Lazy Ranch Review

This place is GREAT. Price reasonable, staff friendly, animals health and friendly. Highly recommend.

I came here today on 10/31/2020 for the first time and I had a excellent experience. The people there smiled and answered our questions in a polite manner. Seeing the animals there was an eye opening, rather spiritual experience for me. Seeing them all together in harmony left me in awe. Human beings & animals co existing in harmony. I really enjoyed it and my family enjoyed it as well. I am so thankful that I visit this beautiful ranch.

As a wildlife rehabilitator here in NC, I am disgusted by the lack of care for the animals at the Lazy 5 Ranch. Animals have gone without medical treatment and the horses are overworked. As a refuge, these people should be less focused on making money, and more focused on the care of the animals.

Very friendly. Big buckets of food. Although it seemed very overpopulated with animals and most of the guests didnt follow the rules. 2 animals were limping and when staff was notified they had someone sent out right away which was reassuring. Not a bad place at all.

Katie was fantastic! A lot of fun and the hayride was definitely the way to go.

Good experience. No debit or credit cards. No petting zoo. Drivers aren't aware of drive thru etiquette, some won't let you pass.

This was our 1st time here and we couldn't have been more pleased! Even though it was January 1/19/21, the animals were out and so cute! We took our teen-aged granddaughter and she had a blast! We will definitely be back. A good time for any age!

We visited last weekend for a scheduled wagon ride with 20 people (mostly children) attending this trip.

I booked the wagon ride about a month in advance with Kendall. We drove a little over 2hrs to get to Lazy 5 Rach. We were on a time crunch and arrived to the wagon ride right on time, and we were greeted by friendly staff, with the exception of an inpatient older man working in the horse barn. Our wagon driver was absolutely great, and he was very knowledgeable about all of the animals. He was extremely patient with our group of very excited children. I wish I could remember his name because he did an outstanding job! Our children had a blast and enjoyed every minute of this trip. We truly appreciate everyone s hard work, and we will surely be back next year if it works out on our schedule!

The snack shack, play ground and gift shop were nice options, and the restroom facilities were fairly clean too.

Although I can t remember everyone s names, I want to personally say a BIG thank you to EVERYONE at Lazy 5 Ranch that helped make this an awesome trip, we appreciate you so much! If I could give you double stars, I definitely would do it because you all deserve it 100%

From: FPC Children s Ministry Dept.

I take my daughter every year and we love it, it's a great way to make memories with ur little ones.

A wonderful place to take children! Adults enjoy it very much as well!

Trinity was the best wagon driver/host we have ever had on a preschool field trip. She had a passion for the animals and was very knowledgeable about each and every one. Kudos to Trinity! You made the day!

Line too long the animals so away from cars ive Been here all day im about to finish the tour and still have food buckets full so sad boring kids

Drove for almost 3 hours y'all were not letting people in
BUT that's ok we found someplace to take the kids you could put on your website that you all are full and y'all lost alot of money but that's ok too zootastic made your money today and you would think on a Saturday you would stay open a longer to accommodate hire some more people stay open later

Longhorn shattered my window, ran out of accident forms and no one was on staff to deal with issue.?!

We loved it. The animals will put their heads in the car! Get more than one feed bucket.

A wonderful family and group friendly place to see, feed, and pet a variety of animals!

I would highly recommend doing the wagon ride and driving through... the animals are so much fun....

I've love this place since the 1st time I went, only thing wish there were more different animals

Typical touristy site. Went with a group, they did a good job getting a surround without a long wait. The hayride was really fast, and I just took the animals are being well taken care of.

This was one of the most unique experiences around. Perfect for kids....no walking all over creation. Just ride around, feed the animals from your $3 bucket of food you can buy at entrance, pet the animals that stick their head in your car (petting a zebra was surreal) and relax. Great prices $11 for adults $9 for 2 and over and senior citizens. I love the animals are free to roam anywhere on the land and not stuck in cages. We drove over an hour to visit and now plan on having my son's 3rd birthday party here. Fyi- We didn't have time but there is a park and a petting zoo as well. Quick Sunday afternoon fun!!

I had a wonderful time with family here and it is relatively cheap for the experience but, be cautious with some of the animals that jump up onto your car doors. I am leaving the ranch today with quite a few severe scratches on my car doors that I will have to repair.

The wagon drivers are awesome!!! Very knowledgable, and informative! Despite the reports that PITA are investigating, I saw no mistreatment, and the wagon drivers knew the animals, many even by name!

Your ranch is putting animals that aren't compatible. zebras aren't with cattle moose aren't with zebras you need to nede these animals into a better habitat or release them manager i'm taking to you .

I drove two hours to go to this place and get there and the say they are closed till February 12th but didn't post it online, I am highly dissatisfied with this place

my Kids love this place. Always asking to come back.

Great place to take children, fun for adults as well. Not too expensive, fun to see exotic animals.

We took the wagon ride. The terrain is very rough. I wouldn't recommend driving your own vehicle.
We had a great time. Getting up close and personal with so many animals was amazing. The ostrich knows no boundaries.
I was surprised by how dirty we got. The buffalo sling mud everywhere. I will diffently come here again.

Have to be off your rocker to go here with your own vehicle. I've been with 2 people and both of them left with damage. The last time a zebra walked by the rear, was spooked by an ostrich and bucked against the door causing a huge dent. No one cares and they take no responsibility for damage. If you come here, DON'T drive through, take one of the rides you pay for instead. Honestly it's also a little sad, there were reports of mistreatment of the animals a few years ago.

It was fun!!! but be aware your vehicle can get scratched

Staff were very nice. You pay an entree fee and can go through as many times as you want. A bucket of feed is a good size ($3) and you can buy when you come back out before you go in again. The animals are adorable and friendly. It wasn t very busy when i went so you can go at your own pace.

Great family trip. Good price just be careful of being covered in spit and animal food

The wagon ride is great fun for young and old. Strolling other areas of this beautiful property afterward was quite enjoyable also.

Took family who came into town and we had an amazing time.

my mom came to visit and we were looking for something to do with my daughter who was turning 1 the following day
we decided on lazy 5 and we definitely were not disappointed. we had so much fun driving thru the park and feeding the animals. my daughter had a kick out of the animals sticking their heads in the car. the entry price and feed buckets were reasonable and the gift shop was nice and reasonable as well. will definitely be coming back

Love this place. Go in the fall. It is very much worth the money to ride the wagons.

Beautiful and best 3 hours spent. Exciting for kids and adults ! Very well maintained ranch. The best timing is from 12pm to 4pm

It is a beautiful place to go with the family I loved it !! // Es un hermoso lugar para ir en familia ... Me encanto !!

Fun location for adults and kids alike. Great selection of wild animals to see and feed.

Be prepared to wait a VERY long time to get in. We went on a weekend and sat for at least an hour before we even got to where you pay. Fun experience inside, though be very careful not to run over any piggies!!

Lastime I visited this place in 2018 the Animals looked sicked and in stressed...it looked like they havent corrected the violations...we left! I wont be back.

USDA cites Lazy 5 Ranch in Mooresville with dozens of animal welfare violations:
VIOLATIONS FOR LAZY 5 RANCH FROM 2015 TO 2017:

Failing to give animals proper veterinary care

Keep acquisition and disposition records

Failing to have an employee or attendant present during times of public contact with the animals

Failing to comply with the minimum standard of care for animals including giraffes with overgrown hooves and a Sika Deer with multiple wounds on its body

Federal officials said in a statement Hampton and the Lazy 5 Ranch failed to provide healthcare for animals such as giraffes with overgrown hooves and a Sika Deer with multiple wounds on its body.

Additionally, they said the ranch failed to provide necessary healthcare "for a pregnant camel whose breathing was audible and labored, that had swelling in the facial area and feet, and that had reddened enlarged blood vessels in her left eye."

"They are considering the fact that we did not have our veterinarian write a statement that he did care for the animals, and they are considering that inadequate care," Rogers said.

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Absolutely a great place for the whole family! Just don't feed the Zebras

Large variety of animals, and they are free roaming through a HUGE reservation. Absolutely beautiful.

Its very nice ..but only problem is that they never accept card ...only money .....which creat problem for us ...otherwise place is so nice .......

Fun times, a bit pricey and needs a bit of attention at the walk around area. but overall a fun time.

So exciting... The kids LOVED it! Best trip for social distancing.. Animals very friendly! Can't wait to go back.

Great family zoo and plenty of things to do, our 6 year old loves it!

I was wowed by the animals that were roaming free, not caged in!

Up close critter encounters. Everyone should vidit.

We fully enjoyed ourselves. Just a word of advice. The goats do jump on your doors and you will end up with light scratches. Best $$ spent.

This was a really cool place but there are a few things to be aware of. DO NOT LET ANIMALS WITH HORNS OR ANTLERS STICK THEIR HEADS INSIDE YOUR CAR. Some are more hazardous than others and they don t intentionally hurt you but it s just too easy for them to accidentally poke or stab with those things in a confined space and you could lose an eye. Also, don t just roll up the window on an animal to get them out of your face. A couple of the animals had scars from people doing that. Keep some space from the car in front of you and if you want them to get out of your face, just creep the car forward and they ll get out of the way. Or you could just move the food out of site. Lastly, some of the goats liked to jump up to the windows. Their hooves will tear up your paint if you re not careful.

I love coming here. If you do visit, don't bring your new car - unless you don't care about it getting dirty, or potentially head-butted by a Watusi. :)

I only gave it 4 stars because sometimes some animals are put away with no notice from staff. Sometimes the staff isn't pleasant at all. So last time I went, we never got to see the rhino, giraffes, buffalo, and many of the larger cattle. I feel like the population has changed in the past few years so that it's less diverse.

Overall though, it's a great day to be here.

DO NOT COME DURING COVID!
EDIT: Took 5 1/5 hours to get through! People continusly fed animals that it clearly states not to feed which held up the line more!

yes the website says expect to be in line for 4 to 5 hours but we have been in like for 3.5 and have barely moved a mile! Not worth it! Never again! They could have came up with a better plan of they were going to be open

It is a very beautiful ranch, it has many animals of all species and birds ... you can visit it at any time of the year. Admission is $ 11 adults and $ 8 children, they also have wagons that are carried by horses but for that service you have to call and reserve it the price varies according to the size of the group of people. Where you pay the entrance you can also buy food for the animals the cost is $ 3 dollars a bucket (bucket), I recommend that you buy it so your route is more fun and if you take children it is the best time to interact with the animals with the Due care: The ranch is divided into two parts by car or wagon where the majority of the animals are and the walking route where the birds and camels are among other animals. There is also an area where there are tables, a souvenir shop and a food store. Something very important only accept cash, they do not accept any type of card.

They have wagon rides to see animals!!! Petting zoo.

Went during covid 19. The line was super long. We are 2 1/2 hours in and not even half way thru. Kids are no longer enjoying it and neither are we! This should have been managed a bit differently like limiting the amount of people that could get in would be a great start.

Lots of VERY friendly -hungry-animals . I'd recommend, if u have a newer vehicle with not many scratches or dings, spend the extra $ & take the wagon ride through- not really any extra $ - the feed is included n the price of the wagon ride. Go earlier on high traffic days if u want more animals " n your face" - when they get full, they just lay around. Not a " wild" animal, in their habitat experience, but enjoyable ,up close, mostly safe interaction with mostly exotics. Tremendously more interactive than a typical zoo experience. If u don't like things sneaking up behind u, or u have a 16 month old ,like we had - I'd recommend the center seats on the wagon

Although there was a long wait, the customer service was amazing! The staff made the long wait well worth it! Would definitely recommend!

We definitely will be coming back! The food is well priced and tastes good. We rode on the wagon that is pulled by horses. It was worth every penny! The animals behaved so well, feeding them was easy and the ride was enjoyable. We plan on returning very soon.

Called Saturday to confirm hours of operation drive close to an hour to ensure we are able to gain entrance arrive 20 minutes after quoted 12 noon and gates are already closed call to find out why was advised gates opened 3 hours prior to 12 o clock
Will not be back will not reccomend if this is how you run your business. During this time where we can't go anywhere trying to find something to do with the kiddos that is safe and enjoyable totally disappointing to put it politely