Just lovely - family enterprise, personally cared for animals, wonderful way to interact read more

Bailiwick Animal Park - Quality camel time - Horseback Riding Near Me - Catskill, New York

This is a nice little zoo where you get the opportunity to feed most animals. And ride horses option for 30 min or 60 min ride. This place can be very fun and Memorable for your little one compared to larger zoos where you can barely see an animal. Worthwhile attraction if you are in the catskill read more

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My grandkids, 8 and 13 years old love animals. The young man taking care of all the animals was so special taking time out to tell us the animals names and stories about their personalities and backgrounds. We spent 4 hours feeding the animals and revisiting the favorites, Jackson and Bam Bam, kangaroos. The kids loved it! read more

this place is a dump the horses look sick, knock groomed, overpriced. They charge way too much and they offer way too little the staff was rude. read more

This place definitely needs some TLC. But for a small zoo in the Catskills pretty decent. I'm sure it's hard to compete with the big zoos around the country, the habitats lake the animals natural feel and space. You get to see some bears, tiger, lemurs, buffalo, zebra and the tropical farm animals pretty close. It's worth a stop by if you have younger kids and just need a place to spend a couple hours read more

I'd give it zero stars if it were an option. Just not an establishment I would recommend. Attended an event here and the state of the animals was super depressing. Run down, neglected. No water for the animals and we were there a few hours. It's also dangerous. There are stray dogs and we witnessed a brutal fight instigated by a wandering pit bull. Not good for kids. My daughter and I were pretty shaken up. After the incident, we left immediately and won't return . Not a pleasant visit. The USDA has cited the property in the past, and no, I'm not an activist. Just telling the truth. read more

Bailiwick Animal Park - Neglect - Horseback Riding Near Me - Catskill, New York

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I had a very good experience in the zoo and my children enjoyed it very much. I also really enjoyed the excellent service of the workers at the pony ride. read more

Animals appeared depressed and neglected. Garbage was everywhere and kids were being crazy with no supervision. Animals appeared agitated by them and that could end poorly if it is not dealt with. I left immediately and will not be returning. I wonder how could a place like this remain open and I understand why they are not AZA accredited. read more

We took a trip to the animal park today with our one year old. If the place wasn't a complete dump it would have been great! The animals appear disheveled and not well taken care of. The bear that they have there had no water at all. The water bowl was completely dry as if it hadn't had water in days. The poor thing was panting. There is a sign that says the water is changed every 2 hours which seems completely made up to me. His enclosure was also so overgrown it could barely walk around. There was a large group of children at the park who were running around crazy with no supervision. They were poking the animals with sticks and throwing things into their enclosures. The only staff member that was clearly there was the woman selling tickets behind the desk. There was garbage all over the park making it unappealing. Everyone should boycott this place so the animals will **hopefully** end up somewhere nicer where they belong. read more

This place was depressing. The animals looked abandoned and the conditions were cramped and neglected (exposed barbed wire for example, big gaps in the fencing, little shade for the animals). I was there with my two young children to try horse riding and couldn't find a member of staff for 45 minutes. Hauntingly bad as you just feel so sad for the animals. Grim. read more

Was not happy about what I saw when checking out the condition of the animals. They looked neglected. There water was near empty and nasty. This place is a perfect example of HOW NOT to run an animal park. NOT RECCOMENDED. Don't let your kids anywhere near there. read more

It was $18 a ticket and they don't take card. The tickets were overpriced for what you get. There's maybe 20 animals all together, all in subpar enclosures. The stables that they have attached are riddled with signs of neglect for the horses (mud filled, tiny pastures, that have ponies crammed in them, horses standing tied with saddles on in 95 degree heat for hours waiting for someone to ride them, ect.) The "zoo" was extremely run down, with animals in horrible conditions. It was really sad ride home thinking about how they spend their entire lives in these conditions. Please support a different organization. They obviously do not care about the animals well-being. read more

Pricing was a little high for a little zoo that is under construction. There were enough animal in a very small area there wasn't any staff around if you needed to ask questions. If you need something to do for a hour or less it will keep you busy just not much longer especially with little ones. read more

I don't understand all the negative reviews. Trip Advisor had a very different take on this place. Anyhow, we found the staff to be very friendly. The ponies and horses seemed to be treated well. My girls enjoyed the pony rides. The gift shop was sparse but the attendant was very nice. The bounce house was okay - could have used a hosing down. The toys were okay. The animals seemed well taken care of and very friendly. The bathrooms were a bit nasty - one booth in both the women's and men's rooms had poop all over it. Overall it was a fun experience. read more

This was my intro to riding when I was a kid, I have been back many times over the years and as a seasoned equestrian, it's a great trail riding place. I just took my son for his first trail ride and he loved it- the staff was wonderful and accommodating The zoo- ok people it's not a fancy zoo- but this is a family business and they do care for the animals and do the best on a budget read more

Bailiwick Animal Park - Great time!! - Horseback Riding Near Me - Catskill, New York

Was staying at the nearby getaway cabins in Catskill and came here one day with the fiancée. We really enjoyed ourselves. It was $17 for adult admission and cups of feed were available for purchase -$2 for corn cup and $7 for cup of carrots. There were some cool animals like fainting goats, a camel, a zebra and others. The bears did not look too enthused to be there and I wonder if the place every plans to release them back into the wild. Chickens, bunnies, and roasters tend to roam freely so it definitely has a true farm feel to it. Be warned not to feed them on your journey through unless you want them following you the whole time. I did think it was odd (but also cool) that we were allowed to roam freely inside. Cool one time thing I would recommend if you are in the area and have kids that enjoy feeding farm animals. read more

Had a Groupon. Groupon expired. Groupon says I can still use the $18 I paid for it toward admission at the facility for eternity. Literally, the website says for eternity. Facility would not accept my Groupon and told me to take it up with Groupon who would refund me. So, Groupon let me extend the offer for a couple more weeks but I asked for my money back anyway because I will now never patronize this establishment. My two year old was so disappointed he cried the whole way home. Now it's my mission to tell every one I know, every one I don't know, and the entire internet about my experience. From what I did see the bad reviews are right though. It's kind of a dump and you can see the horse's ribs they're so thin. read more

Saw the mixed reviews and took a chance. Paid $16pp to be very disappointed and depressed looking at the poor animals. All situated on an acre or 2 of land with a playground. Not a zookeeper in sight as kids throw food at a tiger napping. You can feed the goats for free at grieg farm in red hook or Catskill country mountain store in windham instead. Not exotic, but much better overall experience. read more

I am speechless and not in a good way. Feels very tiger king ish. Big yikes. Felt like we stepped into a horror film honestly

What a great time! We went with our kids (8,5,2) and we all loved it! The owner was fantastic, appearing several times while we were wandering around giving us some extra food, stories about the animals or bringing out Wasabi the bearded dragon for the kids (and us of course!) to hold. He even made sure he let us know when the week old calf was going to be bottle fed so our kids could give it a shot. Really loved this place and the warmth of welcome. Thank you! read more

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My boyfriend and I spent our anniversary in the Catskills and decided to check this place out because of our love for animals. We payed only $16 for the two of us( it was half off) and payed for feed. We fed most of the animals and they were very friendly and well taken care of! Most of the small animals, we were able to pet like the goats, donkeys, llamas, alpacas, etc. Because of the cold season, some animals were not in their habitats,but it was still a wonderful experience. If you notice the pictures, the animals approached us and seemed curious! We also went horseback riding, which was a really great experience. The staff was warm and welcoming, as well. Overall, it was a wonderful experience! We highly recommend!! read more

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It was a rainy, damp fall day when we arrived at Bailiwick Animal Park. My down state family and I wanted to see the Bengal tigers I've heard so much about. These gorgeous creatures were raised from the age of 10 months old by Garry and his family; many of the animal parks residents were, and several bottle fed and carefully monitored in there delicate infancy. I've read some online reviews and it's disheartening to see some reviewers' ignorance. All these animals needed care, attention, a new home, and a true animal lover to take them in. Whether it was a infant mammal rejected by its mother and left to die, an animal born into captivity and needing a home, or a an injured creature that could no longer survive on its own... the Koschitzki family was there for them, and continues to be there for them. This is no short-term idea, but a true commitment to the best welfare for each animal. Park Review: First and foremost the animals are in good health and inquisitive. Mostly every resident came to welcome us to their gate... including the bears! Perhaps because it was a quite rainy day and we were the only family there, but regardless, it exhibited their friendliness to strangers which translates that these creatures are happy, welcoming, and well cared for by humans. Second, the variety of rescued animals was unexpected! I knew about the tigers, but I had no idea how MASSIVE, beautiful, and MAJESTIC they were! I wasn't expecting to see a brown bear, black bear, bison, baboon, and kangaroo. But the list of residence goes on. Their pens were ample size, with ample space for shelter, and detailed items included for them to interact with. Were the pens immaculate, no. But having been in the bush land of Africa and Australia, the natural habitat of these creatures is not immaculate. Some reviewers are comparing this family-owned and operated home (and the animal park is an extension of the Koschitzki home) to large zoo's or commercially run parks. If you're looking for a western culture 'perfect' animal park, this is not for you. BUT, if you want to be exposed to a beautiful variety of well-loved animals through the selfless care of a human family, than I would highly recommend visiting Bailiwick Animal Park. There's no glitter and flare, just mud and and a whole lot of love! read more

Family and I came to Baliwick to camp in the covered wagons. Garry and his family were amazing hosts and made our trip to the Catskills and the Baliwick Animal Park unforgettable. Seeing the animals up close was great for all ages and we even received a personal tour from the park owner, Garry. These animals are well taken care of and the love they have for the park owner is really cool to see up close. Will be back and plan to bring friends and family. read more

It's a nice little zoo to visit with the kids. These people posting negative reviews are either peta members or have bad intentions. These people seem to love their animals as much or more than anyone I've seen. Don't let the negative people deter you from visiting this zoo which is located in one of the most beautiful places in America. read more

Great little zoo! My kids really enjoyed!!! They have some really cool animals there.. I was pleasantly surprised.. tiger , bear, baboon, zebra , camel .. and many others! Nice playground area and also they have pony rides and horse back riding! Def recommend!!! read more

This place is terrible and should be shut down for animal cruelty. Almost every single animal looks sick, unhappy or just unhealthy in general. They offer corn to feed all the animals when most of them should not be eating that to begin with. There is not a single person in staff checking on the animals throughout the day. The workers don't seem to care at all about the animals nonetheless care about being there. Most of the cages were way to small and overpacked for the amount of space in the enclosure. It looks like they pay more attention to a playground for kids rather then the animals health. Not to mention the bathrooms were disgusting and water in the sick did not work at all. Please do not come here and give them money to help fund this terrible business even more than it's already been. read more

My new husband and I are huge fans of animals. When I saw there was a small petting zoo and ranch in our area, we had to check it out. It was literally 20 minutes away from our house. When we arrived and got out of my truck, we were greeted by a peacock couple. They have horses lined up for attention and affection. The admission price is $17. Before you think it's a rip, just keep in mind that everyone has jacked thier prices these days. They offer cups of cracked corn to feed the animals. There are all kinds of farm critters to pet and feed, but they also have some exotic creatures like a Bengal Tiger named Titan. They had bunnies and other creatures running lose. They also have a reptile exhibit which was pretty cool. Most noteworthy to mention is the wild turkey couple that followed us around the entire zoo. She apparently was smitten with my husband. She kept chasing him, trying to keep me away...it was pretty funny. Smart woman! This is such a cute little zoo tucked away in the Catskills. Hopefully we can get back one more time before they close for the season (end of Oct). Be sure to see about Titan the Bengal Tiger! read more

I sincerely wish I could give this place ZERO STARS. My boyfriend and I found a Groupon for the "zoo" portion of this place and decided to go. The conditions that these innocent animals are forced to live in are appalling. Most of the animals were in tiny and unkempt cages with filth everywhere. It was evident that there were no professional zoo keepers on hand, only a couple teenagers, none of which tended to the animals while we were there. They had a majestic, full grown, Bengal Tiger in a filthy chain-link and barbed wire enclosure, just larger than an average living room. They also had a young Bengal Tiger in a shockingly small cage with what looked like an oversized birdhouse that was supposed to be its retreat but the young tiger's head wouldn't even fit into it. We witnessed melancholy bears isolated in even tinier cages. We did not see adequate drinking water accessible to any of the animals. Among several other atrocities that we witnessed, the absolute worst was a lone camel, covered in flies, laying in its own feces, and moving only to lift its head, seemingly writhing in pain. The owners of this menagerie of despair should not only be shut down but should be prosecuted for animal cruelty. Do not go here, do not take your children here. I am ashamed to say that I contributed any money at all to this place. If only I had known what this place really was read more

Bailiwick Animal Park - Sick, neglected camel laying in its own feces. - Horseback Riding Near Me - Catskill, New York

Baby animals cute overload. For a small zoo / sanctuary located in the Catskills, the ranch is really neat. The zoo has a laid back atmosphere, Mr. blue parrot is there to welcome you perched in front of the admission office. We had a Groupon and was admitted without problems or wait. There are two parts to the ranch, the stables dedicated to horses for horseback trail riding and the mini sanctuary that's the home for quite a few exotic animals as well as farm animals. You can buy cups of animal food from the office to feed them. The llama, alpaca and camels are so fluffy, with a wide-smiles-and-ready-to-spit face. They even have baby and adult bears and tigers who acts so much like puppies when pacing around and licking their paws. There are of course also the baby versions of oxen, donkey and goats - all so adorable. In the pens hosting many roosters, a gorgeous peacock is in their mix, trying to fit in. The zoo is not crowded at all and you can get up and close with your favorites and spend as much time as you want. Love this sweet little zoo, best part is that they have rescued many of the animals or spared them from the butcher's knife. read more

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I genuinely think authorities should be called. Animals are not held in humane conditions and the management doesn't seem equipped to handle living creatures. Entire venue is 30 years overdue for an upgrade. It was really sad to see horses with visible injuries. Staff was rude and abrasive. Merchandise in the shop is stale and dusty. None of the animals in the store were even moving? Avoid. Run. read more

In our experience of staying there for three nights and being able to look out the living room window and see two beautiful, healthy bengal tigers enjoying their surroundings less than 50 yards away was an extraordinary experience. Our accomodations were comfortable and enjoyable. We were able to have a bbq and a bonfire in plan view of these two beautiful tigers. Garry and family were wonderful hosts. It was a gem of an experience! And, coming from a jeweler that's saying a lot. read more

The animals are kept in inadequate, filthy enclosures. None of the animals at the zoo look well cared for and the overall conditions of the entire property are deplorable. While there, the owner actually got into the cage with a Syrian Bear. At the alligator enclosure, the owner and two employees were trying to corral the alligator, which was hissing and agitated. The owner stepped on the back of the alligator's neck, the so that the employees could pick the animal up with bare hands to show visitors. As I was leaving, a goat was almost able to escape his enclosure from underneath, getting his neck stuck in the fencing in the process. The USDA inspection reports for the last several years show serious violations including animal deaths due to lack of veterinary care. This place should be closed down and the animals brought to live at legitimate sanctuaries. read more

The animals did not appear to be well cared for at all. Many had cuts and missing fur/feathers. Several, especially the bears, seemed to be in enclosures that were too small. Others had broken fencing. The horses were tethered without any water - one was licking the dry trough. Staff was unfriendly on top of it. I left here really upset and hope the animals are taken somewhere where they can be better cared for. read more

Why are all the reviews filtered???? As we walked through this very little (overpriced!) zoo I was very concerned for the animal inhabitants. Several animals ( chickens, parrot, rabbit) we're loose. There was a small furry creature in the back of a miniature dog crate that may have been dead and a dead chicken in the pen. The animals seemed extremely hungry for corn feed we bought at the door and I wonder if they are fed real meals?! The more concerning issue for me was the following incident......my three year old son was bit by a pony there. He was hurt and it bruised immediately. I looked for a first aid booth but ended up at the cashiers booth. After I explained the situation she rudely asked to see the arm. Then told me"he's fine". I asked for ice and she said" I don't have any and I'm the only one here so what do you want me to do about it". Followed by "here's a bandaid". I knew I needed the bite documented so I suggested I call the police to get an incident report. That got me the owner who was slightly more concerned. I was given a used piece of used paper to write up the occurrence on and left with a signed copy and a bag of ice. I brought my son right to urgent care and he was okay. But for a family place they are certainly lacking in first aid care and compassion. read more

We took a trip up to Catskill for my wife's birthday and she loves horse riding. Turns out Baliwick was only a 5 min walk from out campsite. We only did the horse riding but it was a ton of fun. The staff was kind and friendly, the animals were easy to ride and gentle. Would definitely recommend if it is your thing. read more

Had a great time with my boyfriends family, I personally know about Ball pythons because I have 2. I was surprised to notice they kept two ball pythons living together, which is not what you're supposed to do because they will eat each other. I asked if they were together because they were breeding and the lady had no idea, so I asked another lady and she said I don't think so. I asked "won't they eat each other or attack each other if they're together?" And she continued to say no. Clearly the substrate was super dry and the heat lamp didn't seem to be on, the room was humid but they should have a cool side and a hot side which the whole thing seemed to be one temperature. The water dish looked dirty so it makes me wonder, what about the other animals? I only know so much about the ball pythons. Not to mention the poor dog had a head injury and will most likely lose its eye because a horse kicked it in the face. read more

Bailiwick Animal Park - The 2 snakes together on top of eachother, the dirty water dish and poop leftovers in the cage - Horseback Riding Near Me - Catskill, New York

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Great play ground. Lots of parking. Feeding the animals is great. They're very accessible but they all look so sad in their tiny enclosures. Those poor bears! read more

Four of us went here yesterday, and we had a lot of fun. We did the hr long trail ride ,beautiful horses, scenery to die for, and fun, even for a beginner. I saw in a previous review someone said they could see horses ribs. First, I am a horse owner, and these horses are cared for, I did not see any sign of them being under fed. The farrier was there, caring for their feet, none were over grown. By the way , it is not bad to be able to see a horses ribs a little. We had a great time visiting the zoo area, and feeding the animals. The goats were so much fun as was the camel and the brown bear. Someone wrote previously that some of the animals were loose, the only one we saw loose (not really) was one rabbit that jumped out of the petting area, however, there are two other fences that surround the whole zoo area, so he wasn't really loose. Garry and his staff were great... can't wait to go again and interact with all the animals. read more

After my daughter and I visited many horse farms and tried many different horses, we finally found the right horse for her at the Catskill Equestrian Center. At the other farms, I felt like I was at a used car lot being pressured by a salesperson, but at the Catskill Equestrian Center, there was no pressure - only professional guidance to help us with our big purchase. Tiffany, who is a third generation operator of the farm, is the real deal. As well as giving lessons and leading trail rides, Tiffany still trains and competes in horse shows in the area. When we got the horse (Gracie) back to my fathers farm, my daughter did not feel as comfortable on the horse as she did at the equestrian center. The next weekend, Tiffany drove the hour and a half to my dad's farm to give my daughter a lesson and make sure she was comfortable on the horse. By the time she left, my daughter was all smiles again and exhausted from cantering. I feel like not only did we get a great horse, we made a new friend in the horse world. This is why I highly recommend the Catskill Equestrian Center. read more

What an amazing experience we had, while spending our summer time with the family in the hunter area, we came once, and their it stopped we just had to come back again and again. The kids love it. So different then a real professional zoo. It's family owned, the owner is like the father for the animals, you can see how they love him. The kids are feeding them like there own baby's. The place was very decent, yes it is after all in the Catskill in a wooded area, and the roads are not paved.... That is part of the attraction, it feels so cozy and homely. Many many upgrades from the previous years that we visited. As an additional bonus The kids also loved the playground. Will definitely come back many more times. read more