Zootastic in Troutman is Available for Purchase

This article was reported on and written by Alexis Clinton with Axios Charlotte. Click here to read the original article.

Zootastic Park, a privately owned zoo near Lake Norman, is listed for $16,000,000.

Why it matters: The zoo has a controversial history regarding its facility maintenance. The U.S. Department of Agriculture cited the zoo for cleanliness in some of its closures and habitats.

Catch up quick: The 186-acre property in Troutman is known for its exotic animal interactions.

• In 2021, it was cited for its failure to provide animals with adequate veterinary care, according to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

• A 2022 inspection, reported by WBTV, lists several infractions, from the failure to document the purchase of animals to suspected black mold in an enclosure area.

• A recent inspection showed three animals had "frostbite injuries", according to Queen City News.

Zoom out: North Carolina is one of the few states without laws regulating the ownership of exotic animals.

What to expect: The listing price includes over 600 exotic animals such as lions, tigers, monkeys, bears, giraffe goats, donkeys and birds.

• It also includes the business' gift shop, holiday light display, carousel, train plus multiple residences that were used for housing staff onsite.

• An interested buyer must obtain a license to continue the zoo's operation.

What they're saying: "The owner is selling because he is ready to retire and pass the torch to the next animal lover. Scottie (Brown) has a passion for educating people about animals while providing a kid-friendly, fun, and exciting atmosphere," a zoo spokesperson said in a statement to Axios.

Land broker Billy Parker and Peter Mazeine with National Land Realty are managing the listing.