G W Exotic Animal Park is a wonderful place - for visitors and for the animals lucky enough to have been brought there to live. My husband and I were expecting - well - a small place, mom and pop, few animals. Were we ever surprised! We have visited again and become donors because of our observations, research and long talks with staff. We were welcomed by a friendly and knowledgable woman at the front desk and shown the full tour - even back behind the large iron fences where visitors often don't go. The first animal I saw as I rounded a tall cane break was a two-year-old pale yellow lion who was clearly well-fed, content and friendly toward visitors. As we progressed I felt myself becoming emotional at the sight of every animal so well cared for that they looked professionally groomed. Every one was well fed, each compound was clean and free from insect pests or feces. Animals responded well to visitors and were clearly not afraid and not mistreated in any way. The larger animals had plenty of room to roam and many interacted facially and by coming over to fences. One of the staff members walked with us on the long tour where new building is going on and it was clear that she had a loving, nurturing relationship with nearly every animal...a personal relationship. They ran to the fences at the sound of her voice, lions "chuffed" back at her when she "chuffed" at them - an affectionate vibrating sound made with the lips. Cletis, a young camel and his "side-kick", a pygmy goat, came to the fence and with very little encouragement Cletis stuck his well-groomed nose through the fencing for a nose-scratch. We asked questions and did lots of computer research on this private refuge. It is ligitimate and supported only by visitors and individuals who come and see and become believers that these people love and respect the wonderful, exotic animals in their care. - In response to negative remarks made by other reviewers ... please...if you were expecting a carnival-like Disney atmosphere with lights and music - remember - every cent is spent on caring for, housing and feeding the animals ... would you want them to spend their money on a parking lot and playground or costly gift shop when they are a non-profit organization? If so, maybe you went for the wrong reasons. And this place is sponsored by the one U.S. organization that inspects and approves animal refuges/zoos and has given it the highest rating. Looking for glitz ... don't go. Looking for a humanitarian gift to God's beautiful creatures ... make a visit. You won't be disappointed.