I am the epitome of an animal lover but I have never been a huge fan of zoos. What I do love are up-close-and-personal animal encounters, especially when they give you a chance to learn about and interact with amazing creatures we don’t normally get to be around. I recently learned about an incredible destination, Wallaby Ranch in Fall City, Washington, and I think you’re going to want to pay a visit.

In some areas of the world, wallabies and kangaroos may not seem especially exotic, but in these parts, they certainly are. Marsupials are unique and fascinating, from their strength and appearance to the way their little joeys develop and live in their mothers’ pouches.

Wallaby Ranch is a USDA-licensed breeding facility on ten beautiful acres of private land in Snoqualmie Valley. The ranch is home to owners Rex and Tawny Paperd and a host of happy marsupials. The ranch, “where you always find a bundle of Joey,” breeds top-quality Grey Bennett Wallabies, Albino Wallabies, and Red Kangaroos. The babies are cared for and offered for adoption.

When I say these stunning creatures are cared for, I should probably say they are treated like family. You only have to read a couple of the many descriptions of the ranch’s “roos” to realize how much love the owners have for them and how personal their connection is. 

You don’t have to be a prospective adopter to get close to the wallabies and kangaroos. Wallaby Ranch hosts group tours for five or more people and smaller “family” tours for smaller groups of up to five. Children of all ages are welcome to join the experience. 

The one to one-and-a-half-hour tours begin with a little education, introducing visitors to kangaroos and wallabies and seeing how the tiny bean-sized babies grow inside their mom’s pouch to maturity. Then, guests are allowed to interact with the animals, petting and feeding them, and will often be given the chance to hold a little joey or see an infant inside a mother’s pouch. Other babies can usually be seen jumping in or out of their pouches. And, of course, there are plenty of photo opportunities, including a souvenir pic with one of the wallabies.

A visit to Wallaby Ranch is sure to be an unforgettable day. And who knows - you may be inspired to adopt your very own little joey! Have you heard of or, better yet, been to this amazing place? Find out more (and see some wonderful videos!) by visiting the Fall City Wallaby Ranch website or Fall City Wallaby Ranch Facebook page. If you know anyone else who loves an exotic animal encounter, be sure to share this article with them!