I’m always looking for unique places that my family and I can visit together. It’s important to me that the experiences are safe and fun for both my younger daughter, Emma, and my older daughter, Sofia. Recently, I’ve been researching some interesting day trips that are a short drive from the main attractions in Orlando. One place that caught my eye is a bit off the beaten path but offers a very special kind of animal encounter.
Unique Animal Encounters
This special place is called Exotic Animal Experience (E.A.E.). It’s located about thirty-five minutes east of the main Orlando attractions. It’s not your typical zoo. Instead, it’s a private farm where you can get up close with many different kinds of animals. I found out that they offer hands-on experiences, which means you can actually interact with the animals, not just watch them from a distance.
The owner, Leslie Rush, started this place about 15 years ago. She loves animals and wanted to share that love with others. She explained that the animals are like her pets and have been raised there. This means they are used to people, and you get to go into their living spaces with them. This sounds like a really different way to see animals compared to a regular zoo.
The Ultimate Experience
The main tour they offer is called “The Ultimate Experience.” It lasts for two hours and lets you meet most of the animals on the farm. When I looked into this, I saw that the group size is small, which is great for a more personal experience. In our group of four, we could get close to animals like kangaroos, deer, goats, lemurs, a porcupine, and even a sloth!
I think Sofia, who is 13, would really enjoy meeting the different animals and learning about them. Emma, who is 6, would also be amazed to see animals like kangaroos and lemurs up close. It sounds like a chance to create some wonderful family memories.
Leslie Rush mentioned that many places that offer animal encounters are not truly “hands-on.” She says at her farm, you are actually in the enclosures with the animals, which is quite special. She has several of each type of animal, like six lemurs and six kangaroos, and you get to be in their space. This makes the experience feel very real and engaging.
An Animal-Led Adventure
It seems like the animals are in charge, and you are part of their world. This makes it an animal-led experience, which I think is important for understanding and respecting them. It’s not just about looking; it’s about being present with the animals in their environment.
Leslie Rush didn’t always plan to run an animal encounter farm. She started with a horse ranch and was a horse trainer. She always had a soft spot for exotic animals. One day, after holding a baby kangaroo, she was completely hooked and decided to get the permits needed to work with these animals.
She began by offering birthday parties on her farm, hoping to help the farm stay afloat. It became very popular, and that’s how the Exotic Animal Experience grew over the years. It’s a good example of how a passion can lead to something wonderful.
Facing Challenges with Resilience
I also read that Leslie Rush faced many challenges while building her business. But instead of giving up, she found ways to keep going. She knew how special her animals were and how much people loved them. This kindness and determination are inspiring.
She believes that interacting closely with animals is a powerful way to connect with them. She said that going to a zoo is nice, but it doesn’t touch her heart the way holding or petting an animal does. When an animal trusts you enough to let you pet them, it shows they have feelings and a soul, just like we do.
Safety and Important Rules
Before you enter any enclosure, the guides give clear instructions. This is important because every animal is different. Some like to be touched, while others prefer to be left alone. The lemurs, for example, don’t like to be picked up, but they might come and sit on your lap if you sit down quietly.
A very important rule you need to know is that masks are required during interactions with primates. The farm provides the masks. This is to protect the animals from human diseases. Leslie Rush explained that primates are very sensitive to human viruses and can get very sick or even die from them. She sadly lost some lemurs to a herpes virus, so wearing a mask for primate encounters is a critical step to keep them safe.
When you are in the lemur enclosure, you might hear them making sounds. These are called shrieks and calls. They don’t fight; they are like a big family. These calls are often a way to signal danger, like if they think they see a predator. They might also call out if they hear an airplane. It’s fascinating how they react to their surroundings.
Not a Rescue, but a Home
It’s important to understand that Exotic Animal Experience is not a rescue or a sanctuary. These animals are considered pets by Leslie Rush. When you spend time with them, you really get to see their individual personalities and feel their presence. It’s a different kind of connection than you might find at a place that only houses rescued animals.
The socialized animals have large spaces where they can move freely or rest whenever they want. One visitor mentioned how much they appreciated how well the animals were cared for. They had plenty of room and the freedom to move away if they didn’t want to interact. This choice being with the animal really made it different from a zoo.
This visitor also said they had enough time with each animal to see their unique personalities. They were especially surprised by how friendly the lemurs were. They loved getting scratches and were very curious, which sounds like a wonderful experience to share with family.
Preparing for Your Visit
If you’re planning a visit, it’s recommended to dress for a farm. This means wearing closed-toe shoes, comfortable outdoor clothes, and avoiding jewelry that could get caught or bother the animals.
The guides at the farm are knowledgeable and share fun facts about the animals. Even if they haven’t been there for a long time, they seem to know the animals very well.
Cost and Planning Your Trip
The “Ultimate Experience” tour costs around $380 plus tax for a group of four. While it might seem like a lot, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience with exotic animals, it could be well worth it. They also offer other types of visits, like smaller group tours and private options. There are even premium packages that include time with spider monkeys.
I’m considering this for a special occasion for Emma and Sofia. It seems like a fantastic alternative to the usual theme park days in Orlando, offering a more intimate connection with nature.
The tours are usually only offered at 11 a.m. on Saturdays. It’s best to check their website for the most current information on booking and availability. Details like prices and schedules can change, so it’s always a good idea to verify before you plan your visit.
Leslie Rush has a favorite animal, her spider monkey named Ella Bleu. She describes her as very “humanlike.” This shows how much she cares about each animal and sees them as individuals with their own stories and personalities.
A Different Kind of Zoo
It’s clear that this experience is very different from a typical zoo. Instead of just observing, you become part of the animals’ world. You are essentially providing enrichment for them by your presence and interaction, all under guided supervision.
For families looking for something truly unique near Orlando, this farm offers an extraordinary way to connect with animals. It’s a place that emphasizes respect, understanding, and a deep appreciation for these creatures.
Making Connections
I find that experiences like this are so valuable for children. They learn empathy and respect for living things. For Sofia, who is at an age where she’s developing a deeper understanding of the world, this could be very impactful. For Emma, it’s a chance for pure wonder and excitement.
When I think about planning this trip for 2026, I want to ensure it’s a smooth and comfortable experience for everyone. It seems like the farm is set up to be a calm and welcoming place. The focus on small groups and animal-led interactions should make it enjoyable for all ages.
It’s important to remember that while the animals are friendly, they are still wild animals with their own needs and boundaries. The guides are there to help you understand these boundaries and ensure both you and the animals have a safe and positive interaction. This responsible approach to animal encounters is something I really look for when choosing family activities.
The farm’s location, just a short drive from the main tourist areas, makes it a feasible day trip. You can easily visit this unique spot without spending too much time traveling, especially if you’re based in the Orlando area. It’s a wonderful way to break up a trip filled with theme parks and see a different side of Central Florida.
I believe that learning about animals in such a direct way can foster a lifelong appreciation for wildlife conservation. Understanding that these animals have personalities and feelings, as Leslie Rush puts it, really changes how you see them. It’s not just about seeing an animal; it’s about connecting with it.
The emphasis on animal choice in interactions is also a key point. It means that the experience is always respectful of the animal’s well-being. If an animal chooses to approach you, it’s a sign of trust and comfort. This is very different from being forced into an interaction, which isn’t ideal for either the animal or the visitor.
When considering where to stay in the area, there are many options. You might want to look at hotels or resorts that offer a comfortable base for exploring. If you are looking for a place to stay, see information on various accommodations.
This kind of trip would be a great addition to a family holiday. It offers a balance between the high-energy attractions and a more peaceful, educational experience. I think it’s important to have a variety of activities available when traveling with children, and this animal encounter fits that need perfectly.
The personal touch of Leslie Rush and her team seems to be a big part of what makes this place special. Her passion for the animals shines through, and it creates an atmosphere of genuine care and respect. This dedication is often what turns a good experience into a truly memorable one.
I am looking forward to learning more about this unique place and perhaps planning a visit myself in the coming year. It seems like a wonderfully enriching experience for families looking for something beyond the ordinary theme park fun.
