our lives as pets, as working animals and as food for people and other animals all over the world. Wildlife around the world are facing difficult times including human-wildlife conflict, poaching, habitat loss and climate change. We believe that it is equally as crucial to help wildlife by protecting their environments, raising awareness for their cause, and ending the trafficking of their ivory, horns and other body parts. It’s a complex situation, but we all can make a difference! Sending animals to the wild without proper resources is like releasing a fish into a dry lake. You released it, but what did you achieve?
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