If you’ve spent any time looking for family weekend plans in the South, specifically near the Mississippi-Alabama line, you’ve probably heard of Bow Champs Exotic Petting Zoo. It’s one of those places that pops up on Facebook feeds with photos of kids feeding camels or holding lemurs.
But honestly, finding clear, updated info on what actually happens there can be a bit of a headache.
Located in Moss Point, Mississippi, this isn't your standard "cows and goats" farm. It’s a privately owned facility that has grown into a local staple for people who want to see something a bit more diverse than a backyard squirrel. You’re looking at a mix of domestic farm animals and species that definitely didn't originate in the Gulf Coast.
The Reality of the Bow Champs Exotic Petting Zoo Experience
People usually arrive expecting a tiny enclosure. They’re surprised. The footprint of the place allows for a surprising variety of species. You’ll find the heavy hitters—things like zebras, camels, and water buffalo.
But it’s the smaller, more interactive encounters that usually get people talking.
The lemurs are a massive draw. If you’ve never had a primate inspect your shoulder for snacks, it’s a weird sensation. Prickly but soft. These encounters aren't just for looking; they are designed for interaction, which is the whole point of a "petting" zoo versus a traditional municipal zoo where animals are behind three layers of plexiglass.
It’s muddy. Wear boots. Seriously.
If it rained two days ago, you’re going to be walking through the reality of a working animal farm. Some people show up in flip-flops and regret it by the third enclosure. The animals are curious. They will nudge you. A camel doesn’t care about your designer t-shirt if it thinks there’s a carrot in your pocket.
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Animal Welfare and the Private Zoo Debate
Let’s be real for a second. Whenever you talk about exotic animals in private hands, the conversation gets complicated. Organizations like PETA or the ASPCA often have strictly different views on these facilities compared to local USDA inspectors.
Bow Champs operates under federal oversight. They have to maintain specific standards to keep their doors open.
Critics of private zoos often point to the "roadside" nature of these attractions, arguing that animals belong in massive preserves or the wild. On the flip side, supporters and the owners themselves often argue that these facilities provide a home for animals that might otherwise have nowhere to go, while simultaneously educating kids who would never see a zebra in person otherwise.
It’s a tension that exists in every private zoo across America. Visitors usually fall into two camps: those who love the proximity and those who feel a bit of "zoo guilt." Most families who visit Bow Champs, however, report that the animals seem well-fed, energetic, and used to human presence.
Logistics: Getting There and Staying Sane
Moss Point isn't exactly a metro hub. You’re driving into the piney woods.
The zoo is situated off the beaten path, and cell service can be spotty depending on your carrier. It’s best to download your maps offline before you head out.
- Admission: Prices fluctuate based on the season and whether they’re running "encounter" specials. Generally, expect to pay a base fee and then extra if you want the "buckets" of feed.
- Feed is the currency here. If you show up without buying the animal crackers or carrots they sell, you’re basically a ghost to the animals. They know the routine. No bucket, no attention.
- Timing: Go early. Mississippi heat is no joke. By 2:00 PM in July, the animals are hiding in the shade, and you’ll be doing the same.
The facility also does a lot of mobile work. This is a huge part of their business model. They bring the "zoo" to birthday parties, church events, and schools. If you’ve seen a kangaroo at a local library in the Jackson or Mobile area, there’s a decent chance it came from here.
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Comparing Bow Champs to Other Regional Spots
If you’re comparing this to the Gulf Coast Zoo or the Hattiesburg Zoo, you’re looking at different beasts entirely. Those are larger, more structured institutions. Bow Champs Exotic Petting Zoo is more intimate. It feels like a farm that happened to acquire a zebra.
There’s a charm to that.
There’s also a lack of "gloss." Don’t expect $15 artisanal pretzels or a 4D theater experience. Expect fences, dirt paths, and the smell of hay. It’s a raw experience. For some families, that’s exactly what they want—a chance to get away from screens and actually touch something with fur.
Safety and Interaction: Don't Be That Guy
Every year, there’s a story about someone getting nipped at a petting zoo. Usually, it’s because someone tried to tease a llama or didn't follow the "flat palm" rule.
Camels have huge teeth. They aren't aggressive, but they are clumsy eaters.
Parents need to be on their game here. While the staff is around, they aren't babysitters. You are responsible for making sure your toddler doesn't try to poke a capybara in the eye. The animals are remarkably patient, but they are still animals with instincts.
Why the "Exotic" Label Matters
The word "exotic" gets thrown around a lot. At Bow Champs, it refers to species that aren't indigenous to North America.
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Keeping these animals in Mississippi requires specific climate considerations. The humidity is actually great for some species, while others need specialized shelters for the winter months. The cost of vet care for an exotic animal is astronomical compared to a house cat. This is why the entry fees and the "feed bucket" sales are so vital to the operation. It’s a high-overhead business disguised as a casual farm.
Planning Your Trip: Actionable Steps
If you’re actually going to do this, don't just wing it.
First, check their Facebook page. They are much more active there than on any formal website. They’ll post about weather closures, new babies (the baby goats and lemurs are always a hit), and special hours.
Second, bring hand sanitizer. They have stations, but they run out. You’re going to be touching animals that spend their day on the ground. You want to be able to clean up before you get back in your car and eat a sandwich.
Third, bring cash. While most places take cards now, small rural attractions often have "cash only" lines for things like feed or pony rides that move much faster.
Finally, manage your expectations. This is a local, family-run style operation. It’s about the joy of seeing a kid's face light up when a giraffe leans down to take a snack. It’s about the weirdness of seeing a kangaroo in the middle of Mississippi.
Steps for a successful visit:
- Check the weather: If it’s been raining for three days, the paths will be a swamp. Wait for a dry spell.
- Pack "Farm Clothes": This is not the place for your new white sneakers. Wear things you don't mind getting a little slobber on.
- Arrive at opening: The animals are hungriest and most active first thing in the morning. By afternoon, they are napping and full of crackers.
- Respect the boundaries: If a sign says "No Feeding," listen to it. Some animals have specific diets or are on medication.
Bow Champs Exotic Petting Zoo offers a specific kind of memory. It’s gritty, it’s hands-on, and it’s definitely different from your average park visit. As long as you know what you're getting into—dirt, smells, and very close encounters—it’s a solid way to spend a Saturday afternoon.