G W Exotic Animal Foundation

it is the best zoo ever my family and i got to see the baby cubs and even cuddle with them Joe and the other employees were very kind highly recommended

THIS HORROR HOUSE FOR ANIMALS NEEDS TO BE SHUT DOWN AND THE OWNER LOCKED IN THE PRISON CAGES HE KEEPS THESE POOR ANIMALS IN! ANIMALS ARE BRED FOR PROFIT AND ARE ABUSED. THE LIVING CONDTIONS ARE ROWS UPON ROWS OF ANIMALS LIVING ON TOP OF EACH OTHER. THE CUBS ARE BEATEN FOR BITING THE HUMANS THAT HANDLE THEM. POOR VET CARE LEAVING THEM TO SUFFER WITH DIARRHEA AND ILLNESS FROM BEING HANDLED. IT'S HIS PERSONAL FREAK SHOW OF UN-NATURAL BREEDING.

I have never been so sickened in my life. These poor animals are not being properly treated. This is not a sanctuary, it is a reprehensible disgrace.

I have visited this private zoo several times and evertime I am astounded by the love and care they have for the animals. They give one of the best tours I have ever witnesses and a truly interactive experience. They treat their animals like one of their own. It warms my heart to see the care they give for their animals.

This park goes above and beyond for their animals, even with the harassment from animals rights extremists, they put the needs & welfare of the animals first. They take in many exotic rescues, and provide them with a loving & nurturing home. GW exotic animal foundation is a must see, when in the area!

This animal park has such an upstanding environment for the animals. It was built , and you can see it very plainly , with the animals best interest in mind. This is a must see if you live in Oklahoma or if you are traveling be sure to stop in!! TOP NOTCH PARK!!!

This facility far exceed any other facilities. The health and well being of all animals are a top priority and they also RESCUE which is just AWESOME!!! Thanks GW EXOTIC!! If you are traveling or live in or around Oklahoma, this is a must see!!

I love this park and go every year! It is AMAZING! The animals are so beautiful and healthy and LOVED! I couldn't believe the wonderful staff, the beauty of the park and the standards in which the animals are kept. This is an A-1 facility and I highly suggest to anyone to go there and see for yourself the best zoo/ rescue in the whole country!!

This is where I go to get my batteries recharged. It is an AWESOME place, the people are GREAT and then animals are well adjusted, happy and healthy. I would recommend this park to everyone. I am the mother of a special needs adult, she loves the park as much as I do. We have to drive 5 hours to get there and we have been know to drive down visit the park and drive back it is soooooooooo worth it!!!!!!

This Oklahoma zoo is overcrowded and the conditions are sub-par. The owners and manager claim it to be a "rescue" of sorts, but they continually breed more. Recently, the owner has had to appeal to his friends on more than one occasion begging for donations because he couldn't pay his bills. Breeding and taking in more animals when you are already overcrowded and cannot care for the ones you have is irresponsible.

It seems indisputable that GW Exotic Animal Park does indeed rescue animals. And it appears the level of care provided has greatly improved over the years, after what seems to have been a rocky start. However, the financial burden of never saying no, of never turning away an animal, when doing so financially endangers the lives of the 1,400 others already living in the facility, is troublesome to me. It also seems to be a huge contradiction to, on one hand, "rescue" animals and, on the other, to breed and produce more captive animals to be used for commercial purposes. The director has stated he would take the baby tigers off the road if he could afford to. If that's true, and this mission to rescue is sincere, then GW needs to make some serious changes in my 'giving' book before I can support them or recommend them to anyone else.

I DONATE TO GW EXOTIC ANIMAL FOUNDATION PARK. I STOPPED DONATING TO A WELL KNOWN ANIMAL ORG AND HAVE SINCE BEEN SENDING TO GW PARKS. JOE IS AN AWESOME PERSON WITH A LOVING HEART FOR THE ANIMALS. THE ANIMALS COME FIRST IN HIS LIFE AND THAT IN IT'S SELF IS ADMIRABLE!! HIS ANIMALS ARE BEAUTIFUL AND NOTHING LIKE ALL THE OTHER ZOOS. MY PERSONAL OPINION IS THAT GW EXOTIC ANIMAL FOUNDATION PARK IS EXOTIC HEAVEN... I HAVE TOLD OTHER FRIENDS OF MINE ABOUT THIS PLACE AND ALSO TOLD THEM TO HELP AND THEY ALSO DONATE FOR THE ANIMALS. SO IF YOUR LOOKING TO DONATE YOUR MONEY TO A PLACE FOR ANIMALS I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS ONE. I WILL NEVER STOP DONATING TO JOE FOR THE ANIMALS. RATED CLASS A !!! NUMBER 1...

I have never meet Joe or visit the park, but I hope I will get to soon, what time I talk with Joe and visit with him on facebook talking about the bans and how the monkey world is made up, he has always had ear to listen to you talk and he gives good advice to people. Joe stands up for what he believes in and joe does not talk or take sh@t from anyone. Joe takes in animal other dont want and gives them good home. I have heard nothing but nice things said about this man. Joe does not down you for what you believe in he dont care if your white, black, half breed or what ever. He try to be fair with everyone. Animal are his passion and he fight for them when they dont have voice to speak. If people would ban together as one and let someone like joe guide us.. we would get alot further with these bans. As far as bagging for money others claim he does, is not true, Joe works very hard to keep his place going. People donate at their on free will.. If people dont have nice thing to say about Joe the old saying is keep your mouth shut and dont say nothing at all...

ok gloria and the rest that dont like what joe is doing then leave him alone and stay out of his life, he hasnt dont a darn thing to you, and he loves his animals, and takes very good care of them, who cares if he breeds them, it s nothing to you or me, his anilmals liik a hell of alot better than the anilmals in the so called zoo in bkloomington, i went there to say id never go to this zoo again, the animals pace all day, it was a hot summer day when i went there and they was hotter than hell, the sun was setting right on alot of them, i felt so sorry for them i told my grown kids to never go there again, if joe is breeding and sales his babys to make a profite to run his park so be it, he isnt doing anything to you, or do you have a problem cause you cant do what he does for your animals, he has nothng to hide and if i lived close enough id beg him to help him for free, he is a very kind hearted man that fights like hell to save every animal he can,he has a park not a damn rescue, what part of his park are you calling a rescue?get off his back and go help a anilma in need, his dont need help, we as his support team is here to back him up with his park and animals.it you live in a glass house dont throw rocks,i think you should let this man rest and talk about someone else, joe you just keep doing what you are doing, it s just the haters because they cant do what you can do with your animals, these animals are in good hands with joe, ifihad a animal that had to be took id want joe to take it, not the damn zoo or a rescue, he gives them the best of care,he spends his life trying to save animals not set them on fire and let them walk in one spot till the pads are wore off, give him a break and talk about someone else, we love you joe and we are here for you all the way. we love your PARK,, shirley and porkchop.

Great facility that has been the target of many negative and unfounded attacks. Go there and see for yourself what a great facility this is, run by great people with truly golden hearts. Rumors are unfounded and a little bit childish in regards to GW's and I've never seen anything but excellence in every way coming from here.

I think Joe is a good hearted person that knows what hes doing. He may breed but I see nothing wrong with it. It is a natural way of life! What about all the people that keep popping kids out right and left and live off of public aide? They are still allowed to pop them out. Those animals are being treated and cared for and they breed on their own when they are in there own natural enviroment. If hes making a profit off of the animals whether selling them to good homes, or letting people take pics with them when they are young...hes using the funds to take care of all his animals...also Ive been in those lines to take a pic with my son with a baby cub...we did that for our love for animals and who ever gets the opportunity to that? The money I paid for the pic with the cub wet right back to their non profit organization and if it wasnt for people like Joe breeding these wild animals would they exisit in 20 yrs? No, same thing with the polar bears! What about the lipstick you buy Gloria? 90% of animals are being tested on and brutally tortured due to you making those purchases. Also what about the candy you buy? MARS candy tortures monkeys/rabbits/and mice for your pleasure. Use your energy towards putting a stop towards that! Also theres animals getting tortured every day for our army men to practice on to see how they would save fellow soldiers...Pigs skins are being torched while they are awake and full aware what is going on to tach these men how to treat a burn...then those pics are left to die..or the goats that get their main artery slit so they can stop the bleeding. Also what about the rhinos getting their horns cut off so people can paint them and sell them to us...and they leave the rhino to die a slow agony death. My sister has a monkey and she gets stopped all the time for people to take pics of him and pics with them and their family...Is she better cause she didnt charge?! No its all about getting to see and have hands on with an animal that is usually only seen behind bars thats living in miserable conditions and dont get hands on with people like they should. His animals dont pace back and forth so much that its denting in the ground because they are losing their mind from no interaction or not getting enough food...So for all of you leaving rude/untrue comments maybe you should stop taking your children to zoos/circus'/ and sea world ect. The use the money you pay for those to get bigger brighter signs to get your attention that money isnt being used for the care and best interest of the animals. So I agree with what joe does and back him up all the way. So Joe breed, educate, and keep taking those pics with other animals with animal lovers who never got an opportunity to do such a thing without your help and care for the animals like you do. So I think those of you that have something negative to say...think about all these other animal places that arent for the best interest of these animals! JOE KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

I had the opportunity to volunteer with GW Exotic this past year. i have never seen animals that were so well taken care of,physically and emotionally. the care they are given is outstanding.these people are all about the animals and educating people about them. raising awareness to the possibility of extinction for some of these animals. Most people don,t think about that,how it would be to loose some of these beautiful creatures to extinction.All of the animals i had the opportunity to be with seemed very happy, content, and healthy. I hope to have the opportunity to be a part of this again. I believe GW Exotic is doing great things for these animals.

joe is a wonderful person who does an amazing job with his animals!!! ive never been to any animal park or zoo where the animals appeared so HEALTHY,HAPPY,WELL FED WITH DESIRABLE LIVING CONDITIONS! in fact,i will not ever take my kids back to a zoo-they understand how upset the animals were that weve seen in those places-joes animals are well cared for-not pacing and nervous-wanting out or to get away from their habitats!! hes one of a kind!!! his animals have a wonderful life-dont knock him unless you KNOW otherwise,and you dont!!!

I have not been lucky enough to visit this park yet. I am planning to do so in the near future and am very excited about it. I have seen a lot of the work they do and they are always helping other exotic owners.

I have worked for allot of company's and Joe treats his animals with respect and kindness that i have never seen. He is the hardest working man i know and ask so little in return. people everybody has flaws and nobody is perfect, it is a wise man who talks little and only preforms on actions, Joe is one of those men.

If he would stop breeding and selling for profit under other "company names". Charlatans, charlatans charlatans. he breeds for profit
More feedback...he BREEDS FOR PROFIT.THEY BREED USE THE CUBS IN PHOTO SESSIONS IN MALLS AND ELSEWHERE THEN THE CUBS DISSAPPEAR SAYING MISTAKE HERE OR THERE HE EXPLOITS PPL TO GET MONEY.HS TRYING TO GET TONY THE TIGER FROM THE TRUCK STOP FOR HIS OWN PURPOSE NOT FOR TONYS WELLBEING ASKING PPL FOR DONATIONS NOW SUPPOSED TO BUILD NEW ENCLOSURE FOR HIM WE R PROTESTING THIS AS WE KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN.THEY R BEING INVESTIGATED BY VARIOUS AGENCYS FOR ??? PRACTISES I WOULD NEVER VISIT THERE OR HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THIS PLACE.ITS A BAD SCENE BEHIND CLOSED DOORS.

G W is an avid fighter for the health and well being for animals. Their foundation has been a strong voice against hypocrisy, animal abuse, and those who wish to infringe on the liberties of experienced, responsible, exotic owners. We need more folks like this in our world.

We have worked a long side GW for many years, they never turn down an animal in need. If you need help they are the first ones to step up and answer the call. Wonderful place and a must see stop!

This is the largest and the best kept facility in the United States. The people that say they breed for profit are just blind to the gossip. This park is now the leading facility in DNA testing to save the species and much more. Keeping up the good work to protect the tiger species against a 25 year agenda by the AR to make them extinct. keep up the good work.

you will get a thrill of your life at this park the animals are so beautiful and well loved for us it was a big thrill not only did we see beautiful well feed and loved animals but we got to love and spoil and play with a beautiful baby tiger we go as often as we can if i were younger they would never be rid of me lol if you love animals and your looking for folks that love them as much as you do this is the place to be.

This park gives life to those that have suffered loss of a loved one or even been through personal issues themselves. There is healing in this experience and life in the animals. The staff is awesome, the animals are amazing, well kept and great health. I would recommend this to anyone visiting or just wanting to experience a great place with exotic animals. You will not be disappointed.

I've worked for this foundation for 1.5 years. The staff's dedication to the animals that call the park home is undeniable. The park is often called the best the public has ever seen by our visitors. Our dedication to the Rare Species Fund, conservation, and educating the public plays a very important role in our daily lives. I have witnessed the blood sweat and tears that most will never see, just to make the park the best it can be for the animals, and for people to enjoy. I highly recommend you make a trip and see and judge for yourself, rather than listening to those who want to see us fail just because we will not follow their (the AR) agenda. We are dedicated to the welfare and love of our animals, nothing more.

If he would stop breeding and selling for profit under other "company names". Charlatans, charlatans charlatans.

They breed for profit and exploit animals in their traveling zoo. If they were truly nonprofit they would try to stop breeding and the exploitation of animals. I'm not saying they don't have a good heart they just use it the wrong way.

If this were actually a sanctuary or a "rescue" group, it would not be breeding wild animals for profit - period. This snake-oil salesman needs to be shut down.

What an awesome park! I recently took my girlfriend, who is from South Africa, to visit the park as she has always dreamed of playing with big cats. As a surprise weekend, she was overcome with emotion as we pulled up and heard the first roar of the lions. It was an incredible experience to have taken the behind the scenes, Zookeeper for a Day tour. She was able to view, pet and feed all the animals during our 3 hour tour. Ben, our guide expert, went above and beyond the experience I had wished for and ensured not only did my girlfriend have the time of her life, but also made sure we were able to take home the experience with photos and movies that we can forever treasure. The look on my girlfriends face throughout the entire tour was priceless. I highly recommend this tour as not only will it be a tour to remember for a lifetime, but will also continue to support the efforts of GW Exotic Wildlife Park. They are a group of dedicated people who really seem to care about the welfare of all animals. I can't recommend this experience in a better way than to say there is no other tour in the country like the "Zookeeper for a Day"tour. A MUST EXPERIENCE ONCE IN YOUR LIFETIME!!!! Thank you all for allowing us to feed the baby tiger as well and the chance to share a very special day in our relationship. Best of wishes to you all!!

G W Exotic Animal Park is a wonderful place - for visitors and for the animals lucky enough to have been brought there to live. My husband and I were expecting - well - a small place, mom and pop, few animals. Were we ever surprised! We have visited again and become donors because of our observations, research and long talks with staff. We were welcomed by a friendly and knowledgable woman at the front desk and shown the full tour - even back behind the large iron fences where visitors often don't go. The first animal I saw as I rounded a tall cane break was a two-year-old pale yellow lion who was clearly well-fed, content and friendly toward visitors. As we progressed I felt myself becoming emotional at the sight of every animal so well cared for that they looked professionally groomed. Every one was well fed, each compound was clean and free from insect pests or feces. Animals responded well to visitors and were clearly not afraid and not mistreated in any way. The larger animals had plenty of room to roam and many interacted facially and by coming over to fences. One of the staff members walked with us on the long tour where new building is going on and it was clear that she had a loving, nurturing relationship with nearly every animal...a personal relationship. They ran to the fences at the sound of her voice, lions "chuffed" back at her when she "chuffed" at them - an affectionate vibrating sound made with the lips. Cletis, a young camel and his "side-kick", a pygmy goat, came to the fence and with very little encouragement Cletis stuck his well-groomed nose through the fencing for a nose-scratch. We asked questions and did lots of computer research on this private refuge. It is ligitimate and supported only by visitors and individuals who come and see and become believers that these people love and respect the wonderful, exotic animals in their care. - In response to negative remarks made by other reviewers ... please...if you were expecting a carnival-like Disney atmosphere with lights and music - remember - every cent is spent on caring for, housing and feeding the animals ... would you want them to spend their money on a parking lot and playground or costly gift shop when they are a non-profit organization? If so, maybe you went for the wrong reasons. And this place is sponsored by the one U.S. organization that inspects and approves animal refuges/zoos and has given it the highest rating. Looking for glitz ... don't go. Looking for a humanitarian gift to God's beautiful creatures ... make a visit. You won't be disappointed.

I have visited the facility twice. On the first trip, I was amazed at the care and cleanliness of the animals. The animals seemed content and relaxed. The staff was helpful and educated. Being an "intelligent" donor, I investigated other resources before deciding to become a donor.
The next visit (Two weeks later), before becoming a donor, validated this was a worthy organization. Each visit, my wife and I observed the care and concern for these animals from the staff. I have since recommended that friends visit the GW Exotic Animal Park.

I can assure you this is one of the finest places on earth. With the excellent staff here you will always find that the animals are loved, cared for and the guest are treated just like kings and queens. The park grounds are beautiful and all the cages are spotless. One of the best private owned zoos in the world. This zoo serves also as a refuge to homeless animals that have no where else to go. It is a must see place. any negative comment is from people who have never been here.

The bad reviews are liars from another park that are con artists and pull off scams to make their money. Do NOT listen to the garbage they post. This place is awesome and you will love it and the animals.

this place is a JOKE... on our way home to Dallas from OKC we saw the signs and stopped so my daughter could get a little energy out and have fun looking at animals. The little gift shop wreaked of animal urine and the lady in there looked like she hadn't taken a shower in weeks, and didn't know what a tooth brush was. It is awfully expensive for what little experience there is. The tigers looked absolutely miserable. There were ducks and chickens running around everywhere outside of their cages that were missing half their beaks. It looked like they had got into a fight. There were about 10 workers sitting on benches talking to each other the entire time we were there, ignoring the few amount of visitors to the park and animals.

I went to this park for my brothers birthday and OMG it was the BEST thing ever. These people really do care about these animals. I can honestly say that I can never look at any other zoo the same because at this zoo you can see how much they truley care about these animals. I had the best time with my family because we got to interact with some of the animals. Also, at this zoo, there are no flys on the animals, nor was there an offensive smell coming from any of their habitats. If you're ever in the area, go for the tour. Thank you GW park for the amazing tour and we'll see you soon!

WHAT a crock. This place needs to be shut down. I have seen their travelling road show and was disgusted. They are exploiting animals.

I love this place. The people are very friendly, love the animals, and have a great place. The animals are so beautiful and well taken care of, you can tell they are happy. They do a good job of rescue and you won't be disappointed if you visit. You can get so close to the animals it's unreal! So different from a zoo, you would just have to see the difference. Make sure you take the time to visit this place!

I first went to GW in Oct. 2007. I signed up for a three-day retreat and really wasn't sure what I was getting myself into. I spent those three days helping to clean cages and learning how to care for the animals. I learned that the staff doesn't eat until every animal is cared for. It was an extraordinary experience and one that I would totally recommend. Since my first visit I've been back to the park several times and always had a great time. The interaction with the animals is worth the price of admission.

My daughter and I came upon GW Animal Park by accident in June this year and it has changed our lives. We were so impressed that my daughter has become a sponsor and a volunteer. After our first visit, we returned to Houston where we live and immediatly planned a return trip the very next weekend. We are headed back this coming weekend and can't wait. These animals are so happy. Once you visit, you too will know.

Took the tour and got to play with a baby white tiger. The animals are awesome and well cared for, it's a very nice place to visit. You get to be so close up to all the animals, it's an awesome experience for any age.

The animals here are all rescues from abuse, malnutrition or maiming. Some have a missing leg or foot, and some were just mistreated by owners or travelling circuses. All animals have lots of room and are well cared for. They expand just about every year. I have not been in a couple of years, but go to their website all the time to see what they have added or what animals they have rescued. I believe in this group of people, although in the beginning did not agree with their captive breeding program. I now realize that without sanctuaries and captive breeding, many of these animals will become extinct. Their natural habitats are slowly diminishing, being taken over by the human population, and the animals are slowly dying of even in India and Africa. They have an 18 minute film on their site that explains what is happening to the wild cat population and its worth watching. It will open your eyes. They always can use donations because the costs are tremendous. If every person who reads this can just give a $5.00 donation, this would help them greatly. If you ever have a chance to visit this facility, you should. The people are kind and very knowledgeable and you leave there feeling a very special connection with the animals. I have donated on many occasions, but know that it will take many people giving small donations to make a difference for them.

My family and I went to GW Exotic Animal Park a few weeks ago. It was an amazing experience. The staff were so friendly and down-to-earth. You could see how much the staff cared about their animals - and you could see how much the animals cared about them. This was an amazing experience.
My son is 4 and he got to touch a baby tiger. I don't care what you say about if you should be able to.. My young man had the experience of a life time. He has talked about it for weeks. He has asked all sorts of questions about where tigers live and why they can't live their any more. The staff educates the public. I learned a lot while we were at the park and the experience was priceless to me and my family.

I think it is sad that these other posters call themselves "animal lovers." True animal lovers would try to help and not go to every site that GW is on and try to just slander their name for some sort of sick personal gain and satisfaction. Everyone talks crap about them not being able to afford the water bill. If the government can give billions to banks to pay their executives bonuses and hold company parties, why can't these guys get a little help? This place is great. They actually love the animals and take care of them as pets (unlike some other places). I will definitely go back, because not only did I enjoy it, but believe what they are doing for these animals is great. Great job, Joe!

I'm appauled at the conditions of this "zoo".
They cannot afford to adequately care for the animals they have, yet they continually breed and acquire more.
They animals are in substandard housing. Living on rocks is not an appropriate material for an animal.
Used tires that can be torn apart and ingested are not appropriate toys for big cats.

My son and I have visited this park twice this year and had an excellant experience both times. The first time we came we did a one hour private tour where we learned all about the park and the animals. Our guide was very friendly, gave us lots of background on the tigers and just made sure we had a great time. He even found a tiger whisker and gave it to my son. We got to spend 15 minutes playing with a tiger cub which was the coolest thing either of us had ever done.

Our next visit was just a week ago. We did a two hour tour with a large group of people. Even though it was incredibly hot, the staff did all they could to keep us cooled off and make sure we learned lots and had fun. We got to play with several baby animals and the staff took pictures of our tour so we left with a photo CD full of memories.

This place is incredible. I feel like it is a part of me. I go to their Facebook page and website regularly so I can keep up with the animals and see what everyone is up to. The staff is so friendly you really feel at home there. You can tell that they love the animals and the park and that love is infectious. I highly recommend that you experience this awesome place for yourself!

This is a beautiful facility that takes care to ensure the health and happiness of all of it's resident fur friends. Most of the animals have been rescued from bad situations and now live their lives content and secure. The park staff at G.W. exotic works tirelessly to ensure that the park is clean, the animals' needs are met, and visitors have a memory that is sure to bring them back. I spent a night at one of the cabins and absolutely loved it! Nothing compares to the huffs and calls of the big cats while sitting under the stars. I highly recommend it.

I've been to the G.W. Exotic Animal park several times and each time it gets better and better. The animals are beautiful and so well taken care of. Cages are much larger than the required size, they are clean and very well maintained, there are covers to keep the animals shaded, the houses are nice and roomy, they are just beautiful! The animals have beautiful coats to show good health and care and they do look happy. The people are extraordinary! Each and every person, from the Director, to the outside crews, to the office and gift shop personnel always have a smile on their face, greets everyone they meet, is more than willing to help or answer any questions, and have a sense of pride with their jobs! This is one amazing place and if I lived closer I would be there a whole lot more!