The Conservators' Center is a sanctuary and breeding center for animals. The center houses approximately 80 animals. The animals at the center typically represent 14 to 16 species. The Conservators' Center offers tours by appointment only. Tours can be scheduled by calling 336-421-0883. All visitors must sign a waiver in order to enter the compound for their tour. In addition, the center has a rule that requires one guardian for every two children under 16. The only exception to this rule is pre-arranged school field trips wherein other arrangements have already been agreed upon.
All tours take place outdoors. As a result, visitors should dress appropriately for the weather. Visitors may need to walk in grass or even mud. The area has other forms of wildlife and insects, so it is recommended that visitors wear long pants.
The Conservators' Center features several different types of tours. Educational Tours are offered to individuals, families, friends and even groups. Typically, Educational Tours last about one hour. The tour may be longer than an hour at times, depending upon the interest level of the visitors taking the tour. Educational Tours are offered most Saturdays and Sundays. Periodically, weekday tours are available. The cost for Educational Tours is $10 for adults and $7 for children under 12, military personnel, and students with a student ID.
Educational group tours can be tailored to meet the needs of the group, and group rates are available. Interested parties should call the Conservators' Center to discuss group rates and group tours. Payment for group tours needs to be received at least five days before the date of the tour.
There are two types of photography tours offered. The Standard Photography Tour lasts approximately three hours. Groups are limited to a maximum of 10 people in order to ensure that each guest has sufficient access to view the animals and photograph them. The total for the Standard Photography Tour is $375 per group. Groups can request that the standard photography tour be longer or shorter than normal. For pricing information of a longer or shorter tour, interested parties would need to call the Conservators' Center directly.
The Exclusive Photography Tour is for 1 - 2 individuals and offers access to areas that are not normally available to the general public. The Exclusive Photography Tour includes all of the same photograph opportunities as the Standard Photography Tour plus the opportunity to photograph animals that are not included in the Standard Photography Tour. The cost for the Exclusive Photography Tour is $125 per hour. With both types of photography tours, payment needs to be received at least five days before the date of the tour.
A Twilight Tour is offered, which enables visitors to see the nocturnal species when they are the most active. The Twilight Tour usually lasts 1.5 - 2 hours. The cost of the Twilight Tour is $25 per person, and groups are limited to no more than 10 visitors. All visitors must be at least 12 years of age in order to participate in the Twilight Tour.
The Conservators' Center was created in 1999 by Douglas Evans and Mindy Stinner. Prior to opening the center, both Evans and Stinner had several years of experience with exotic, wild, and unusual animals. A Seminar with the Founders is offered, wherein guests can tour the compound with Evans and Stinner while hearing their story. The Seminar with the Founders usually lasts about 3 hours. The cost of this specialty tour is $300 per person, and groups are limited to no more than 10 visitors. All visitors must be at least 16 years of age in order to participate in this specialty tour.
The Conservators' Center offers visitors the opportunity to see animals such as tigers, lions, wolves, leopards, lemurs, binturongs, servals, red foxes, caracals, bobcats, lynxes, New Guinea singing dogs, jungle cats, kinkajous, chausies, and genets.
