Three Ring Ranch Exotic Animal Sanctuary

We stayed in Kailua-​Kona this summer and remember our time at the Three Ring Ranch as one the main highlights of our trip. As other reviewers are mentioning, this isn’t just a «come look at some animals» type of experience, but an amazing educational adventure. Ann, our guide, was really wonderful and obviously very knowledgeable about and dedicated to the animals under her care. For as much as it’s possible for humans to «talk» with these animals, Ann was almost like a real-​life Dr. Doolittle who really could. And, she shared with us on the tour ways in which we could too. If you’ve seen the beaches, the dolphins, the local life and the volcanoes already, and are looking for something more that’s unforgettable, you should give Ann a call and set up a tour. You won’t regret it!

We had a great tour at the Three Ring Ranch. But more than a 2.5 hour tour, it was an educational experience that we will remember for years to come. If you are looking for a typical «zoo» experience, Three Ring is not for you. Curator Ann Goody is unwavering in her responsibility as a friend and caretaker to the animals who live at the Ranch. If you are traveling with kids, Three Ring will expect them to stand relatively still, keep their voices low and respond to directions. This tour is not just about looking at exotic animals that have been rescued from less than ideal conditions. Ann devotes a good portion of the tour to education: teaching visitors how we can best respect and communicate with animals, sharing the realities of consumerism and reminding groups about the realities of living with exotic animals. Many of the stories Ann tells are really sad, but they will stay with you long after you leave the Ranch.
Be sure to wear closed-​toed shoes. If you bring a camera, make sure you can disable your flash and turn off any sounds.

The Three Ring Ranch is an exotic animal shelter located just a few minutes drive up the mountain from downtown Kailua-​Kona. We scheduled a tour with Ann Goody and it was an amazing experience from start to finish. I expected to see some animals but we got so much more. Ann taught us about the environmental risks of exotic animals in Hawaii, the unfortunate decisions of people who want exotic pets, the differing behaviors of primates, birds, zebras, horses etc. She even taught us how to greet animals the way they expect to be greeted by their own species.
This is an excellent day for anyone but kids will be especially thrilled. Who doesn’t want to meet a buffalo, Zebras, owls, monkeys, tortoise, flamingos and many other animals in a fabulous sanctuary?
You will have a great time and your donation/​entry fee will be going to a great cause.

This was one of the best experiences of my life.
Ann Goody provided a very personal tour of the amazing sanctuary for a group of 6. She explained how they rescue and rehabilitate a wide range of animals from birds to zebras. Her understanding of animal behavior gave me more insight than any book I have read or tv show I have watched. Ann’s patience and care with these animals warrants a medal. The facility is a role model for education and animal care. The whole experience was amazing.
And Ann’s background is beyond inspiring.

There is no way to describe how great this experience is, so just GO!!! Ann is an amazing, inspiring, brilliant woman, with a heart bigger than the Ranch! Every story of every animal in her care is educational and fascinating. I have always considered myself a huge animal lover and knower of many animal facts, but I always learn something from Ann (and the animals!) every time I visit. It is my grandchildren’s favorite activity when they visit me on the Big Island. Ann does a fabulous tour for families and also a great «adult» version if your group is a bit older! So informative and entertaining… not to be missed! Whether you are a resident or a visitor, it is so worth your time and donation. Ann also does so much for children and companion animals in the community. She is my hero!

Ann Goody is one of the single most interesting and amazing heroes I had the pleasure of meeting. This is absolutely worth your hour and a half for a private tour.
We arranged a visit on a Monday afternoon and Ann came to greet us at the front gate. The first thing you’ll see is a 1,500 pound North American Buffalo named Cody. After walking up the driveway, you’ll get up close and personal experience with some of the most exotic wild animals imaginable.
The suggested donation is $ 35 and all of the money goes towards the care (cleaning, feeding, etc) of the animals. We (2 of us) donated $ 80 and felt we got more than our money’s worth just because we learned so much more than any textbook or Discover channel show could teach. Ann is truly one-​of-​a-​kind and so passionate for the animals they’ve adopted and care for. She loves teaching people of any age and has one of the most unique and awe-​inspiring stories, just ask her how she came to own Three Ring Ranch!