Oatland Island Wildlife Center
Oatland Island Wildlife Center
Oatland Island Wildlife Center
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Oatland Island Wildlife Center is a 175 acre environmental education center that includes a two mile nature trail through forest, salt marsh, and pond habitats where visitors can observe animals native to Georgia such as wolves, bobcats, birds of prey, and alligators. Oatland also has a small barnyard area that includes a cow, donkey, and Ossabaw hogs. Visitors are encouraged to wear good walking shoes and bring insect repellant.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
Features animals
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
654 reviews
Excellent
408
Very good
177
Average
51
Poor
13
Terrible
5
1RaiderFan
Schenectady, NY307 contributions
Family
Went in July and was very hot, even early in the morning we went. Some animals were resting but still got to see plenty. The cougars were our favorite! A family of four cost $16. Can’t beat that. A fun way to spend 1-2 hours, especially with younger kids. Bring bug dope, water and go at 10 am when they open!
Written July 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
susan c
Savannah, GA146 contributions
This center is a little gem located outside of Savannah with easy parking and reasonable admission. It is not a zoo but a wildlife offering in natural habitat that offers walking paths and inside exhibits. The center is perfect for young children especially, and of interest to adults as well. Easy parking and very nice gift shop on the premises.
Written June 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MKTBE
Topeka, KS2,877 contributions
Family
We are so happy that we decided to visit the Oatland Wildlife Center, when on holiday in the Savannah, Georgia area! Because of COVID-19 they are still only accepting online, time-specific reservations. This was wonderful, and allowed a leisurely, uncrowded experience. The staff in the Welcome Center were friendly and shared helpful educational insights. Then we headed off to the trails. This is the way all zoo's should be set up! It was great to see the various animals in their home habitat, even though a few were difficult to spot. Our grandkids aged 8 to 13 had a wonderful time exploring the trails and playing I Spy for the animals! We spent an amazing three hours at Oatland Wildlife Center, and would highly recommend for all ages!
Written June 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tyler H
1 contribution
Couples
Oat land is severely underpriced for the experience my girlfriend and I had. In total we spent $9 for a complete experience (includes student discount) around the grounds alongside some refreshments at the end. We never felt rushed and always could spend time enjoying the nature around ourselves. Definitely delegate around 2 hours, but certainly worth it
Written July 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Terry W
Franklin, TN33 contributions
Couples
My husband and I went to the refuge to check it out to see if it is something our six-year-old grandson would enjoy going to on our next visit. The ladies inside the house at the ticket booth and in the gift shop were very pleasant and very informative. It is a self-guided tour so you are given a brochure to guide you through the grounds. There is quite a bit of distance between the animal displays though. Not sure our 6 year old grandson would stay interested. Even though some of the paths are clearly marked and packed down, I think it would be difficult for a stroller or a wheelchair to use. As long as you go with the expectation of a wild refuge versus a zoo, you would not be disappointed. We also noted that there were no personnel out in the grounds to answer any questions we had. This may be different during the summer months when the place is busier than it was in February.
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Emily I
Baldwinsville, NY15 contributions
Couples
I absolutely loved this wildlife center. My boyfriend and I love animals so we really enjoyed it. Admission is very reasonable and the grounds are gorgeous. If you like nature hikes you’ll love this place, if you love animals you’ll love it as well. I like that the animals habitats are large- but this also means you may not always be super close to all the animals, not quite like a zoo if that’s what you’re looking for. I believe a lot of their animals are rescues so they are a great organization for that reason too! Definitely be prepared to walk- sneakers, hat, sunscreen etc. There are 2 bathrooms I believe which is convenient. Also a small but cute gift shop is available. Overall great experience definitely recommend to nature or animal lovers!
Written May 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Susan G
Sebastian, FL114 contributions
Stopped by on the way back from Tybee Island. The entrance fee was very reasonable so we were a little skeptical. The grounds are well kept, the farm area was cute and the animals all looked healthy and cared for. The wild animal trail was long. There are only about 6 exhibits, fox, wolf, deer, etc but the exhibits are very far apart. Some as much as a 10 minute walk between them. It is mostly shaded and there is an obvious trail so it was easy. The animals had decent sized exhibits. Those that were awake in the middle of the day looked well cared for.
Written January 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Brent H
Cambridge, New Zealand38 contributions
Family
Cool wildlife centre, incorporating an historical building and a cool nature walk around the marshlands. Has a nice/peaceful feel about it. The animal enclosures were also cool, especially the wolf area. I recommend visiting this Centre if you in Savannah.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vanessa G
Spring Hill, FL28 contributions
Coming from Florida, we knew the animals would be similar but we really enjoyed the rustic walking trails to see all of the animals. Seeing the cougar so up close through the plexi glass was awesome. As everyone says on here, remember your bug spray (the strong kind), we had the family Off spray and it's not quite strong enough.
Written September 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
eam227
Townsend, MA49 contributions
Friends
This was a pleasant way to spend a few hours walking in the woods. There are not a lot of animals, but there were enough to keep us older folks interested (and the walk was not physically demanding). I think families with younger children would enjoy this, probably less so with teens. The entrance fee was very reasonable. It was very well-kept and the animals looked well-cared for.
Written February 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Is parking free?
SayCheese
NJ-NY394 contributions
Yes! You park in an open field behind the main building. When we went the food stand wasn’t open or other places... it was an outdoor day activity. So go to the bathroom and nibble before you spend hours wandering these beautiful lands.
MaizeSombrero
Grand Blanc, Michigan, US
Is the nature trail suitable for strollers?
Bryan W
120 contributions
yes. the trails are not paved, but are smooth enough for a stroller.
Mayesntn
Oak Ridge, TN17 contributions
I could not find admission cost. How much does it cost to get in and are there other expenses?
Heather M
Savannah, GA2 contributions
Thank you for your question. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children (4-17 yr.), seniors, students and military. Children 3 and under are free. There are no other expenses unless you visit on a festival day. Our Fairy and Gnome Festival is May 6th so there are additional fees for some of the activities associated with the festival.
Keysfly
Fort Mill, SC64 contributions
I am bringing my GS troop to Savannah. Is there an animal encounter that we can participate in? Thank you
Gary R
Pembroke, GA40 contributions
Yes. They have trained Wildlife specialist on site would be glad to give demonstrations. I would suggest calling ahead to find out what exactly they have and what times.
141moyral
Ottawa, Canada2 contributions
Can we use our bicycles on your trails?
Heather M
Savannah, GA2 contributions
We do not allow bicycles on our trails because in some spots they are quite narrow and there is not enough room for a bicycle to safely pass our pedestrian guests. The trails are also unpaved and include sandy spots and exposed tree roots. Thank you for asking!
Bendarlin
Coral Springs, FL4 contributions
exact address for the GPS and how far off of the interstate are you?
Heather M
Savannah, GA2 contributions
Oatland Island Wlidlife Center is located at 711 Sandtown Rd., Savannah, GA, 31410. The center is approximately 16 miles from I-95 and it takes about 20-25 minutes to drive there from the intersection of I-95 and I-16.
Maggie W
Barry's Bay, Canada
We are travelling from Canada and are hoping to stop and spend the day in Savannah. We have a 2.5 year old and I was thinking this would be a great place for her to stretch her legs (and us too!)
Appropriate for that age?
4georgiapeaches
Savannah, GA128 contributions
Yes. I would also check out the Georgia State Railroad museum which is good for kids, particularly if your weather isn't fair. Forsyth Park is good for running around and has a playground near the stage area. Also check Connect Savannah and SouthernMamas before you come to town for things going on in Savannah when you are in town - these provide lots of information for big and little people and what is also free to do around town. You can search for them online.
laurelq4
South Kingstown, RI15 contributions
Is there any way to get to Oatland from downtown by public transportation?
Heather M
Savannah, GA2 contributions
Yes, you can travel to Oatland Island Wildlife Center using the CAT transit service. It all depends on your point of origination to determine your route and time of arrival. However, you ultimately need to take Route #10 (East Savannah) to get to Oatland Island. For example, if you depart from the Joe Murray Rivers Transit Center you would get on the #10, no transfers and the stop would be President Street and Barley Road. (It would be advised to inform the driver that you need to stop at Barley Road). Upon arrival at the stop, you will then need to walk approximately .7 mile (about a 14 minute walk) to the center. You can check out the website for the transit system for a complete schedule and departure times.
Oatland Island Wildlife Center (Savannah) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Oatland Island Wildlife Center
- Oatland Island Wildlife Center is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Oatland Island Wildlife Center:
- (4.33 mi) Kehoe House
- (4.32 mi) McMillan Inn
- (4.34 mi) The Gastonian
- (4.44 mi) Catherine Ward House Inn
- (4.16 mi) Green Palm Inn
- Restaurants near Oatland Island Wildlife Center:
- (0.98 mi) Wiley's Championship BBQ
- (0.47 mi) Turner Food & Spirits Co
- (1.00 mi) Papa's BBQ & Seafood
- (4.72 mi) Joe's At The Jepson
- (4.60 mi) Chive Sea Bar & Lounge