Ark Encounter's Ararat Ridge Zoo

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Ark Encounter's Ararat Ridge Zoo The Ararat Ridge Zoo at the Ark Encounter houses nearly 200 amazing animals from around the world! Camel rides and camel encounters have an additional cost.

The Ararat Ridge Zoo, children's zoo, kangaroo walkabout, and animal programs are included with Ark Encounter admission.

10/22/2026

Since it’s Herptile and Amphibian Awareness Day, we wanted to make you aware of some new additions—bumblebee poison dart froglets! Our h**p team, particularly Keeper Belle, raised these cute little frogs from eggs, taking daily pictures to document their progress. This was a great learning experience for our keepers, and it has been so fun to watch metamorphosis happen in real time. We hope to have these little guys on display soon!

📸 Keepers Belle, Ashley, and Pollyanna

This week is National Veterinary Technician Week, and we are so thankful and blessed to have Sarah Jo as our technician ...
10/21/2026

This week is National Veterinary Technician Week, and we are so thankful and blessed to have Sarah Jo as our technician on the Animal Health Team here at the Ararat Ridge Zoo and at the Creation Zoo! Sarah Jo brings a vast amount of knowledge, experience, and skill to caring for our wide variety of animals. She also has the heart of a teacher and loves educating guests and staff about God’s creation and the animals He has called us to steward.
Recently, Nutramax Laboratories, the maker of supplements like Cosequin, hosted a continuing education conference for veterinarians and veterinary technicians. Sarah Jo was invited to speak at the event, where she delivered two presentations on animal healthcare at our zoos. She is not only a wonderful technician but also a fantastic ambassador for Christ to everyone around her.
Thank you, Sarah Jo, for all that you do!

📸 Zoo Veterinarian, Dr. Todd

“For in the day of calamity He will conceal me in His shelter; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will ...
10/19/2026

“For in the day of calamity He will conceal me in His shelter; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock.” Psalm 27:5 (LSB)

📸 Keeper Abi

Felix has an important announcement . . . it’s International Sloth Day! In the wild, sloths face growing threats like ha...
10/18/2026

Felix has an important announcement . . . it’s International Sloth Day!

In the wild, sloths face growing threats like habitat loss and poaching. As good stewards of creation, you can make a difference by choosing sustainable rainforest products and supporting conservation initiatives!

At the Ararat Ridge Zoo, a portion of every Behind-the-Scenes Sloth Experience goes directly to Samaritan’s Purse to support their work in Central and South America. Don’t wait! We only have one month left of Behind-the-Scenes Experiences before Felix and his care team rest up for the winter. Book your spot before November 21!

📸 Manager Shelly & Keeper Hannah

Guess who? Dino was doing some inside-the-box thinking with his enrichment today!Did you know that lace monitors—and mon...
10/14/2026

Guess who? Dino was doing some inside-the-box thinking with his enrichment today!
Did you know that lace monitors—and monitor lizards in general—are remarkably intelligent? In the wild, they actively problem-solve to access tricky food sources, like opening egg clutches or extracting prey from tight crevices. They also maintain large home ranges and regularly return to the exact same trees, basking spots, seasonal food sources, and shelter hollows year after year, demonstrating incredible spatial memory!
In a zoological setting, lace monitors respond exceptionally well to operant conditioning through positive reinforcement. They quickly learn to recognize specific targets, cues, and feeding schedules. They even distinguish between individual humans, responding differently to familiar keepers versus strangers!

“But now ask the beasts, and let them instruct you; and the birds of the sky, and let them tell you.” Job 12:7 (LSB)

📸 Keeper Pollyanna

“You are shining, majestic from the mountains of prey.” Psalm 76:4 (LSB)📸 Keeper Megan
10/12/2026

“You are shining, majestic from the mountains of prey.” Psalm 76:4 (LSB)

📸 Keeper Megan

Splat! Just kidding . . . Gabriel, one of our sugar gliders, gets to paint with his keepers! Many of our animals volunta...
10/11/2026

Splat! Just kidding . . . Gabriel, one of our sugar gliders, gets to paint with his keepers! Many of our animals voluntarily participate in painting sessions—especially if there are treats involved! All the paint we use is water-based, non-toxic, and easily washes off. Keep an eye out for announcements about animal artwork in the future!

📸 Keeper Megan

Caption this! 📸 Keeper Lydia
10/06/2026

Caption this!

📸 Keeper Lydia

Address

1 Ark Encounter Drive
Williamstown, KY
41097

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 7pm
Tuesday 9am - 7pm
Wednesday 9am - 7pm
Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 7pm
Saturday 9am - 7pm

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