What Is Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo?
Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo is one of West Virginia’s most well-known wildlife destinations. It sits at 291 Wagner Lane, Kingwood, West Virginia, between the towns of Reedsville and Kingwood. The zoo is also known as the West Virginia Zoo, and it has welcomed families and nature lovers for over three decades.
The zoo is owned and operated by Bryan Hovatter. What started as a small gathering of deer, black bears, cougars, and tigers has grown into one of the most diverse animal collections in the region. Today, the zoo is home to over 30 different species of native and exotic animals from all over the world.
The setting itself is unique — the zoo sits in a wooded landscape, so most animals enjoy the comfort of natural shade all day long. This gives the zoo a feel that is quite different from large, concrete-heavy city zoos. Families, school groups, and solo visitors all find something to love here.
The History of Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo
Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo has a long and interesting history that spans more than three decades. It began as a modest private collection with just a handful of animals. Over the years, the collection grew larger and more diverse. The zoo kept adding new species, building new enclosures, and expanding the overall experience for visitors.
By 2026, Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo will open its 34th consecutive season on April 11th. This milestone shows just how committed the Hovatter family has been to running and growing this zoo year after year. The growth from a small backyard-style exhibit to a full zoo with giraffes, chimpanzees, grizzly bears, leopards, and lions is remarkable.
The zoo has become a true landmark in Preston County, West Virginia. Residents have grown up visiting it, and many return year after year with their own children and grandchildren. The longevity of Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo speaks volumes about how much the community values and supports it.
Animals at Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo
One of the biggest draws to Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo is its impressive and diverse collection of animals. The zoo is home to both native West Virginia wildlife and exotic species from across the globe. Visitors can see creatures they would never encounter in everyday life, all in one place.
Here is a look at some of the animals you can find at the zoo:
| Category | Animals |
| Big Cats | White Bengal Tiger, Orange Bengal Tiger, Spotted Leopard, Black Leopard, African Lion |
| Bears | Grizzly Bear, Himalayan Bear |
| Primates | Chimpanzee, Spider Monkey, Capuchin Monkey, Japanese Macaque, Olive Baboon, Ring-Tailed Lemur, Grivet Monkey |
| Farm & Petting Zoo | African Pygmy Goat, Miniature Donkey, Pot Belly Pig |
| Other Exotic Animals | Giraffe, Camel, Aoudad, Russian Wild Boar, Buffalo, Bobcat, Raccoon, Rattlesnake, Turtles, Various Reptiles, Macaw |
The variety at Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo is truly something special. You can stand face-to-face with a massive grizzly bear, then walk a few steps and feed a giraffe. That kind of experience is hard to find anywhere else in West Virginia.
Feeding Animals at Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo
One of the most exciting things about visiting Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo is the chance to feed the animals directly. This hands-on experience sets the zoo apart from many others. Visitors absolutely love it, and kids go wild for it.
You can feed animals like giraffes, pygmy goats, camels, lemurs, and raccoons. The zoo sells animal feed right at the gift shop. You cannot bring outside food for the animals — the zoo keeps this rule in place to protect the health and safety of each animal.
Feeding a giraffe is one of the most popular activities at the zoo. The giraffes lean their long necks down to take food directly from your hand. It is thrilling, funny, and unforgettable all at once. Many visitors say the giraffe feeding experience alone is worth the price of admission.
The petting zoo area with goats and other friendly farm animals is also a big hit with younger children. Kids who may be nervous around larger animals feel right at home feeding and petting the smaller, gentler animals in this section.
Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo Hours and Admission Prices
Planning a visit to Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo is easy. The zoo is open seasonally, which means it runs from April through November each year.
Hours of Operation
| Season | Days Open | Hours |
| April 11 – October | 7 days a week | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| November | Weekends (weather permitting) | TBD |
Please note: The zoo takes its last customer at 5:00 PM, even though closing time is 6:00 PM. Make sure you arrive before 5:00 PM to get in.
Admission Prices
| Visitor Type | Price |
| Children Ages 2 & Under | FREE |
| Children Ages 3–12 | $11.99 |
| Adults Ages 13–64 | $15.99 |
| Seniors Age 65+ | $12.99 |
| Military (with ID) | $12.99 |
The zoo accepts Cash, Visa, and MasterCard. If you pay with a credit card, a 3% surcharge applies. Debit cards and cash have no surcharge. The zoo does not accept personal checks, Discover, American Express, or foreign currency.
Season Passes
If your family loves the zoo and plans to visit more than once, season passes are a great deal. Season passes are valid from the date of purchase through October 31st of the same year.
| Visitor Type | Season Pass Price |
| Adults Ages 13–64 | $70 + tax |
| Military / Seniors 65+ | $65 + tax |
| Children Ages 3–12 | $60 + tax |
You must bring identification and your season pass on every visit.
What to Expect on Your Visit to Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo
When you arrive at Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo, the first thing you notice is the natural, wooded setting. The zoo does not feel like a concrete jungle. Instead, trees and greenery surround most of the enclosures, which creates a calm and pleasant atmosphere for both visitors and animals.
As you walk through the zoo, you move from exhibit to exhibit at your own pace. There are no strict tour routes, so you can explore freely. Families with young children appreciate this flexibility because kids can stop and stare at whatever catches their eye. The parakeet room is one crowd favorite — visitors walk right into an enclosure full of colorful, friendly parakeets.
Many guests describe it as one of the highlights of their whole visit. Watching the Kodiak bears running around in their habitat is another unforgettable moment. These massive bears are playful and active, and seeing them up close is both exciting and humbling. The African lions give visitors an audio experience too — when they roar, you feel it in your chest.
The Parakeet Experience and Special Encounters
Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo offers some truly one-of-a-kind experiences that you do not find at every zoo. The parakeet room is one of the best examples. You walk right inside an enclosed space that is full of brightly colored parakeets flying freely around you. The birds may land on your arms or shoulders. Visitors of all ages laugh and smile through this experience. It is one of those rare zoo moments that feels truly magical.
Beyond the parakeet room, the zoo sometimes has baby animals available for photo opportunities. These special photo moments let you get up close with exotic baby animals. Availability varies by season, so you may not always get this chance — but when baby animals are available, it is an extraordinary experience. The zoo also hosts seasonal events throughout the year. Holiday light displays and other themed events draw big crowds. Visiting during one of these special events adds an extra layer of fun to an already great day out.
Dining and Facilities at Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo
Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo understands that a full day of exploring builds up an appetite. The zoo has an on-site food option called the Hungry Bear Cafe. The cafe is open during the same hours as the zoo, so you can grab a meal or snack without leaving the grounds. This makes it easy to spend the whole day at the zoo without worrying about food.
The gift shop is another great stop during your visit. This is where you purchase animal feed for the feeding experiences. The shop also likely carries souvenirs, keepsakes, and other items to help you remember your visit. The zoo also offers pavilion rentals for groups and private events. Two pavilions are available to rent. Each pavilion costs $75 for a half day and $150 for a full day. This makes Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo a great venue for birthday parties, school outings, family reunions, and other group gatherings. Booking a pavilion means your group has a dedicated space to eat, relax, and enjoy the zoo together.
How to Get to Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo
Finding Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo is straightforward. The zoo is located at:
291 Wagner Lane, Kingwood, WV 26537
It sits on Route 1 between Reedsville and Kingwood in Preston County, West Virginia. The zoo is nestled in a rural, wooded area, so the drive itself is scenic and pleasant. If you need help with directions, you can call the zoo at (304) 329-3122 before your visit. The staff is happy to help you find your way. The zoo is also active on Facebook, where it posts updates about hours, events, animal news, and other important information. Following their page before your visit is a great way to stay informed about anything that may affect your trip.
Read for more info: https://wildtrailsapp.com/wildlife-night/
Tips for Visiting Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo
Getting the most out of your visit to Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo takes just a little planning. Here are some helpful tips to make your trip smooth and enjoyable.
Arrive early. The zoo opens at 10:00 AM. Getting there early means fewer crowds, cooler temperatures in summer, and more time to explore at a relaxed pace. Remember, the last entry is at 5:00 PM.
Pace your animal feed. Many visitors make the mistake of using up all their animal feed at the very first feeding station. The zoo has many animals you can feed, so spread your feed throughout the visit. This way, every member of your group gets to enjoy the feeding experience.
Wear comfortable shoes. The zoo covers a good amount of ground. You will walk a lot, often on uneven terrain. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes make the experience much more enjoyable.
Check Facebook before you go. The zoo posts the most current updates about hours, special events, and any changes to operations on their Facebook page. A quick check before your visit can save you a trip if anything has changed.
Bring cash or a debit card. While the zoo does accept credit cards, there is a 3% surcharge for credit card payments. Using cash or a debit card means you avoid that extra cost.
Why Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo Is Great for Families
Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo is a fantastic destination for families with children of all ages. The zoo hits a sweet spot that many larger, more expensive zoos miss — it is intimate, interactive, and affordable. Children do not just look at animals from far away. They feed them, hear them, and sometimes even stand right next to them. This kind of close-up wildlife experience creates lasting memories.
The reasonable admission prices make it accessible for most families. Children under 2 get in free, which is a huge benefit for families with toddlers and infants. The season pass option is also a smart choice for local families who want to visit multiple times in a season. School groups and organizations also find the zoo to be a perfect educational outing. The mix of exotic and native animals gives students a real-world connection to what they learn in classrooms. Seeing a real giraffe, a real chimpanzee, or a real grizzly bear leaves a much stronger impression than any textbook photo ever could.
Conclusion: Is Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo Worth a Visit?
Absolutely, yes. Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo is one of those rare places that delivers a genuinely special experience without a huge price tag. It sits in a beautiful, wooded part of West Virginia and gives visitors something that most big-city zoos simply cannot — a close, personal, hands-on connection with some of the world’s most amazing animals.
The zoo has come a long way since its early days as a small private animal collection. Today, it stands as a proud **34-year-old institution** that continues to grow, improve, and welcome visitors season after season. Whether you are watching a grizzly bear splash around in its habitat, feeding a towering giraffe by hand, walking through the magical parakeet room, or hearing an African lion roar just a few feet away, every moment at Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo feels alive and exciting.
For families, it checks every box. The prices are fair, the experience is hands-on, and the memories last a lifetime. For solo visitors and nature lovers, the wooded setting and diverse animal collection make for a deeply satisfying day out. For school groups and organizations, the educational value is hard to beat.
The zoo is open from April through November each year, giving visitors plenty of time to plan a trip. Season passes make repeat visits easy and affordable for local families. And with the Hungry Bear Cafe on site, there is no reason to cut your visit short.
If you have never been to Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo, this is your sign to go. And if you have been before, it is always worth going back — because there is always something new to see, a new baby animal to meet, or a new memory to make. Plan your visit today and experience one of West Virginia’s most beloved wildlife destinations for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo
Q1: Where exactly is Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo located?
Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo is located at 291 Wagner Lane, Kingwood, West Virginia 26537. It sits on Route 1 between Reedsville and Kingwood in Preston County. The zoo is in a scenic, wooded setting that makes the drive to it a pleasant part of the experience. You can call the zoo at (304) 329-3122 if you need directions.
Q2: What are the hours and prices for Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo in 2026?
The zoo opened for its 34th season on April 11, 2026. It is open 7 days a week from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last entry at 5:00 PM. Admission costs $15.99 for adults, $11.99 for children ages 3–12, $12.99 for seniors and military, and free for children 2 and under. Season passes are also available for repeat visitors.
Q3: Can you feed animals at Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo?
Yes! Feeding animals is one of the best parts of visiting Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo. You can feed giraffes, pygmy goats, camels, lemurs, and other animals. The zoo sells animal feed at the gift shop. You cannot bring outside food for the animals, as this protects their health and well-being.
Q4: Is Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo good for young children?
Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo is an excellent choice for young children. The zoo has a petting zoo area where kids can feed and interact with friendly farm animals like pygmy goats and miniature donkeys. Children 2 and under enter for free. The relaxed, wooded setting and hands-on experiences make it ideal for families with kids of all ages.
Q5: Does Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo host any special events?
Yes, Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo hosts seasonal events throughout the year, including holiday light displays and other themed activities. For the most current information on special events, the zoo recommends checking their Facebook page, where they post regular updates on upcoming events, seasonal hours, and any important announcements.
