By Jodi Helmer
You’ll have to make a lengthy road trip to get to the closest zoo (it’s in Asheboro), but that doesn’t mean there isn’t wildlife to be spotted close to home.
Lazy 5 Ranch is an exotic animal park located in Mooresville, just 20 minutes from Concord. The park has a 3.5-mile trail that winds through various wildlife habitats. The park is home to 750 animals from six different continents, including zebras, water buffalo, giraffes, rhinos and more emus and antelope than you’ve ever seen.
You can drive through the park, or take a wagon ride, to see the animals. Park the car to explore the petting area where camels, llamas, goats and sheep are waiting to be fed. Actually, all of the animals are waiting to be fed: Buckets of feed can be purchased at the gate and fed to the animals throughout the park. But be careful: The emus, zebras and antelope aren’t afraid to stick their heads in your car for a bite!
Lazy 5 Ranch is located at 151100 Mooresville Rd., in Mooresville. Admission is $8.50 for adults, $5.50 for seniors (60+) and children (2-11). Wagon rides are extra. Animal feed is $3/bucket. CASH OR CHECKS ONLY! No debit or credit cards. For more information, call 704-663-5100 or go to
www.lazy5ranch.com.