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Matthai Lion lives
at the Conservators Center.
Photo by Kim Pyne.

Have you ever looked a tiger in the eye?
Felt the whole-body impact of lions roaring?
Watched wolves romp through the woods?

These and other thrilling experiences are possible at the Conservators Center. You are guaranteed a unique and up-close view of exotic animals, often from just 5 feet away.
  
Home to more than 25 lions, tigers, and leopards, the Conservators Center is a private, nonprofit conservancy in North Carolina dedicated to wildlife education, conservation, and rescue. The facility is located just north of Burlington, about an hour’s drive from the Triangle, near the intersection of Huffines Road and East Hughes Mills Road.
 
Though most visitors go to the Center to meet the big cats, many are equally enthralled by the lesser-known species housed there, such as servals, caracals, and binturongs.
 
Many of the residents were previously neglected or abused, and Conservators Center stepped in as a home of last resort. Others simply needed a forever home. All animals are cared for by the extensive community of staff, volunteers, Lifetime Adopters, Members, donors, and visitors. 

Thomas Lion oofing at the Conservators Center.
Photo by Taylor Hattori Images.Visitors are often treated to an oofing, the Center's word for the unique roaring sound the lion prides make when they call to one another. On every tour, duides oof to the lions, who often respond. When the wolves and New Guinea singing dogs join in with howling, the wild "Conservators Center chorus" often leaves visitors stunned and amazed.

Tours can be booked by visiting http://www.conservatorscenter.org

 

 

Types of Tours

Under the supervision of a trained staff member
(who is standing just outside of this photo),
this photographer safely takes high-quality, fence-free photos of Thomas Lion on a Photo Safari. Adventure Tour (All Ages and 12+) — an introductory, educational tour lasting 1–1.5 hours, depending on the interests of the group.
Treats and Toys Tour — offers visitors the opportunity to see popular animals fed treats, or given toys and enrichment. 
Personal Experiences — a variety of 2-hour private tours, tailored to specific interests of visitors.
Photo Safari — safely offers against-the-fence photo opportunities of the animals under the supervision of a trained staff member.
Twilight Tour — an after-dark tour featuring the Center’s nocturnal population, and the thrilling sounds of the Compound Chorus: lions, wolves, and New Guinea singing dogs

To see more tour descriptions or to schedule a tour, go to www.conservatorscenter.org/visit-us/tour-our-facility. All tours must be scheduled in advance. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated.
 

 

The Conservators Center also offers special programming for photographers, Girl Scouts, 4-H and other community groups, and schools.

 

 

Reviews and Comments

"Our guide was highly knowledgeable and really gave us a feel for the animals and how they are cared for. All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Would definitely do another program here."

"Very friendly and knowledgeable staff!"

"Animals were beautiful, guide was great. We plan to go back ASAP."

"I especially enjoyed the lemurs and the singing dogs. Also, the cats were beautiful!"

"We thought hearing the lions vocalize to each other was the highlight of our tour. Hearing about the horrible conditions all of the animals had come from and seeing how happy they are at the Center with the people that work with them each and every day was awesome."

"I loved how close you could get to the animals."

"Enjoyed everything! Was amazed at how clean every area was. How friendly and how much all appeared to love the animals and care for them! We will return with others."

 

Location

676 E. Hughes Mill Road, Burlington, NC, 27217

Review Site

TripAdvisor, GreatNonprofits, Yelp, Google Local Business, Urban Spoon, Zerve

Website / Social Media

Website: www.conservatorscenter.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/ConservatorsCenter Twitter: www.twitter.com/conservatorsnc

 

 

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