There’s A Zoo Near Jackson? Wild World Biodiversity Center Reopens

I grew up in Jackson and went to school in Hanover Township and I didn't even know this existed. Now that I do, I'm pretty darn excited!

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Buffalo Ranch Wild World Biodiversity Center

Located at 12770 Rountree Road in Hanover, Michigan, Wild World is much more than your average petting zoo and actually features some more exotic animals...but nothing on, like, a Tiger King level...

As it turns out, according to WILX, the ranch at Rountree Road has been a staple in the area for over 30 years and after a five-year hiatus and an electrical fire they are ready to be back in business.

Gary Childs, who originally owned the ranch for 30 years illustrated to WILX about how special it was to the community when he said "A lot of memories here. Lot of people grew up here you know."

Now, the new owner, Brendan Finerty tells WILX he's fulfilling a dream of his and has been met with lots of excitement from a community ready for the zoo to reopen.

What All Is There

WILX reports there are currently sheep, crocodiles, swans and by the looks of the Wild World Facebook Page there are also reptiles, emus (or ostriches, I can't tell the difference), and more!

They also say they hope to add buffalo back to the ranch as that was what was originally there back in the 70's.

Aside from the animals, Finerty also told WILX they want to make sure there's fun to be had for all seasons by doing things like hay rides in the fall and Easter egg hunts in the spring.

When Can You Go

Currently, Monday through Friday they are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on the weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you are interested in a smaller, more local zoo to take the kiddos real quick this summer, Wild World also has their events on their Facebook page. Including upcoming discounts for Father's Day.