Support Us Button Widget

Lazy 5 Ranch limits animal feedings

Despite changes in guidelines by the USDA, the drive-thru park in Mooresville remains open, but car feeding is not permitted.

A line of cars with alpacas and other animals approaching to be fed at Lazy 5 Ranch.

Lazy 5 Ranch is known for providing a drive-thru exotic animal feeding experience in Mooresville.

Photo by CLTtoday

There’s something nostalgic about feeding alpacas and llamas from a giant feed bucket. Lazy 5 Ranch provides chances to recreate those memories. But your next visit might feel different.

Lazy 5 Ranch no longer permits car feedings on its three-mile drive trail. The exotic animal drive-thru attraction provided the update, citing changes to US Department of Agriculture guidelines. The new policy requires a staff member be present during animal feedings.

“The hardest part is we don’t have a resolution for being able to drive your own car through and feed the animals from the comfort of your own car like you have in the past,” says Jennifer Smith, Lazy 5’s Barn Manager.

Black pot-bellied pigs and deer sniff the ground searching for food dropped from feed buckets.

Among the exotic animals at Lazy 5 Ranch, you’ll encounter several Vietnamese Pot-Bellied Pigs that love feeding time.

Photo by CLTtoday

Don’t fret, you can still feed the animals on the trail. The family-owned attraction offers horse-drawn wagon rides. The cost of admission includes the price for a feed bucket + reservations for wagon rides on Saturdays and Sundays are not required.

  • Adult admission + wagon ride: $21
  • Child admission + wagon ride: $15
  • Senior admission + wagon ride: $15

A portion of the walk-through area will be reopening the weekend of Saturday, May 11 with feedings provided for pygmy goats, zebu, cattle, and miniature donkeys.
Driving through the park is still possible without feeding the antelopes, cattle, and zebras.

  • Adult admission: $15
  • Child admission: $11
  • Senior admission: $11

Pro tip: Lazy 5 only accepts cash or check.

A large Grevy zebra stares in the direction of the camera with trees and grass in the background.

Drive-thru tours offer possible up-close encounters with Grevy’s zebra — the world’s largest zebra species.

Photo by CLTtoday

What can you do to help? Lazy 5 is working with the USDA to reach an agreement. Smith recommends emailing the USDA, saying, “people will need to really contact their legislators, their senators, their representatives, particularly if you live in this area and let them know how much Lazy 5 has meant to you.”

More from CLTtoday
Got a hot new fling? Hoping to spice things up with your longtime partner? We’re here to help plan your next date night in the Queen City.
Museum visitors can discover fossils and learn about the dinosaurs that once roamed the Carolinas.
More than 58 million travelers visited the world’s 7th busiest airport in 2024.
Be transported to the Regency era while meeting author Julia Quinn at two events in Charlotte.
The Rail Trail is about to become illuminated with never-
before-seen light installations celebrating nature in the Queen City.
Led by quarterback Cam Newton, the Carolina Panthers had an electric season but came up short on becoming Super Bowl champions.
Lovin’ Life Music Fest has dropped upcoming names including Ludacris, The Revivalists, and Switchfoot to perform in Charlotte.
Book Club Madness is designed to share readers’ love of books and celebrate book clubs throughout the county.
The video game brings Charlotteans laughter regarding what’s considered to be one of the most stressful exits off of I-277.
Charlotte restaurants are celebrating the Super Bowl by offering watch party experiences and delicious deals to enjoy the big game.