To Our valued customers, THANK YOU!
One thing has been certain over the last 25 years – and that is our appreciation and gratitude to our valued customers. Because of you, we are living our dream by growing and developing this Texan Safari into the unique experience that it is today! As an independently-owned and operated business, the continual support and loyalty of guests just like you, make it possible for us at The Exotic Resort Zoo to raise these beloved animals and share them with the public.
OUR STORY GOES LIKE THIS..
The Exotic Resort Zoo was established in 1995, after a couple of crazy cajuns fell in love with the Texas Hill Country. Dennis and Marilyn Bacque found the perfect retirement getaway here in Johnson City – the sprawling 137 acres was only supposed to be a private retreat… However, their plans changed after Marilyn brought home a baby Canadian Elk named Dottie.
Dottie quickly became the center of attention. She soon inspired Dennis and Marilyn to travel the United States to acquire more animal friends to keep her company. After a few short months, the couple had collected over 100 exotic animals! These animals may be originally native to other continents like Africa, Asia and Europe – however, our animals have been born and raised in the United States. The animals were brought to the States years and years ago to live on private ranches like ours and be treated like kings and queens! Now, when you visit us, you are likely to see some of our original bloodlines! So, most of the animals these days have been born and raised on our property!
Now, we’ll be the first to tell you that animals eat a lot of food. The resources were growing thin when it came to taking care of these precious animals. That’s when Dennis struck the idea of a lifetime: A public safari park. Dennis quickly purchased an old Bronco Scout, cut the top off and gave it some hand-painted zebra stripes. He personally toured seven people at a time through the park. All the while, continuing to develop the property by clearing the land to add roads, fences and buildings. Dennis and Marilyn truly worked their tails off.
Over time, the couple enlarged their tour vehicles as more and more people visited the park. Now, our tractor-trams can hold a whopping 40 visitors at a time and we have a total of 5 trams! During COVID times, we allowed our visitors to take it back old school by taking their own vehicle throughout the park. Our animals adapted beautifully and were not shy at all when it comes to visiting with our guests from their vehicle! We are eternally thankful to our drive-through visitors, but very excited to have returned back to normal operations, our Guided Tours, and we would love to see you!
Come create some memories that will last a lifetime with us. We can’t wait to share our special critters with you and yours!
Exotic Resort Zoo 