The Preserve

The Preserve offers an intimate, hands-on elephant encounter that guests consistently describe as magical and educational. Visitors highlight the knowledgeable, personable staff who take plenty of photos, never rush the experience, and clearly care deeply about conservation efforts. Families celebrating special occasions rave about the up-close time with the three elephants—Kitty, Rosie, and Becky—and many mention the animals appear well-cared for and pampered. Reservations are required since spots are limited. However, there's one significant ethical concern worth noting. One reviewer with elephant behavior experience raised serious questions about training methods, specifically mentioning the use of sticks and suggesting the animals may be stressed. This stands in stark contrast to the overwhelming majority who praised the animal care and felt the elephants were treated exceptionally well. Given this disagreement centers on animal welfare at a facility focused on conservation, prospective visitors may want to research elephant encounter standards and decide what aligns with their own values before booking.