FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE TIME SPENT AT THE RANCH?
It generally takes an hour to an hour and a half to drive through once. Visitors are welcome to travel through the Wildlife Ranch as many times as they would like during their visit. The only exception is visitors cannot leave and then come back later that day. The Walk-A-Bout area is included. While visiting times vary from visitor to visitor, we safely suggest at least five hours, which also allows for lunch at the Safari Camp Grill.
DO YOU DRIVE-THRU IN YOUR OWN CAR? ARE THERE SHUTTLES?
Visitors travel through the Wildlife Ranch in the comfort of their own vehicle. We do not have rental cars.
DO YOU HAVE ANY COUPONS?
There is a coupon available along with other San Antonio attractions in the San Antonio Area Tourism Council Coupon Book online at VisitSanAntonio.com. Please remember this coupon is not valid during Spring Break or during weekends March through August. Discounts are also available for military/first responders and AAA members.
CAN WE BRING OUR OWN FOOD FOR A PICNIC?
Absolutely! Although, you may not barbecue. We have a first-come, first-served covered picnic pavilion, as well as additional picnic tables under large canopy oak trees. If you forget anything, remember the Safari Camp Grill might have what you need to compliment your picnic.
ARE 18 WHEELERS, JEEPS, OR CONVERTIBLES ALLOWED?
Eighteen-wheelers are welcome. However, trailers are not permitted in the Drive-Thru. Trailers may be dropped off in the parking lot prior to entry into the Drive-Thru. Jeeps and convertibles are permitted, but vehicle tops and doors must be assembled.
CAN WE RIDE IN THE BACK OF THE PICKUP OR WITH VAN DOORS OPEN?
Visitors may not ride in the back of the pickup or have their van doors open at any time in the Safari Drive-Thru. It is important for visitors to have the protection vehicles provide from the species with horns or antlers.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE NATURAL BRIDGE WILDLIFE RANCH?
Because visitors can travel through the Drive-Thru as many times as they would like during their visit, mornings are always recommended. It is better to try to beat peak visitation times during holidays, the summer, and weekends, by arriving closer to 9 a.m.
CAN WE EXIT THE PARK AND COME BACK THE SAME DAY?
Visitors may not return after exiting the park on the same day without paying admission again. Tickets expire once visitors exit the main gates.
WHAT IF WE NEED TO GET GAS?
Visitors may ask a member of the staff to sign their admission receipt in the Safari Trading Post. Visitors have 30 minutes to get gas and return to the park.
CAN WE PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE?
Tickets are not available online. Visitors may purchase tickets in the admissions booth upon entry to the park. At the time of admission, visitors receive a complimentary Adventure Guide Book that includes safety regulations and a map of the Ranch.
DO THE ANIMALS COME OUT WHEN IT IS RAINING?
The animals are always unpredictable, and we cannot guarantee their behavior. Light rain does not affect the animals, as it is natural for them to live amongst the elements. A hard-blowing or very cold rain could prompt the animals to seek shelter. Visitors are welcome to drive through more than once during their visit.
DOES THE HEAT AFFECT THE ANIMALS?
Although many of the animals are genetically disposed to be accustom to hot conditions, they will do as you or I would in managing body temperature. It is not unusual for them to stand in the shade for prolonged amounts of time when temperatures are blazing.
ARE PETS ALLOWED?
No, pets are not permitted on the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch premises. For the safety of our animals and yours, we cannot allow outside animals, including service animals. Our animals do not understand “pets.” Our animals only see them as predators, and we do not want you, your pet, or your service animal to be injured by our animals instinctively trying to protect themselves. Link to full explanation: U.S. Department of Justice www.ada.gov
"At a zoo, service animals can be restricted from areas where the animals on display are the natural prey or natural predators of dogs, where the presence of a dog would be disruptive, causing the displayed animals to behave aggressively or become agitated."
AM I IN DANGER OF AN ANIMAL RAMMING MY CAR?
The animals are not vicious. However, the animals are still “wild.” Remember, you enter the park at your own risk. They know every vehicle may have fed with the option to feed and they are not bashful in looking for it.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR A JOB?
Even if immediate positions are not open, we always accept job applications. Applications can be printed off in advance and delivered in person or mailed. (Click here)
HOW DO I REQUEST A DONATION?
Our donations department allocates passes on a monthly basis to organizations raising funds for appropriate causes. Please submit a request via the online form for consideration. (Click here to complete the online form.)