These days, zoos are part of an ethical discussion about the rights of animals held in captivity. There are valid arguments on both sides. The Chestatee Wildlife Preserve east of Dahlonega offers a different option for those wanting to see and interact with unusual animals.
As a wildlife refuge, Chestatee is a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing and caring for hurt, neglected, or aging animals. The Preserve is home to over 100 exotic and native animals. Many were no longer wanted by traveling circuses and found their way to Chestatee. Owner C. W. Wathen started the refuge when someone offered to trade him two zebras for two miniature horses. Wathen accepted the zebras, an act that spurred his interest in exotic animals. As he took in more animals, Wathen paid for their care through his construction day job.
Over time, Wathen has recruited and trained volunteers to work at the refuge. He’s also found donors, such as grocers, who provide fresh vegetables that have aged past their prime to feed the animals. It’s become a community endeavor.
Wathen and his animals have appeared on National Geographic and Animal Planet. The Georgia State Legislature has recognized him for his work with rescue animals.
Despite glowing reports, the wildlife refuge was struggling to keep afloat financially. That all changed in 2010 when a zebra named Zeke met a donkey named Sarah.
Pippi the zedonk
Zeke was the lone zebra at the wildlife refuge with a hip problem that should have prevented him from mating. It didn’t. He fathered a female with Sarah. Their offspring is unusual and stunning – they call her a zedonk.
Chestatee is not the only place in the world where you can see a zedonk, but it was possibly the first. The birth attracted tourists from around the country and globe. Some came to spend a few hours; others came to spend several days. All were fascinated by Pippi, the baby zedonk with the striped legs of a zebra and the body of a donkey.
Pippi is no longer the only zedonk on the property.
Zedonks are interesting animals to watch. Their coloring and striping are unique to their parents, while many of their personality characteristics seem all zebra. In fact, the soft, sweet sound they make is from their zebra blood, nothing like that of a donkey.
Other animals
There are plenty of other exotic animals to see on the 25-acre refuge. Besides zebras, donkeys, and zedonks, the refuge has black bears and a grizzly bear, white tigers and a golden Bengal, elk and deer, as well as camels, wolves, tortoises, and a variety of exotic birds, including emus.
The refuge is laid out to allow you to see the animals but not get too close. Some animals can be fed as you go, like the zebras and the zedonks, while others, like the bears and the tigers, are kept at a distance. You may purchase $5 bags of food at the entrance.
Details
The Chestatee Wildlife Preserve is located in Lumpkin County at 469 Old Dahlonega Highway, Dahlonega, Georgia 30533. The refuge is open seven days a week. Admission is $10 for children under eleven and $15 for all others. The refuge is open daily from 10 am – 4 pm, but the last entry is at 2:45 pm. Watch for Wathen or a family member as you pull into the parking lot. Someone is usually nearby to greet you.
There’s not a lot of shade, so use sunscreen and take water with you. There are picnic tables throughout the refuge if you want to take your own lunch. However, you are asked to remove all your trash as you leave.
Donations are accepted and appreciated. Monetary donations can be given through the Preserve’s website. Also appreciated are gifts of fresh fruits, meats, and vegetables.
Examples of canned foods: potatoes, green beans, carrots, salmon, pumpkin, chickpeas, pitted black olives, tuna, chicken, sliced beets, artichoke hearts, kidney beans, cranberry sauce, pears, and peaches.
Examples of fresh produce: Kale, greens, corn on the cob, peaches, grapes, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, apples, oranges, and pineapples. We always need peanut butter, jelly, raisin bread, beef, and chicken.
The small monkeys also need toddler toys.
For more information, visit them online at Chestatee Wildlife Preserve and Zoo.
