Nurtured By Nature
Nurtured By Nature
5
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More than 3 hours
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9 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
36 reviews
Excellent
36
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Phil G
1 contribution
Mar 2020
You will never have an experience like this. You get to interact and touch a wide variety of animals as the actually play with you. The staff is very knowledgeable and take the time to answer questions. They do not allow people under 18 years old.
Written March 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Collin C
Palatine, IL129 contributions
May 2021
Birthday gift for my wife, and after waiting an extra year because of the pandemic, we can still report that it was worth the wait! The animals are well taken care of in a peaceful sanctuary for them. We went for the otters, who were so much fun, yet also enjoyed all their other animals. Most importantly, we love the charity work they do and were proud to support it. Go!
Written June 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ashlandmatt
Dallas, TX46 contributions
May 2016 • Family
I booked our visit after seeing the "swimming with otters" video. It was absolutely amazing. The tour lasted around 4 hours. We petted a sloth, swam with otters, fed kangaroos, petted a porcupine, .... It was incredible. Our whole family loved it. I cannot recommend them enough. The couple who run the program are so great. Also, the view is outstanding. We are on the top of a mountain overlooking the valley below.
Written May 30, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
barfiemermaid
Costa Mesa, CA145 contributions
Sep 2020
An adult only critter experience. (Children allowed only if they are sick and dying through Make a Wish Foundation). Carefully curated animal encounters where animals are allowed to interact with you. You do not approach the animals. Of course you do have some incentives such as treats. Once in a lifetime $$$$ experience with all proceeds going to the care of the animals. Squishy Armadillos, 2 toed Sloth, Capybaras, Kangaroos, Lemurs, Porcupines, River otters! I had a blast!
Calendar for the next year opens in November online.
Calendar for the next year opens in November online.
Written November 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patty Leemhuis
Anaheim, CA40 contributions
Jan 2018 • Friends
If I could give this more than 5 stars, I would! A few years ago, I saw this come up in a Facebook feed and it looked liked something I'd love to do. It was sold out for the entire year (2016). I tried again in 2017 to get a reservation, and logged into system a few hours after the spots went on sale and sold out again! Determined to go, I set an alarm to be at my computer to be online when 2018 reservations opened up. Success! I was able to get 2 spots.
It was one of the most amazing experiences ever. We tours the facility where they take care of a variety of animals. You can tell they are well cared for and loved! The highlight, of course was the Otter Swim Encounter. There is a pool and they put us in the water first, and then let the sea otters come in after us. Our group was called The Guardians (of the Galaxy) which made this super hero nerd so happy! They swam around us, playing with toys, and we we played with them for over an hour. The highlight for me, truly was when I put my arms out and a sea otter named Hank came over and was lying in my outstretched arms. He started making these little sounds and the girl who was volunteering there and helping us told me that's the sound he makes when he's happy, like a cat purring. I was in sea otter heaven!
The experience was well worth it and I just signed on line this past week to buy my spots for 2019. It sold out in 15 minutes for the entire year. They only open this to the public a few days a week, and there is another day that they use for Make A Wish kids. It truly is a bucket list activity! You can check back throughout the year for cancellations, it's well worth it!
It was one of the most amazing experiences ever. We tours the facility where they take care of a variety of animals. You can tell they are well cared for and loved! The highlight, of course was the Otter Swim Encounter. There is a pool and they put us in the water first, and then let the sea otters come in after us. Our group was called The Guardians (of the Galaxy) which made this super hero nerd so happy! They swam around us, playing with toys, and we we played with them for over an hour. The highlight for me, truly was when I put my arms out and a sea otter named Hank came over and was lying in my outstretched arms. He started making these little sounds and the girl who was volunteering there and helping us told me that's the sound he makes when he's happy, like a cat purring. I was in sea otter heaven!
The experience was well worth it and I just signed on line this past week to buy my spots for 2019. It sold out in 15 minutes for the entire year. They only open this to the public a few days a week, and there is another day that they use for Make A Wish kids. It truly is a bucket list activity! You can check back throughout the year for cancellations, it's well worth it!
Written November 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wynndee
Houston, TX10 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
I can't come up with the right words to express my emotions after visiting Nurtured by Nature. I had built up this adventure in my head before I went and actually felt a little anxious that it wasn't going to be able to live up to my expectations - I shouldn't have worried at all. This was beyond enjoyment. Kevin and Wendy, Lindsey and Brittney love these animals so much and you can see it in their actions, their discussions they have with the visitors and the way that they just love them. Our interactions with the animals were more than I could ever have dreamed. We got to feed lemurs, kangaroos, foxes and a porcupine named Cuddles. We got to pet a sloth and hold 3 banded armadillos. And then there were the otters. Oh the loveable little otters. First, we played with them on dry land – imagine being run over by hyper little intelligent puppies! They are so energetic! Now, put them in the water and ZOOM! In and out, up and down, in your shirt and look up at you to say “hi!”! It was nothing more than pure bliss on my part, hours of nothing more than pure bliss. Thank you Kevin and Wendy for loving the animals, putting your heart into what you love, taking the time to granting Make a Wish families this joy and for opening your joy to the rest of us. It’s worth the money folks – it will do your heart good.
Written May 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heidi J
7 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
This is the best experience I’ve ever had. We are blessed to have been able to do this. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves animals. I learned a lot and had so much fun! The animals are so well cared for and it’s a beautiful place to visit.
Written November 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clare
Toronto, Canada3 contributions
Oct 2018 • Solo
This experience is everything you could have dreamed of! Not only do you get to interact with otters and finish the day off by swimming with them, but you also get to interact with MANY different animals as well. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and it is more than worth the trip- an experience I will never forget!
Written October 29, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe L
Rochester3 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
First discoveted Nurtured by Nature a few years ago & have now visited twice. Unforgettable experiences. A day of up close interactions with different animals...including kangaroos, lemur, porcupine, sloth and, of course, the Asian Small Clawed Otters. Most recent visit was special because there were baby otters to play with this year. So much energy in such a small package. Nurtured by Nature experience dates fill up quickly. So you'll want to follow them on Facebook and Instagram for updates and openenings when they become available. And check the web site NurturedByNature.org for other encounter details. The encounters are truly priceless. And your purchase helps with Nurtured By Nature's conservation efforts and enables them to provide several Make A Wish Foundation experiences for families all over the US. Be an otter ambassador. Visit Nurtured By Nature.
Written March 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jdoyle581
Lexington, KY3 contributions
Nov 2017 • Friends
We didn't hesitate to sign up for this when we had the chance, and it went WELL above our expectations. They take the time to make sure everyone in the group has a chance to interact with the different animals. Rightfully so, you spend the most time with the otters, and they are pure joy!
The pool is heated, so even though there was a slight chill to the day, we were perfectly comfortable. The otters were especially attracted to furry clothing/shoes and jackets (things to climb on/in), while we were doing the dry session. In the pool, they liked to swim up shorts and climb in lower cut bathing suits to hide their stones.
The pool is heated, so even though there was a slight chill to the day, we were perfectly comfortable. The otters were especially attracted to furry clothing/shoes and jackets (things to climb on/in), while we were doing the dry session. In the pool, they liked to swim up shorts and climb in lower cut bathing suits to hide their stones.
Written November 16, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amc1217
San Antonio, TX384 contributions
Can you only go there for the otter swim encounter? Like there isn’t another lesser option to visit if you can’t afford it or can’t get reservations for the swim option?
When will they start bookings for 2019?
Joe L
Rochester3 contributions
Nurtured By Nature probably won't open up their 2019 calendar until late summer or early fall. Best bet is to follow them on Facebook. Last year they announced the calendar opening on their Facebook page. You can also get notices of last minute cancellations that result in otter experience openings you try and get.
susandolloff52
Springfield, MO
What type/brand of waterproof camera would you recommend to take?
femmefatale99
Philly area, PA
How long is the actual time with the otters in the pool? (Approximately)...thanks!
SeanAZ
Chandler, AZ49 contributions
About 45 minutes I would say, however, it also depends on how the staff feels about you and your ability to follow the rules, etc.
Nurtured By Nature (Valley Center) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Nurtured By Nature
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