Hear the call of the wild at Nemacolin. Nestled among more than 2,200 lush, wooded acres in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands, the private resort combines the excitement, educational elements, and sheer fun of visiting a safari, wildlife habitats, farm, and equestrian center all in one phenomenal environment. Hear the powerful roar of an African lion, marvel at giant Sulcata tortoises, feed gentle billy goats, and explore backwoods trails on horseback. Create unforgettable memories with the ultimate family wildlife experience.
Wildlife Encounters for the Whole Family
Nemacolin’s Wildlife Adventures offer an astounding variety of interactive education and live animal programs for all ages and interests. Drive, cycle, or stroll through Nemacolin’s wooded trails to explore the resort’s Wildlife Habitats, and spot tigers, lions, wolves, and buffalo, along with smaller animals like iguanas and silver foxes. The Wildlife Habitats are complimentary for overnight guests and members. For a more immersive and structured experience, embark on one of Nemacolin’s educational wildlife tours and wildlife encounters.
Guided Wildlife Tour
Join a Guided Wildlife Tour to witness some of the most fearsome big cats of Africa and Asia — no passports required. Ride around the expansive animal habitats in a van accompanied by a knowledgeable wildlife keeper. Learn the conservation status of each species, discover their innate behaviors, and stop for keeper training and feeding demonstrations.
Big Cats of Nemacolin
Home to two African lions, three Bengal tigers, three cheetahs, and a mountain lion, Nemacolin provides a sanctuary for these magnificent animals, all of whom were born in captivity and many of whom were rehomed from other facilities. Come face-to-face with these majestic big cats and choose between the resort’s Lion Encounter, Tiger Encounter, or go for the Big Cat Encounter if you can’t make up your mind.
All wildlife encounters include meeting with a trained wildlife keeper who will share their extensive knowledge of the big cats, guide you through Nemacolin’s engagement and behavioral training, and provide a feeding demonstration to showcase the raw power and instinctual nature of these formidable creatures.
Lion Encounter
Behold the grace and grandeur of the King of the Jungle in the Lion Encounter, and get up close to the two African lions of Nemacolin: Kiwi and Kuvo.
Tiger Encounter
In the Tiger Encounter, take in the breathtaking beauty of one of nature’s mightiest hunters, and get to know Nemacolin’s three Bengal tigers: Gideon, Kira, and Kato, a rare white tiger.
Big Cat Encounter
The Big Cat Encounter is ideal for those who have a hard time deciding between meeting Nemacolin’s lions or tigers — or for big cat lovers who want to meet them all. You will also get to marvel over Beau, a mountain lion from the western part of the U.S. You’ll notice Beau’s willingness to talk to you when you greet him. He walks with a limp, as he was born with a fused joint, and he has made his home in refuge at Nemacolin for many years.
Meet the Newest Big Cats
Nemacolin recently welcomed three cheetahs to its family of big cats: Savannah, Kamara, and Leilani. The cheetahs are being fostered at the resort through the Zoological Association of America’s Animal Management Program. The program aims to promote the survival, protection, and conservation of select species like the cheetah. Stay tuned for educational experiences and programs featuring Nemacolin’s newest big cats in the near future.
Tortoise Encounter
The Sulcata tortoise, also known as the African spurred tortoise, holds the distinction of being the world’s largest mainland tortoise, with adults reaching approximately 30 inches in length and weighing over 100 pounds. Within Nemacolin resides two of these gentle giants: Bonsai and Tallulah. The Tortoise Encounter allows you to meet one of these remarkable creatures, touch its shell, feed it a treat, and take some photographs (you might catch him smiling!) all under the guidance of a trained wildlife keeper.
