I cried as I left because I felt so bad for those poor babies. Cold Creek Trail. This privately funded zoo offers a unique opportunity to see native wildlife up close in a safe environment, making it a great place to see a bear in Gatlinburg. We hope that you will consider visiting us again in the future, as we strive to create a more enriching experience for both our visitors and the animals we care for. The bears look absolutely depressed, the entire time we were there the bears were scratching at a door that leads inside. watch the kids play enjoy a hot cup of coco in July watching the ice skating. The animals are over weight indicating they have little exercise, and they lived poor habitats. The habitats are cleaned out daily and we use concrete because it can be cleaned thoroughly so that the animals don't get parasites or diseases. This place needs some serious renovations. 1 week after visit and still cannot get over the small concrete areas the Bears live in. By ALL4JESUS66. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we will use it constructively to make the necessary improvements. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. We work very hard to keep our animals happy and healthy. Ober Gatlinburg's Wildlife Encounter - Tripadvisor 2023. Eventually, other native species will also have homes at our facility. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Trash in fire rings is harmful to wildlife and unsightly. All of our animals will live to over twice their lifespan in the wild and will never have to face hunger, hunters or humans who cause them harm. Bears in Gatlinburg: 7 Best Places and Tips To See a Bear - TheSmokies.com As some of the other reviews had pointed out, this is a poor display of confined animals. I was also very concerned after having a conversation with an animal care staff member who stated they did no formal behavioral husbandry with their animals. There was barely any water for them to cool off in. Ober Gatlinburg's Wildlife Encounter - All You Need to - Tripadvisor The animals spend almost all of their time on hot concrete with hardly any natural substrate. Blue line display the straight distance between two cities or locations. The habitats are cleaned out daily and we use concrete because it can be cleaned thoroughly so that the animals don't get parasites or diseases. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The enclosures were filthy and very poorly maintained. Dirt or grass cannot be cleaned thoroughly and can become a problem for the animals' health. FAQ; Site Index; Espaol; Stay Connected. The habitats are cleaned out daily and we use concrete because it can be cleaned thoroughly so that the animals don't get parasites or diseases. PLEASE NOTE: During winter months (Dec, Jan, Feb) the Bears may be in hibernation, so out of public view. Nothing to see that you can't see on the gravel roads at night if you live anywhere near the country. Our Nocturnal House includes various species of native Smokies wildlife such as raccoons, skunks, flying squirrels, turtles and snakes. Giri Yap; Kayt Ol; Yaknndakiler: lham al: En ok tercih edilenler; We love our rescue babies and work very hard to provide them all with the best lives possible. We are very sorry that you did not enjoy your visit to the Wildlife Encounter. Derby woman killed by grizzly bear near Yellowstone National Park - KWCH They are given healthy diets, daily enrichment and regular veterinary care. The otters were nowhere to be seen, the bears were miserable with nothing but stagnant water to drink. The bears should be included in the Tram cost. Ober Gatlinburg Wildlife Encounter. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The bears look absolutely depressed, the entire time we were there the bears were scratching at a door that leads inside. Ensuring the welfare and well-being of our animals is of paramount importance to us. Our enclosures are designed with the health of the animals in mind. You could hear the lonely bear beating on its pin desperately trying to get out. The water area is so small they probably can't even cool off in it. The habitats are cleaned out daily and we use concrete because it can be cleaned thoroughly so that the animals don't get parasites or diseases. Just be sure to always show appropriate behavior and respect towards animals! Can we bring a puppy he cant walk he rides in a baby buggy or backpack. They travel through their ranges eating whatever is easiest to obtain. Hot Concrete no shade no landscaping in their pens. WEST YELLOWSTONE, Montana (AP) Authorities searched Monday for a grizzly bear that attacked and killed a 47-year-old Derby woman on a trail west of Yellowstone National Park along the Montana . We love our rescue babies and work very hard to provide them all with the best lives possible. The chairlift at Ober Gatlinburg runs year-around and provides outrageous views of the surrounding mountains. All of our animals are rescues and can no longer survive in the wild on their own. All Rights Reserved. The bears look absolutely depressed, the entire time we were there the bears were scratching at a door that leads inside. They are highly intelligent animals who are clearly bored out of their minds and suffering from zoochosis. I know these animals were rescued and would not survive in the wild but to live in such despicable conditions makes it seem more like a prison. Days and Hours of Operation: These animals have no shade and their habitat doesn't even resemble nature. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. I wish theyd put more money into the animals and the animals homes. Bear runs into Gatlinburg restaurant then meanders along the sidewalk Your concerns over the animals diets is incorrect and I can only assume that you did not speak with any of our keepers or read any of our educational signage. All of our animals are rescues and can no longer survive in the wild on their own. 349 East Parkway, Gatlinburg TN 37738. Your email address will not be published. The encounter is complete with bear cubs, river otters, flying squirrels, turtles, raccoons, snakes, and birds of prey. We weren't lucky enough to get a glimpse of bears in the state park, so we decided to go to the wildlife encounter at the Ober Gatlinburg. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Ober Mountain Adventure Park & Ski Area offers a mountaintop of fun for visitors of all ages. We must be able to thoroughly clean the enclosures daily to ensure their health and well being. I was sad to see the bears looking so sad, moving slowly, and just lying around. We are sorry you had rude guests waiting in line with you. Had you stayed longer that a few minutes, you surely would have seen the River otters who are fed every 30 minutes. The key of keeping animals happy in zoos is to trick them into thinking they are actually in the wild and in this poor excuse for animal rehabilitation it was clear this was not the case. . We have provided several areas of grass for digging in most of our enclosures and provide enrichment opportunities to allow our animals to enjoy their natural behaviors and play. Gatlinburg: With an ascent of 2,462 m, Appalachian Trail: Newfound Gap to Fontana Lake has the most elevation gain of all of the wildlife trails in the area. These animals are native to this area and not everyone that visits is from this area. These animals are well cared for by a staff that loves each one. Our facility is inspected yearly by both TWRA and USDA. We care deeply for our animals and provide all that they need to live long and happy lives. 91% of travelers recommend this experience. We are sorry that you felt the dollars you spent to support our facility were wasted here! Read our, OberGat, Marketing Assistant at Ober Gatlinburg's Wildlife Encounter, responded to this review. Just sad. There is no access to natural vegetation and the enclosures are not reflective of natural environments or species-specific behaviors. Hunting in Gatlinburg, TN - Best Deer and Waterfowl Hunting Trips 1. All animals are in tiny enclosures. GET THESE BEARS A BETTER HOME!!!!! Today, the Department owns 182 beautiful parks including natural areas, wildlife sanctuaries, lakes, trails, arboreta and botanic gardens and local, community and regional parks. Kids must be over 36 tall to ride solo on the carousel. We work very hard to keep our animals happy and healthy. It was drizzly when we went - maybe that's why everything looked gloomy to me, but if I was a bear, I would not be happy there. Hmmm really? Ober Gatlinburg Wildlife Encounter - The Forever Home For Animals In The Smoky Mountains Have you ever wondered where you can get close to bears but still maintain a safe dist Shop the. Save you money these bears need to go to a statuary and live out their lives in peace. Also at the Wildlife Encounter are river otters, bobcats, a fox, and birds of prey. We are actively exploring ways to enhance the habitats and make them more natural and comfortable for the animals. Hello. Don't understand why with all the property available the bears are in such a depressing habitat. They also have pools to swim in and a misting system that cools their enclosures. Toll Free: 1-800-684-7865 Drive past the downtown aerial tramway station to Parkway Light #10 and turn on to Ski Mountain Road. We are very sorry that you did not enjoy your visit to the Wildlife Encounter. The encounter is complete with bear cubs, river otters, flying squirrels, turtles, raccoons, snakes, and birds of prey. Top 6 Animal Attractions in the Smoky Mountains You - Gatlinburg Cabins Ober Gatlinburg's Wildlife Encounter: Nice place to see - See 248 traveler reviews, 112 candid photos, and great deals for Gatlinburg, TN, at Tripadvisor. The Wildlife Habitat at Ober Mountain is a privately funded, municipally sponsored zoo, licensed by the U.S.D.A. Everyone was so helpful and knowledgeable of the species in the aquarium. A concrete pad isnt home! All of our animals are rescues and can no longer survive in the wild on their own. Get Up Close to Animals in Tennessee - Tennessee Vacation The habitats are cleaned out daily and we use concrete because it can be cleaned thoroughly so that the animals don't get parasites or diseases. We're sorry you were disappointed in your visit to our Wildlife Encounter. Meadow Trail. Black bears are naturally shy, which is why you don't usually see a bunch of them in the wild. The water the otters were in was so dirty. It is fun. Our animals are kept in enclosures that allow for their health and safety as well as the safety of our guests. You are guaranteed to spot the Smoky Mountains most famous resident here! With activities ranging from viewing animals to advanced skiing, there is truly something for everyone. All of our animals are rescues and can no longer survive in the wild on their own. Each animal is cared for by a staff that works very hard we love our rescue animals! There is ample shade throughout the hike, lots of small streams, wildlife, and during the right time of year plentiful wildflowers. The habitats are cleaned out daily and we use concrete because it can be cleaned thoroughly so that the animals don't get parasites or diseases. They fill an important niche in the ecosystem and contribute to healthy biodiversity throughout the state. You always may come into contact with black bears, bobcats, foxes, coyotes, red wolves, beavers, raccoons, and more. The bears are kept in concrete area with absolutely zero grass area for them. I saw the bears at Ober Gatlinburg over Thanksgiving weekend and was shocked by the sad living conditions that these bears are forced to live in. All of the staff at the Wildlife Encounter work very hard to give our animals everything that they need to keep them healthy and happy. All of our animals are rescues and can no longer survive in the wild on their own. as an exhibitor. Click on "Calculate Distance" button. I appreciate the fact that these animals are rescues / non-releasable rehabbed animals. Need to buy a ticket to see animals, I think it was $8 per person. After doing some research (even though it was a no-brainer) my suspicions were correct in that this is not food you give to carnivores. Unfortunately, you did not stay long enough to talk with our staff or learn anything about our facility. The bears were being fed apples and the otters maybe sweet potatoes or carrots. The bear that bangs on the door is named B.J. We must be able to thoroughly clean the enclosures daily to ensure their health and well being. Ober Gatlinburg Wildlife Encounter - The Forever Home For - YouTube Our purpose is to save non-releasable animals from euthanasia. Ober Gatlinburgs 140 by 75 indoor ice skating arena is open year around and located within the huge Ober Gatlinburg mall at the summit. I was so saddened how the cages looked. We are very sorry that you did not enjoy your visit to the Wildlife Encounter. 1h 19m. We use the animals in our Wildlife Encounter as ambassadors to teach and educate the public about wildlife native to the area. Well they should their wild animals. We have visited once before, about five years previously, and the facilities were the same. cabin rentals online! Our animals tend to have twice the lifespan of wild animals and are cared for daily, including several mealtimes, play times (enrichment) and of course cleaning. We use concrete because it can be cleaned thoroughly every day so that the animals don't get parasites or diseases. The female wanted to get away from the male she was locked out of the interior cages they said they were cleaning inside. We love our rescue animals! Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. I appreciate the fact that these animals are rescues / non-releasable rehabbed animals. Glad they do rescue work, but really should lower their price for admission. Ober Gatlinburg's Wildlife Encounter - All You Need to - Tripadvisor Each animal is loved and cared for by a staff that works very hard for them! Glad they do rescue work, but really should lower their price for admission. First off, be careful. We are very sorry that you did not enjoy your visit to the Wildlife Encounter. Local: 865-436-2109 The bobcats and otters both very much enjoy playing in the snow throughout the winter. We have visited once before, about five years previously, and the facilities were the same. Ober Gatlinburg Review | Prices, Location, Hours & Photos Our Nocturnal House includes various species of native Smokies wildlife such as raccoons, skunks, flying squirrels, turtles and snakes. 92% of travelers recommend this experience. I didnt ask but hope that the others animals are there because they needed rescuing. But black bears are the most popular for sightings. The most authoritative source for restaurants, attractions, & cabin rentals in the Smoky Mountains. What is the most popular and difficult wildlife trail in Gatlinburg? Otters didn't come out until feeding time. Hello, walk around and enjoy the sites. Bobcats are a native species in California. Unfortunately, we cannot allow our bears to run free in an open field. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. maybe some of the animals are bound to smaller spaces due to mobility-hindering leg injuries or visual impairments, however one of the two bear enclosures should be upsized in my opinion so that the bears that struggle can be put in the smaller one and bears that are fine can be put into a larger space. Black bears are a not uncommon site in .
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