It's quiet in the woods of Henry County these days. If you’ve ever made the drive down to Noah's Ark Locust Grove, you probably remember a different vibe. You probably remember the peacock feathers littering the paths or the sound of families laughing near the playground.
Things have changed. Honestly, if you haven’t been since 2022, you might not even recognize the "energy" of the place.
Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary isn't just a zoo. It was never meant to be. For decades, it was a 250-acre slice of Georgia heaven where "the least of these" found a home. But lately, the headlines haven't been about animal rescues. They’ve been about lawsuits, bird flu, and a nasty leadership battle that has left the community divided.
What Really Happened at Noah's Ark Locust Grove?
Most people know the sanctuary for one thing: the BLT. No, not the sandwich. I’m talking about Baloo the bear, Leo the lion, and Shere Khan the tiger. They were the heart of Noah's Ark Locust Grove.
Found together in a drug dealer's basement in Atlanta back in 2001, these three apex predators did something they shouldn't have. They stayed friends. They slept in the same enclosure, groomed each other, and became a global symbol of peace.
Sadly, time catches up with everyone. Leo passed in 2016. Shere Khan followed in 2018. Baloo is still there, the last of the trio, but the sanctuary around him is going through a massive identity crisis.
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The 2022 Turning Point
Everything hit the fan in late 2022. It started with a devastating outbreak of Avian Influenza. It was a nightmare. State officials had to step in, and hundreds of birds—including the famous free-roaming peacocks—had to be euthanized to stop the spread.
Then came the human drama.
The founding family, the Hedgecoths, were essentially pushed out by a new board of directors. Jama Hedgecoth, the woman who started this whole thing in her backyard in 1978, passed away in late 2023. Her death marked the end of an era. Since her departure, the sanctuary has been tangled in litigation.
- Former employees have sued, alleging violations of the Endangered Species Act.
- Local politicians, including state Sen. Emanuel Jones, have called for criminal investigations.
- Current leadership, led by those who took over after the 2022 shakeup, maintains they are just trying to modernize a facility that was falling behind on safety and regulations.
It’s messy. Kinda heartbreaking, actually. Depending on who you talk to, it’s either a necessary evolution or a corporate takeover of a grassroots dream.
Planning a Visit in 2026: What to Expect
If you’re thinking about heading down to 712 L.G. Griffin Road, you can still go. They are open. But it’s not the "walk-in whenever you want for free" experience it used to be.
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They’ve shifted toward a more structured model. You’ll see events like Critter Fun Day or the Owl Prowl on their calendar. These are great if you have kids (usually ages 4-12), but you have to pre-register. Don't just show up and expect the gates to swing open.
The paths are still paved. The playground is still there. But the "menagerie" feels smaller. Currently, they house around 300 animals. That sounds like a lot, but compared to the 1,500 they boasted years ago, the scale has definitely shifted.
Is it safe for the animals?
This is the question everyone asks. Honestly, the answer depends on which legal document you’re reading.
In 2023 and 2024, there were several misdemeanor charges filed against leadership regarding animal cruelty and reckless conduct. Allegations included lack of proper food and water. The sanctuary's legal team has fought these tooth and nail, claiming the charges are part of a "scorched earth" campaign by former staff.
The USDA still inspects the property. Recent reports have mentioned things like gaps in fencing and staffing shortages, but the facility remains licensed and operational.
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The Reality of Sanctuaries in 2026
Running a place like Noah's Ark Locust Grove is insanely expensive. We’re talking about thousands of pounds of meat, specialized veterinary care for exotics, and a never-ending battle against Georgia’s weather. They don’t get government funding. It’s all donations.
When the bird flu hit, the sanctuary lost its primary revenue stream: foot traffic. They are still trying to climb out of that hole.
If you go, you’ll likely see Liberty the lioness. She’s one of the current stars. The staff says she likes to jump out from the bushes to "surprise" guests, which is her way of staying active. There’s also the new Tortoise Bluff habitat, which is a big win for the facility’s turtle residents.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
If you want to support the animals but are wary of the drama, here’s how to handle it:
- Check the status: Always call (770) 957-0888 before driving out. Weather or staffing can cause sudden closures.
- Book a tour: The "Behind the Scenes" tours are paid, but they provide the best view of how the animals are actually living.
- Read the reports: If you're concerned about welfare, the USDA APHIS website allows you to look up inspection reports for any licensed facility. Knowledge is power.
- Pack a lunch: There’s a nice picnic area, and it’s a good way to save money since there aren’t many food options inside.
The future of Noah's Ark Locust Grove is still being written in courtrooms and board meetings. It's a complicated place with a beautiful, tragic history. Whether it can reclaim the magic of the "BLT" days remains to be seen, but for now, the animals that remain still need someone to care.