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EXPERIENCE AMERICA

10 places to get up close and personal with America's largest animals

Adrienne Jordan
USA TODAY
For intriguing animal encounters in the U.S., look beyond traditional zoos. There are animal sanctuaries and rescues; farms; and even big-game parks that allow visitors to touch, interact, snuggle and take photos with unbelievable species. From orphaned tigers, shark viewing from cages, to wolves, you can get so close to animals that you can smell them, starting with manatees in Crystal River, Florida: In the western part of Florida, Crystal River is one of the the only places in the United States to legally swim with manatees . Because the manatees are endangered and sensitive to human interaction, you cannot touch these animals. However, they often come up to humans to interact.
For intriguing animal encounters in the U.S., look beyond traditional zoos. There are animal sanctuaries and rescues; farms; and even big-game parks that allow visitors to touch, interact, snuggle and take photos with unbelievable species. From orphaned tigers, shark viewing from cages, to wolves, you can get so close to animals that you can smell them, starting with manatees in Crystal River, Florida:In the western part of Florida, Crystal River is one of the the only places in the United States to legally swim with manatees. Because the manatees are endangered and sensitive to human interaction, you cannot touch these animals. However, they often come up to humans to interact.
Plantation On Crystal River
Tigers in Dahlonega, Georgia: The Chestatee Wildlife Preserve is home to over 100 exotic and native animals. These animals are rescued after being orphaned, abused or illegally purchased. Guests are able to feed tigers, zebra, bears, elk, emu, wolves and other animals.
Tigers in Dahlonega, Georgia: The Chestatee Wildlife Preserve is home to over 100 exotic and native animals. These animals are rescued after being orphaned, abused or illegally purchased. Guests are able to feed tigers, zebra, bears, elk, emu, wolves and other animals.
Wesley A Carr
Giraffes in Colorado Springs, Colorado: At the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo , you can experience onsite animal interactions that include feeding the giraffe herd of 15. You can also check out resident elephants and even a black rhino on property.
Giraffes in Colorado Springs, Colorado:At the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, you can experience onsite animal interactions that include feeding the giraffe herd of 15. You can also check out resident elephants and even a black rhino on property.
Visit Colorado Springs
Kudu in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin: At the year-round Timbavati Wildlife Park , there are over 400 animals of 70 different species. You are able to get up and close to feed animals like the kudu seen on this train, as well as see giraffes, hold kangaroos and view exotic birds.
Kudu in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin: At the year-round Timbavati Wildlife Park, there are over 400 animals of 70 different species. You are able to get up and close to feed animals like the kudu seen on this train, as well as see giraffes, hold kangaroos and view exotic birds.
Wisconsin Dells Visitor And Convention Bureau
Cows in Naples, New York: In the Finger Lakes Region, you can have cow cuddling sessions through the Mountain Horse Farm ' s Horse & Cow Experience . Visitors can brush, pet, play with and snuggle up to cows while they are laying down or standing upright, for therapeutic encounters.
Cows in Naples, New York:In the Finger Lakes Region, you can have cow cuddling sessions through the Mountain Horse Farm's Horse & Cow Experience. Visitors can brush, pet, play with and snuggle up to cows while they are laying down or standing upright, for therapeutic encounters.
Mountain Horse Farm
Moose in White Mountains, New Hampshire: The New England destination boasts a large population of moose, which are actually not safe to touch, but you can get close enough to take in their imposing presence from a safe distance. Moose tours are available and even go out at night for after-dark viewings.
Moose in White Mountains, New Hampshire: The New England destination boasts a large population of moose, which are actually not safe to touch, but you can get close enough to take in their imposing presence from a safe distance. Moose tours are availableand even go out at night for after-dark viewings.
Corey Mckean
Sharks in Springfield, Missouri: The Out to Sea Shark Dive at Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium lets guests get in the water inside a metal cage and come face-to-face with sharks, including sand tiger sharks and brown sharks. Various marine life from barracuda to Atlantic goliath groupers will also be swimming around. The best part? You don ' t have to be a certified diver. The facility provides state-of-the-art air helmets that allow guests to comfortably submerge under the water.
Sharks in Springfield, Missouri: TheOut to Sea Shark Dive at Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium lets guests get in the water inside a metal cage and come face-to-face with sharks, including sand tiger sharks and brown sharks. Various marine life from barracuda to Atlantic goliath groupers will also be swimming around. The best part? You don't have to be a certified diver. The facility provides state-of-the-art air helmets that allow guests to comfortably submerge under the water.
Rick Sorensen
Wolves in Divide, Colorado: At the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center , you can get up close and touch elusive wolves that have been rescued from households that domesticated them and then can ' t take care of them. You can follow the wolves in their enclosures and take part in feeding and petting while a staff photographer takes photos.
Wolves in Divide, Colorado:At the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, you can get up close and touch elusive wolves that have been rescued from households that domesticated them and then can't take care of them. You can follow the wolves in their enclosures and take part in feeding and petting while a staff photographer takes photos.
Visit Colorado Springs
Wilstem Ranch in Paoli, Indiana: The ranch offers one-on-one time with trainers and elephants, where you can do a variety of activities withh them, including preparing food and feeding; touching; washing them; or even painting their toenails. Other animals at the ranch that you can interact with include grizzly bears, giraffe and kangroos.
Wilstem Ranch in Paoli, Indiana:The ranch offers one-on-one time with trainers and elephants, where you can do a variety of activities withh them, including preparing food and feeding; touching; washing them; or even painting their toenails. Other animals at the ranch that you can interact with include grizzly bears, giraffe and kangroos. 
Elizabeth Rajchart
Deer in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin: The Wisconsin Deer Park is open every spring and summer. The family-owned park raises deer to supply zoos all over the U.S. The park is home to around 100 deer from a variety of countries, and you can also interact with American elk (wapiti), American bison and other animals. Guests are able to walk through the park while getting to pet and feed the animals.
Deer in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin:The Wisconsin Deer Park is open every spring and summer. The family-owned park raises deer to supply zoos all over the U.S. The park is home to around 100 deer from a variety of countries, and you can also interact with American elk (wapiti), American bison and other animals. Guests are able to walk through the park while getting to pet and feed the animals.
Wisconsin Dells Visitor And Convention Bureau
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