TROUTMAN, N.C. (WJZY) — Are you in the market for a wild purchase?
Zootastic Park in Troutman near Lake Norman is up for sale for $16 million, which not only includes the 186-acre property, but dozens of exotic animals, the gift shop, concessions, and animal excursions.
There’s nothing quite like Zootastic.
“It’s frankly been overwhelming,” said Pete Mazeine, senior land investment advisor with National Land Real Estate.
Since the property was listed recently, Mazeine says interest has been very high.
“Having been in this business for over 30 years and sold a lot of interesting properties, I’d say that it’s been over the top,” said Mazeine.
For years, Zootastic has been a place for kids of all ages to enjoy.
“This is the most hands-on that we have been able to be with animals at a zoo,” said a parent visiting Zootastic in 2020.
The zoo has truly been a labor of love for owner and creator Scottie Brown.
He even got married at Zootastic in 2015 with all his animal friends in the wedding party.
“We love our babies. These are not just animals; they’re our babies,” said Brown, referring to his zoo animals in 2021.
Now Brown tells Queen City News it’s time to retire.
“Both of my zoos are for sale, as part of the deal, I will stay on for up to two years. I am 63 now and I just want to slow down before I get too old to enjoy life. I do plan on taking a few of my babies with me that I have a special bond with,” said Brown in a statement sent to QCN.
His massive 186-acre property near Lake Norman is now on the market, and the interest has been wild.
The buyer wouldn’t just get the property, but most of the animals.
There’s a three-page list of the creatures included in the listing.
From the walk-around zoo to the drive-thru, lemurs, an American Bison, a White Bison, a Texas Longhorn, a peacock, and a kookaburra are all up for sale.
“It’s being sold as a package deal, so the underlying real estate and the animals and the operating business, which includes, concessions, gift shop, kids, program, the holiday light spectacle that they have every year,” said Mazeine.
The listing says to “call for price.”
QCN asked the listing agent.
He says $16 million is the asking price.
“Clearly, the sale is about money but it’s also about selling it to the right transitioning party,” said Mazeine.
Brown wants to keep Zootastic as a zoo.
That would require the buyer to have a special permit from the USDA, referred to as a Class C exhibitor permit.
The agent says Brown is adamant the buyer keeps the zoo as is and continues what he created.
“I love kids and I love animals, so to make a little kid smile, that’s my joy,” said Brown in a 2020 interview with QCN.
Brown also owns and is selling Aloha Safari Park near Fayetteville, which is similar to Zootastic.
Aloha is 66 acres and its asking price is $4.5 million.
Brown’s realtor says his client has the same idea for that property.
The buyer needs a specific USDA permit to work with animals, and a desire to continue Aloha’s kids’ programs.
Robin Kanady
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