The ranch was founded in 1993 by Henry Hampton.
The property spans over 180 acres of land.
Many of the exotic animals at the ranch are part of captive breeding programs for endangered species.
The ranch maintains its own veterinary facilities for on-site animal medical care.
The safari route includes a petting area specifically for smaller, domesticated, and hand-reared animals.
Lazy 5 Ranch uses a proprietary feed mix designed to be safe for a wide variety of exotic digestive systems.
The facility is home to rare species including the scimitar-horned oryx and addax.
Some of the giraffe residents were hand-raised by ranch staff, leading to their high level of comfort with vehicle interactions.
Lazy 5 Ranch is a drive-through safari park located in Mooresville, North Carolina, housing a collection of over 750 animals from six continents. The facility features a 3.5-mile trail where visitors remain in their vehicles while observing and interacting with free-roaming exotic species. Species represented include giraffes, zebras, camels, lemurs, and various antelope. The ranch operates on an open-pasture model, allowing animals significant space to graze and socialize. Visitors can purchase animal feed on-site to use throughout the safari route. The park is managed by Henry Hampton and emphasizes animal education and conservation. The terrain consists of rolling pastures that mimic natural habitats for the housed species. The ranch is accredited by the Zoological Association of America.
The elevated observation area near the giraffe feeding station.
Keep your windows partially cracked to allow animals to approach, but be prepared to close them quickly if an animal becomes too persistent.
Avoid bringing pets inside your vehicle, as they can cause significant stress or aggressive reactions from the safari animals.
Arrive early in the day when temperatures are cooler, as animals are significantly more active and less likely to seek deep shade.
Feeding the animals food brought from home, which can cause severe health issues or fatalities for the livestock.
Open daily year-round, except for major winter holidays; check local conditions for potential closures during severe weather events.
Remain inside your vehicle at all times while on the safari trail; do not attempt to exit or touch animals outside of designated petting areas.
