Most of the animals at The Garold Wayne Interactive Zoological Park were rescued from crueler places than the wild. Many of them came from deplorable living situations, where they were either locked in abusive or neglectful facilities—or flat-out abandoned by owners who were unable to care for them properly. The park gives its wildlife expansive enclosures, along with round-the-clock care and an on-site veterinary clinic. The park's ultimate goal is to prepare its bestiary for homes in worthy zoos nationwide.

This background adds a deeper resonance to tours as guests interact with vivacious animals that show few signs of their prior mistreatment. Fuzzy bear cubs amble across laps, 600-pound tigers graze their whiskers across hands, and camels give slobbery kisses to new best friends. And the park doesn't just provide homes to exotic rescue animals. Visitors will also encounter llamas methodically chewing their cud, chickens strutting across the dirt, and hybrid wolves trying to figure out how to fetch like their dog ancestors.

Named for the late Garold Wayne Schreibvogel, the park stands as a living memorial to his passion for animals and mission to provide them with a safe space where they can thrive. Each animal and habitat honors another life as well: benefactors of The Garold Wayne Interactive Zoological Park are recognized with plaques and signs throughout the exhibits. The zoo also hosts special events throughout the year, such as a dinner and meat-and-greet with Grizzly Adams.