Just outside of Tucson, in the quiet town of Marana, there’s a place where kids can feed a porcupine, pet a capybara, and watch peacocks strut by while learning about animals from around the world. Ghost Ranch Exotics is a private zoo that offers something different: a hands-on, heartwarming experience designed for connection and education.
“We wanted to build something where people could really connect with animals, not just see them from behind a fence,” says Kenneth MacNeil, owner.
That passion has turned into one of the most unique animal experiences in Arizona. Ghost Ranch Exotics offers private, educational tours where visitors can meet a variety of animals in an up-close, interactive setting. Each tour is led by a knowledgeable guide and includes plenty of time for feeding, petting, and asking questions.
The capybaras are the biggest draw. These large, gentle rodents from South America are known for their calm, social nature. Ghost Ranch Exotics is home to the largest capybara experience in the United States, according to MacNeil, welcoming guests from across the country who are eager to meet the furry friends.
“Capybaras are incredibly sweet animals,” he says. “They love attention, and because we hand-raise all of our animals, they’re very used to people.”
In the summer, visitors can book special experiences with baby capybaras, getting the chance to interact with them during their most playful stage. It’s an opportunity that’s rare and unforgettable, especially for children.
But the capybaras are just part of the story. The ranch is also home to Patagonian maras, African porcupines, warthogs, emus, tortoises, goats, cows, a donkey, a water buffalo, and a red-rumped agouti. Colorful birds and peacocks wander the grounds, creating a lively and inviting atmosphere.
The MacNeils’ journey into exotic animal care started with a pet bug business, then expanded to a pet shop. As they added more animals to their property, they began visiting schools and libraries with mobile education programs. Eventually, they purchased land in Marana and transformed it into the ranch that exists today.
Now, Ghost Ranch Exotics hosts field trips, after-school programs, birthday parties, and private events. They also bring the animals to others through mobile petting zoo packages, perfect for schools, community events, and family celebrations.
What sets the ranch apart is the level of care and connection, MacNeil says. Every animal is hand-raised, and every visitor is welcomed as a guest, not just a spectator.
“When kids get to meet animals up close, it sparks something special,” MacNeil says. “They ask questions, they get curious, and they start to care. That’s what we love about what we do.”
“When kids get to meet animals up close, it sparks something special.”