Reviews of Tri-State Zoological Park (Zoo)

DYKWIA D

Horrible Horrible. A lion died in February 2017 due to starvation. Boycott. While these animals maybe once were rescued from other awful situations to be retired here. They need rescued again as this place cannot support them. Do not visit but urge them to let their animals to be safely rescued to capable sanctuaries.

Nita Ostroff Tyson

First, I agree: it's a little run-down. Bob is doing with volunteers what most zoos do with loads of staff. Second, it's a rescue as well, which means that most of these animals have come from deplorable situations and can't BE released. Third, the pride Bob's staff has in what they are doing is obvious. No doubt in my mind that with as much money as most zoos have, this one would look like them too. In the meantime, the animals seem to enjoy their homes, the petting zoo critters are amazingly tame, and this zoo offers a local opportunity to see your child or grandchild's eyes open in amazement the first time they ever pet a tortoise. As a side note, we felt fairly safe letting the almost-3 run loose; the zoo has double fences where appropriate and as long as there's adult supervision, the kids can enjoy themselves quite well in this outddor setting.

Chanszee's Trash

Amazing experience, animals are clearly happy, energetic, friendly, and close to the staff

James Nichols

Poor poor animals.... that is all I can say.

Salina Melotti

I've seen animal abusers give their pets better living conditions than these. Please Google the petition to remove this zoo and sign it. There's almost enough signatures.

24 v Bullfrog501

This place is awsome everyone there is nice and i would definitely go again

Mike Gerringer

Tried to go with my girlfriend, waited 10 minutes for service at the front, got frustrated and left. Place looks more like a junkyard than a Zoo. If you can't afford to provide your animals with the highest quality of life, then you shouldn't have a damn zoo. Shut it down.

RUSSELL HENNINGER SR

While this facility needs alot of work, nice place to visit and see wildlife. Run by a staff of just a few volunteers, outside forces hold back what this Zoo could actually accomplish. Donations would help this facility, staff is friendly and courteous.

Melissa Llewellyn

Place had pretty animal's. Animals were all very nice. Kid's there loved It my son loved it! Had a course game set up for kid's. All the kid's I seen including my son said it was fun! Today's benefits went to helping the zoo!! We need to step up and help keep our zoo and build our zoo up with more animals. So we don't have to drive hours to see so amazing beautiful wild life!!!!

Evelyn Wang

Before going to this zoo, you need to understand that they did not go out and captured these animals to put them into a cage for their collection or to show off to you. They actually rescued them from abandonment and negligence. Most of these animals are from people who illegally own them and didn’t want them after a while. Some were completely neglected or abandoned since the owners moved on with their lives. Some have birth defects and were left to die. The owner, Bob, took all of them into his care and provided them with everything he has. When Bob walked by the mountain lion, the mountain lion immediately started to purr. You cannot fake the love and trust between them. Since this zoo is not funded by the government (by donation and his life saving), it is not glamorous in any way. However, if you really look, the stories behind each rescue, the volunteers there to work for a good cause, and the trust between the animals and the people working there are truly beautiful.

Carmela Bennett

Got there. It was run down and didn't look like anything like a zoo. We left

wmfinch

If you enjoy innocent creatures writhing in miserable conditions, you will love this place. If you want to see a monkey so miserable he pulls his own hair out of his head in sheer misery, you will love this place. If you want to be involved with owners and operators who make a living and pay their bills at the expense of the comfort of innocent creatures, you will love this place. If you want to mock the AUTHOR OF LIFE, you will love this place.

Beth Marie

The USDA has been called, that's what I heard.

Ralph Del Colle

Amazing place.....

Hunter Wilder

"Living" conditions... I wouldn't call them that. Tri-State is clearly profiting from the misery of others. WWJD, Tri-State...

jess ault

Kids loved it, needs a little update,but still fun

Mari Grider

Amazing! The owner is a real gem!

Shannon Lapinsky

The outside looks like a dump but there are some interesting animals to see. There are cats, rabbits, peacocks, ducks, and geese running loose throughout the park. Some of the geese aggressively chased us and wouldn't allow us to pass into a certain part of the zoo. There was feces all over the park from these animals and even while watching where you step, you come out with it all over your shoes. Some of the animals are missing fur but other than that look to be in good condition. The animal enclosures are unkempt. The reptile house had dirty litter boxes strewn about. We were greeted by an employee who was very nice. It is worth a look into the zoo but keep expectations low.

Michael J. McGowan

I gave it one star because you can't go any lower for submission. This place has some disgusting conditions for some animals, there is the poor tigers confined to their cage that have to deal with murky pools of putrid liquid (water?) that are obviously not taken care of and is probably a health hazard to these animals (as well as humans!- EVER HEARD OF ZEIKA people!!!!). In addition, some the animals are going mad due to forced captivity and the inability of the zoo to provide an environment even close to what they need for a half way decent life in captivity- One monkey had pulled out his own hair in frustration. A place to visit unless you want to see how horrible man can force nature to submit to his harsh rule... very sad

Suzi Pritchett

BOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Disgusting!!!! Disgusting!!! Disgusting! MOVE THESE ANIMALS IMMEDIATELY TO A PRESERVE!!!!!! ZERO ZERO ZERO STAR!!!!!!! BOOO HISSSS BOOOOO HISSS!!!

Patty Haines

Very disappointing. They need to be reported to the humane society and shut down.

Peter Smith

Close this place down. Do not go.

Bailie Wills

Great place!! Staff is very friendly and helpful! Don't judge it by the outside, it's definitely worth going into!! Very exotic animals including tigers, lions, bears, peacocks, monkeys, snakes and parrots!!

Bianca DM

Tri-State has repeatedly failed to maintain clean and safe enclosures and to provide animals with adequate veterinary care and adequate shelter from the wind and cold temperatures. The USDA has cited this roadside zoo so many times for failing to meet even the most minimal animal-welfare standards that it suspended Tri-State’s license in 2013 and recently issued an official warning regarding even more violations.

Jaime Smith

Zoos are for animals in prison. Please don't support zoos. This zoo is an example of how animals live in terrible conditions. For what? So we can look at them for a few seconds? They should close this place down quick!

Jesse Poteet

I'm not sure why so many people are rating this place 1 star without having all the facts. First of all, this isn't really a zoo in the traditional sense. The animals that are kept here are ones that were held as pets until the animal got too big to keep or that the owner simply got bored and wanted to get rid of the animal. So Bob (the owner) took the animal in. Secondly, some of these animals here were moved here FROM a zoo (like the one in DC, for example) because they couldn't take care of it, or didn't want to. Many of these animals had nowhere else to go, but they have a home here and are well cared for. I was lucky enough to meet the owner while I was there and it's truly inspiring how much thought, care, and attention he gives to the animals. The way the animals interact with him is incredible. There was a duck named Pip, that followed us around the entire time Bob was with us. Pip is awesome and gets a little jealous when he doesn't get enough attention from Bob, which is hilarious to see. The mountain lion behaved like a house cat when Bob was near and one of the tigers would roll around on his back as Bob walked by. The zoo doesn't have the luxury of government subsidies and survives on donations from the community and kind-hearted visitors who can see past the reclaimed wood fences and into the heart of why this zoo exists - to take care of animals that no one else can or will. I urge anyone who visits to take a moment and interact with the staff here. Ask questions and listen to the stories behind the animals. I did and it made the trip all the more worthwhile and I can't wait to go back.

Shelly Sisler

Cool animals..nasty nasty environment if ur an animal lover dint go here :(

San

My little one had some much fun.

Marianne Decker

Wonderful Zoo! Animals are absolutely friendly and happy!

rosaria scavone

Zob Zombie must be doing another 1000 corpses movie. This place was horrifying.

Crystal Kolb

it's a very personal feeling here and the staff are helpful. the animals are very well loved.

Jesta Lemon

Absolutely incredible place. The owner truly cares for all his guests and animals there is no better way to see the beautiful personality of these wonderful animals to shine than to see them around him. You can truly see the love the animals feel for him (bob) and he feels for them. Visit every year and wont be stopping my visits anytime soon! Can only hope it gets the support it deserves! All the animals and people here are just marvelousm

Brittany Gunning

Kids always enjoy coming out here

Dylan Stumbaugh

Could be a lil cleaner I'm sure.. but who am I to say ????. I think it's only 1 dude running the joint.. donate, volunteer, or STFU.. (F=fudge..)

Lucia Zuniga

Seems like it could use some work, but they use what they can and the animals seem happy and taken care of. All rescue animals and volunteer workers too

julie Jenkins (Julz)

Getting ready to do some community service. They need lots of help to make it nice. Feeding and landscaping help is much needed.

Alfredo Salas

Very nice place

Lena Portillo

The animals (many of which are rescues) are well cared for, extremely friendly, and clearly comfortable. Although the buildings are run down, the animals are what's important. The zoo has also taken in some stray cats who are not shy and will practically hop in your car to say hello. All funds received are clearly going towards the animals, people comforts are not the priority, which is ok with me. Wear shoes you don't mind getting poop on...

Aaron Furlong

Bob candy is a great zoo keeper! He really loves all his animals! Great place to visit and volunteer!

D Loy

Loved all the animals

Wayne Conklin

Needs lots of work and cleaned up

Eric Wilson

Had a good time there it's a little zoo run by very friendly people I think the guy who owns it or runs it name is Bob he'll tell you about all the animals and everything very nice guy this is a privately owned Zoo so it's not big it's not something you would see in a big city but it's still very nice

Kaitlyn

My family were visiting the area just to get out and ran into this place. We had a fantastic time. My kids had a great time petting and feeding the animals. The staff that walked around were knowledgeable and very kind. The zoo is not a typical zoo. It is a RESCUE! they are solely dependent on donations and the money they make from emissions. It is a little run down but they are doing a good job and the animals seem to be cared for.

Nathalie Lenoble

Hopefully this place will be closed down soon and the animals put in a reputable sanctuary. This place is a disgrace and we are not far from animal abuse. The living conditions of these poor creatures are a scandal.

PurpleTiger 300

Small local zoo/animal rescue. Doesn't look the best, but the animals are well taken care of and if you talk with the owner or staff you will fall in love with each animal and their story.

Rochelle Hazelwood

Rustic place, the owner Bob absolutely loves all his animals. He is a great host as well! This place is so nice for kids and adults really wish there were more places like it!

Crystal Eisenhofer

For the past 12 years the owner Bob and his family have been like family to us. Each of my girls had the best birthday experience by having live animals at their 10th birthday. A unique experience only offered by this amazing place. He educated everyone and allowed photo opportunities. As a mom and a photographer this was a great experience. Over the years we have taken many of our friends to see the animals and for a more in depth tour of the place. Bob was always sure to take time out for me, my family and any of my friends I brought along from all over the country to help provide a more unique experience. My oldest daughter is currently in the process of becoming a vet tech due to his experience and Bob’s encouragement. We now live in Tennessee, but I am from WV so when we go home we always try to make it to see the animals that we have watched grow and consider a part of our family. Bob is truly inspiring as he operates as a nonprofit rescue for these animals and he speaks for them. He has given everything he has to help these animals. I can’t wait to go back and see Kumar, Cheyenne, Mowgli, Peka and the rest of the animals.

Michael Jones

Very nice people and the Animals seem to be in good shape but they need help. These are good-hearted people working very hard to take care of these animals and I believe it's a thankless job but they keep doing it. Kudos to everybody there I hope somebody sees this and has extra time to give you a hand

Bernard Rehhaut

No words needed.

Kimmy Carney

The owner is a very caring and loving man.. who loves his animals.. the only thing is that its over grown with weeds.. and the turtles live in green algae. The animals desperately need human attention from folks that come to the park.

Jadon Kolb

my family had so much here together. gray day out & learned so much about the animals from the owner.

Rodger Bryant

This place is great nice staff that are doing great work with limited resources

outlaw965

Awesome place and so nice to see the animals and that they are well taken care of:

Kristine Hoopengardner

Great place to see animals from all over the place and definitely cheaper and you can be more interactive with the animals then other zoos I have gone to.

Pianoprincess 37

The staff really love the animals and can tell you all about their personalities, where they are native to and what their diets are like. Very knowledgeable.

zachary griffith

Call ahead to watch the tigers feed on roadkill deer. Deer struck down on roadways are gathered by the DNR, and normally incinerated. Having this zoo-park locally, gives us a way to reduce the operating cost of the incinerator. The Bear-cat smells like buttered popcorn.

Gandoof

The animals would be better off living in the natural wilds where they belong, rather than this dump you call a zoo. Animals shouldn't be used for entertainment, it's cruel. Please be compassionate and free them!

Rocky Yuan

Nice small zoo, friendly owner. Facilities are a bit aged but don't let that deter you from entering. Wide variety of animals that are friendly, would recommend. There is a donation box in lieu of an entrance fee.

jenell Ahern

They are closed for the season they open back up in april

C G

This was such a great stop on our way to the rocky gap casino! The animals seem so happy and healthy. Keep in mind, this is not a big fancy zoo where they take animals from their families and take them from the wild. These are rescued animals and they are all so friendly! There was monkeys, fox, bob cat, bear, goats, giant tortoises roaming free and so much more. I had to drag my kiddos away. They run on donations so its free to get in but, we gave them a good donation because it was totally worth it. A hidden gem!

Tina Phillips

Went out to volunteer and loved it! Can't wait to go back!

Michelle Pratt

Appreciate it for what it is, i absolutely loved it, will definitely be going back. You can tell the owner truly does care for all of his animals ❤♥????????????????❤♥????????????????❤♥

Brandon Lee

Don't judge it by the entrance... progress in work. fun experience great for kids interacting with the animals

August Moon

Horrible experience - animals in pitiful conditions I felt sorry for them. This wasn't what I expected. Save your money and time.

Alex Kennedy

Thought it was pretty neat.

Joe Yancosky

Amazing place owner is a wonderful person to take these animals in and give them the love and happiness that they deserve. To take them would be cruel!! He has formed a bond with each and every one giving them names and enclosures that give them what they need. Was the best part about this vacation!! Thank you Bob Candy and Thank you from us and your animals

toni raimi

What a place... A non profit place where the animals are very well taken care of. All rescue animals that are friendly and happy.. The onwer Bob Candy is amazing

Jimmy Wills

We went this weekend wow I was shocked the outside was kind of made us not wanna go in but once we did it was a wow such amazing animals and people we had fun learning about the animals and the kids had a blast dont listen to the few bad reviews go check it out before you judge

Susan Condry

Love this place. They need volunteers and contributions are always greatly appreciated

Johnette Stanford

I believe people should do their homework before writing a review. With that said, this place from he outside looks to be run down and not well managed. However, after you spend the time looking, watching the animals, and talking to the staff you will soon realize these animals are very well taken care of. It's a rescue place for animals that people have neglected, couldn't care for, or no longer wanted. The owner does a great job caring for the animals. This establishment is a non-profit organization, caring for the unwanted. Take the time and actually SEE the zoo. Find out how you can help the organization before TRYING to shut it down.

Uncommonsensesc

The "living" conditions of these poor animals is horrendous! This zoo needs to be shut down and these innocent animals transferred to a sanctuary that will care for them and give them the attention they deserve! They've been cited before for animal neglect - I don't know why they haven't been shut down by now!

josh kremposky

We had chance go here this past Monday we loved it. We will stop back each time we are in the area. We got to talk to the owner and he gave us the back stories on a lot of the animals there. They do awesome job for them. It's great that they take in these guys and they are rescues. Thank you for a memoriable first visit.

james bavaro

It's not the baltimore zoo or the national zoo, and that's what makes this place amazing!. There's lions tigers and bears.. And pigs, tortises, peacocks and many other pet friendly animals. The staff are great people!... Don't let the outside deter you, it's definitely worth going to.

James Kim

Great animals.

Angela Stanton

Visited here today w my boyfriend and kids. The owner Bob Candy was so welcoming and friendly and so excited about his animals. You could see how much he loves them and how much they love him too. We pretty much had a personal tour by him and he told us all about the history of each animal. He's very motivated to give them the best life. We really enjoyed visiting his little Zoo. We all had a great time! ????

Brandon Bittner

At least a monthly trip! Staff are all amazing!

W Carter

Been here on several occasions & each time had a great time; staff was very helpful & informative; good selection of animals-well taken care of;

Erick Sontheimer

Absolutely wonderful people doing an amazing job. It's a rescue center for exotic animals, it's a non profit shelter, not a fully funded zoo. The animals are well cared for and very friendly. Very worth the visit, we will be back. Wish we could have made more of a donation.

Katie Killion

We had a great time at the zoo. It was great to see the animals and the staff is so friendly and knowledgeable. We will definitely be returning soon!

Carrie Rice

I loved seeing all the unique animals

John Tripp

The whole place is dilapidated and very unappealing. It is clear that the place doesn't operate entirely on the books, with the state of their buildings and the enclosures and arrangements they have for some of the animals. The guy that runs the zoo definitely has his heart in the right place, but that's about it.

M P

Some of these people need to research this place before making some of the nasty comments. The people running this place are doing such a great thing with what they have to work with. It's a non-profit zoo and support the animals from donations only and their own money. Taking the animals in from people owning them illegally. The first time going had an amazing time. It's not state funded so it's not the Washington or Baltimore zoo. That being said they can only do so much without the help from donations. Well worth the visit. Will go back for sure.

Jason Helman

Love this zoo. Everyone that works there is really nice. Hope more people go see the animals. U will love it there

Conrad WaterAlive

The zookeeper's are the best I have ever seen in my life. I wish everyone's heart can be near to the loving the heart of the lady who takes good care of the those animal in the zoo. The animals love their caregiver, and still communicate with visitors most friendly than anyone can imagine. I will visit again and again. I wish the zoo keep all the best things in the world. I will donate more and more.

Kevin Barton

We had a personal tour with Bob. This is not a traditional zoo! Animals are well taken care of here. The critters are All friendly and it is a great hands on experience. Admission is by donation. We will go back!

Ron Deshong

Doing a good job caring for animals. Nice park. Nice staff.

Greg Albright

Terrible and run down. Do not waste your time or money.

J M

Wonderful staff. I can assure you, you will never be so close to a tiger.

Melody Hanna

Owner Bob was so friendly & knowledgeable, You can definitely tell that he really cares about all of his animals. We will definitely be going back!

Chloe Goodrich

This zoo is amazing. I went with family and we all enjoyed it. The service is amazing the owner, Bob, gave us a tour and explained each animal and the history to us. The animals are treated wonderfully, and you can tell how much the workers and volunteers care for them, and how much the animals love them.

TM Paw

They only accept cash so before you go make sure you have that on you

Anna Conway

Animals have wide open spaces with proper shelters. They respond well to people and the owner - they love attention. The animals are really friendly and are very well taken care of.

Corey Smith

My wife and I randomly decided to pull over for the night in Cumberland because we were tired of travelling, and what a wonderful decision that turned out to be. I wasn't sure what to expect when we pulled up to Bob's little refuge, but what I got was both wild and wonderful. The owner, Bob, took us around and introduced us to all of the animals personally, and I was deeply impressed by the love and compassion he has for each and every one of them (all of whom were previously abused, neglected, or unwanted). This place is a little tucked-away treasure and, as another reviewer mentioned, you'll never be so close to a tiger.

Rose Lutes

This place is truly awesome. The animals are beautiful and the staff are so friendly they make you feel at home. The place is a little run down but what do you expect from a shelter that survives from donations and visitors only. I really hope everyone that knows about this place donates and tries to volunteer here. Shame on anyone who rated this place 1 star cuz of run down cages.

Karen Reger

I had a really good time! Enjoyed every animal. I called my daughter to tell her about how much fun her father and I had. She is going to try to make it there tomorrow with a friend. She is excited about going!

Kristanna Ferrante

You can get right up to almost all the animals. They are so friendly. The staff takes you on a tour. Overall, it was a great experience.

wendy durst

Locally owned. The owner truly loves the animals which are for the most part rescues. Operates on the efforts of mainly volunteers & is completely overwhelmed.

Raymond Clemetson

I got to play with baby tigers!!!!!!!!

Charles Robinette

It was interesting.seen few things I haven't seen at other zoo's..there nice people working there.

Rachel Pulliam

Looked abandoned.????

Jennifer Sheeder

We had a great time. Bob was a wonderful person. The animals were very loved and well taken care of.

Malakoji

This place was amazing- courteous staff who *love* the animals so much! And the animals love them- this is a great place and I'm so glad we went.

Nancy Hazen

Such a cute little place to bring young children. Lots of small animals wandering around to feed. You can buy bags of feed for a dollar and the animals follow you around.

Carol Willis

Best zoo around !!! Very special experience each time. Great for children to learn about animals and PET them also. Bob is very kind! They answer all animal question's open every day.... me and my daughter go as much as possible. If you don't like crowded zoos this is the best option

Shylo Arneson

It’s a small Zoo, but the owner really cares about the animals. Please go to support them!!

Corey New

Only zoo I have been to, that lets you feed some animals, has an outdoor video, let's you hold some animals, and the owner is an ACTIVE participant.

Richard Segraves

I love things in plaaces like this i helped when i got there everyone should do the same give money to help this awsome people in zoo

swag dressman

this place is amazing bob really cares for his animals and you can just tell by the reaction the animals give him when he walks up to the animals! All of the animals come out as soon as bob calls there names it’s really great to see someone take such good care of that many animals. I just wish he gets more donations because this rescue zoo really deserves it. You can tell he puts the hard work in to take care of the animals and all the money they get to take care of the animals and too feed the animals. It doesn’t matter if the facility is the best, the animals sure as heck doesn’t care they just care about being treated right and that’s what he does treats them right. I recommend going here to know the background about the animals and how Bob save them all!!

Matthan Potts

The animals are suffering. They need to be shut down.

Bob Candy

Interactive with the animals. Good variety. Rescued animals. Not fancy, so not paying for aesthetics "made for people" , not the animals.

Sarah Mercer

Poor excuse for a zoological park. I am truly heartbroken at the poor living conditions that these animals are subjected to. These animals are staying in tattered and damaged enclosures at are small and covered in feces. I was honestly disgusted by the amount of filth in this place and was scared to allow my toddler son remotely touch anything!! The ONE women that is a volunteer was informative, but I feel as though she knows the conditions are extremely poor as she followed us around the park and I felt uncomfortable as I took pictures of the disgusting conditions. I am really unsure how a single person believes they can tend to and care for these animals. ????

Jay L

Wish never stopped, swing by here if you want to ruin the rest of your day feeling dirty from the conditions. Wish We did some research before stopping...

Haley Engelman

extremely dirty and the animals were in awful condition.... this place should be shut down

William Windisch

This place is AWESOME....they rescue exotic pets...animals people aren't allowed to own. The animals for the most parr love human interaction. My daughter and I had a wonderful time.

Edward Hall

Couldn't be much worse for the animals. I donated a healthy parrot to this place. They were supposed to build an aviary.. didn't happen. The healthy 17 year old African Grey parrot was dead in 1 1/2 years. Worst thing I ever did. This place should be shut down immediately. The animals are not cared for.

Steve ackerman

This place is decrepit and needs to be shut down. Several big cats have died and others were (thankfully) rescued due to horrible conditions at this nightmare calling itself a zoo.

Brittany Goodman

Went here with my kids it was enjoyable. The staff were very friendly and helpful answered all the questions we had. My son loved the area where you can walk around and feed the animals. The enclosures are not what you would see in a major zoo with a staff to support it. That being said I was disappointed at some of the overall cleanliness and general appearance of several enclosures. Know doubt in my mind the owner is trying to do the best he can with what resources he has. But he needs help.

Jeff Sumpman

Great place. For adults and kids. Lots of animals and stuff too do.

David Vazquez

Very personal experience with the owner and the animals the kids and I loved our time there

Brenda Timbrook

The kids really enjoyed it. They loved the little monkey that enjoyed eating but dosent like women and children.

Alisa Jones

Little run down nothing fancy staff are friendly....still cool! Not 16 acres anymore Thanks to PETA from my understanding! The owners are just trying to help animals that are injured or donated from being pets That need a home....animals people should have never had as pets!!! So bless BOB for trying to do something to help!!!! Best of luck BOB!!! Yall stop by and check it out! Give a donation to help if ya can!!!❤

Christian Ross

It’s really sad this zoo is shutting down animals looked really bad

Kayla Lamp

Is this zoo still open? I heard from a friend that this zoo is closed down for a short period on time. Thank you in advance