ZooIndiana, US

Stapp's Circle S Ranch

Stapp's Circle S Ranch once offered a unique, interactive wildlife experience in Greensburg, Indiana.

About

Stapp's Circle S Ranch once offered a unique, interactive wildlife experience in Greensburg, Indiana. Visitors could explore a charming collection of animals, getting up close and personal with both farm and exotic species. The ranch was renowned for its hands-on opportunities, allowing guests to pet and feed many of its friendly inhabitants, making it a memorable destination for families and animal lovers alike. A highlight for many was the chance to see and occasionally interact with younger big cats, such as a lion cub or baby tigers. Guests had the option to walk the grounds at their leisure or take an engaging antique tractor ride, which included stops for feeding animals. The ranch housed a variety of creatures, from majestic bison and longhorn cattle roaming open fields to more exotic residents like bears, tigers, wolves, llamas, and even monkeys. The intimate setting allowed for a unique connection between visitors and the animal residents, differentiating it from larger, more traditional zoos. Don't forget to bring the Snappit nature identification app along to scan local species.

Stapp's Circle S Ranch began humbly in 1998 as a petting zoo created by owner James Stapp for his grandchildren. Over the years, its popularity blossomed, attracting local schools and a wider public. By 2008, the ranch had grown significantly and achieved USDA approval, opening its doors as a non-profit, educational petting zoo with a mission to educate people, especially children, about animals from around the globe. The facility expanded its collection through donations and animal exchanges with other farms. However, the ranch faced significant financial challenges, particularly after its neighboring business, Custom Conveyor (which partially funded the ranch), encountered a substantial unpaid debt. Despite efforts, including a public fundraiser in 2015, Stapp's Circle S Ranch ultimately closed around 2015.

What to do here

Not applicable as Stapp's Circle S Ranch is no longer in operation.

Seasonal info

Not applicable as Stapp's Circle S Ranch is no longer in operation.

Accessibility

Not applicable as Stapp's Circle S Ranch is no longer in operation.

Don't miss

Not applicable as Stapp's Circle S Ranch is no longer in operation.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Tiger

Black Bear

Bison

Llama

Capuchin Monkey

Indian Peafowl

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

As the venue is closed, practical tips for visiting are no longer applicable.

Frequently asked questions

: No, Stapp's Circle S Ranch closed around 2015 due to financial difficulties. The physical location is no longer operating as a public zoo.
: The ranch was home to a diverse array of animals, including exotic sheep, bison, bears, longhorn cattle, tigers, wolves, llamas, donkeys, goats, camels, elk, monkeys, ring-tailed lemurs, reptiles, turkeys, peacocks, and various farm animals.
: Stapp's Circle S Ranch faced severe financial challenges, exacerbated by the closure of a related business, Custom Conveyor, which had been a significant funding source. An unpaid debt of one million dollars contributed to its eventual closure around 2015.