The Lazy 5 Ranch, just north of Charlotte, North Carolina, offers a unique 3.5 mile tour of 
over 750 animals from all over the world. We explored the ranch on a horse-drawn, open-air wagon and went eyeball to eyeball with a Texas Longhorn cow as well as dozens of other animals. Lazy 5 Ranch was the most unique animal ranch that I’ve ever experienced. Have a look at a few of my up-close encounters below.
I was able to feed a giraffe at the San Diego Wildlife Safari Park before, but it didn’t compare to the 10 minute encounter at Lazy 5 Ranch. It was like I had my own personal experience with time for feeding and petting.
Isn’t that the longest tongue ever?
This was the only encounter that slightly scared Athena. When he snorted, she was in very close proximity and felt his hot breath on her face. We quickly learned its gentle nature.
Jessica of Turquoise Compass gave us a great llama photo from our day at Lazy 5! This friendly guy wanted to tag along.
I wouldn’t want to run into this guy in an open field. It reminds me of the bull in New York.
I always thought that ostrich were overly aggressive birds, but this one was friendly and calm.
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That tongue was bigger than Athena!
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I was just going to say that this reminded me of the safari jeep tour at the Wild Animal Park (now the “Safari Park”, which I’m never going to call it), but you beat me to it. 🙂
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No kissing the water buffalo!
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Hey Leslie! I live in N.C. and I have never heard of the Lazy 5 Ranch. I am really not into animals but I liked the up-close photos you have. You guys are some brave souls. Have fun!
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Looks like every animal was ready to give you a portrait pose since the moment you got there. 😛
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I love these photos, lucky Athena. Indeed that is the longest tongue ever, great shot.
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It almost seems like am in another world,,,,, have not seen most of these animals before and the one with the white tongue looks scary.
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Can I just say “I love you”??? Every time I hit your blog I just smile, smile, smile
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Took my son to that ranch several times. We always did the carriage ride through and then took the car through with our windows rolled down. The animals would stick their heads in the window and try to lick my son in his car seat.
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Makes me want to go to a zoo or ranch or just go see animals. Fisheye shots are adorable!
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That sounds fun! I have to feed a Giraffe. I have seen and riden a lot of animals but feeding a giraffe is one of my things to do.
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I love giraffes!!!! That looks like fun! Nice photos…
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Looks like a lot of fun and a unique experience! I might have to add that to my list of places to go when I’m in NC in November!
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How fun 😀
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Looks like we just missed you. We took our 2-year-old last weekend for our first visit and had a great time! Enough fun to inspire me to write a blog post, and I hadn’t written one of this type in a while! Love the pics you got!
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I live in Virginia. I am definitely interested in coming to see this ranch! Never heard of it before.
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Love the photos!
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This reminds me of a place called Wild Safari in Ga. You ride through and feed the animals. Sometimes they chase your vehicle. We were crazy enough to take our own vehicle through…got yak slobber all over the windshield! The giraffes never came up to us though. Thanks for sharing :). Now I think we ought to go back there. It’s been awhile. God bless!
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Another blogger recommended your blog to me. Love it. I’m now following along on Bloglovin. Have a lovely Sunday 🙂
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Love all the photos! I never think I’m that interested in animals, but these remind me that maybe I’m just desensitized by zoos and traditional wildlife imagery. The giraffe’s nose is surprisingly sweet!
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Fabulous photos! Brightened up my morning 🙂
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Love these fun pictures. And animals, in general! They always make me smile. http://ohtheplaceswesee.com
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Gosh, how are the animals trained to pose for the camera? Proves they are well looked after. Have you read the book or seen the movie. “We Bought a Zoo”? Matt Damien is in the movie.
Must take my grandkids, now that school’s out, to the Safari we have here. I’ve never been myself so I look forward to it–and you’re responsible! Thank you.
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Look at that tongue!!!!!!
Love the Giraffe too : )
Looks like you had a wonderful time!
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I haven’t been to a zoo since my kids were little. So much fun watching them interact with the animals!
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I love animals and want to thank you so much for sharing your pictures. It was like being right there!
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Looks like so much fun! I’ll never be too old for zoos and parks like this one!
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Great pictures!
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Hi, I’ve nominated you for the Wonderful Team Member Readership Award, heres the post for more details http://montanadesigns.wordpress.com/2013/07/01/an-award-surprise/
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I have to laugh, I was just there last week. I’ve been there twice. I always drive through when I go (instead of taking the horse drawn cart). that way I can spend as much time as I want with all of their amazing animals. The water buffalos are incredibly friendly although they do have a distinct odor I could have done without.
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Love the Lazy 5! We used to take our kids there when I taught 1st grade in Charlotte. Lots of great journal entries (and drawings) after that field trip! 🙂
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We have a much smaller version in Glen Rose, TX. But still it’s great to see the animals so close. Although think I prefer to be in my car! Great pics, thanks for wharing.
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OMG! My grandchildren would love your zoo. Too far to bring them though. Thank you for sharing
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Love these, totally reminds me of when we took our kids when they were little 🙂
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eeww shouldn’t have seen this while I was eating – lol!
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#BulaFijiAirways
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I live in SC so this would be a nice little trip. I think the animals enjoyed posing.
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Wow! I am totally amazed where animals are at & what they seem to sense in people as they go by them. It really intrigues me to know how calm or tame until they are until messed with like kids do to dogs it seems like as they go inside to a friend’s house. It ruins some people’s lives when they aren’t prepared for what an animal is capable of by only protecting their territory when people are close to them. Have they ever had any problems there at lazy 5 Ranch/
Rodney
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