THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Step inside Princess Peanut’s enclosure at Mitchell's Petting Zoo in Sweetwater, Tennessee, and enjoy a rare 25-minute hands-on encounter with a two-toed sloth. Learn, feed, and connect with this gentle exotic in an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Step inside Princess Peanut’s enclosure at Mitchell's Petting Zoo in Sweetwater, Tennessee, and enjoy a rare 25-minute hands-on encounter with a two-toed sloth. Learn, feed, and connect with this gentle exotic in an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Book with Mitchell’s Petting Zoo & Exotics
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Mitchell’s Petting Zoo & Exotics · Sweetwater, Tennessee
Sweetwater, Tennessee, located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, offers a rare and enchanting wildlife experience at Mitchell's Petting Zoo & Exotics. Here, guests aged eight and above can spend a focused 25 minutes up close with Princess Peanut, a gentle two-toed sloth, in an intimate and educational encounter unlike any other in the region. This hands-on adventure is designed for small groups—just two guests per session—ensuring a personal and immersive interaction with one of nature’s slowest, most captivating creatures.
Princess Peanut’s enclosure is a controlled but inviting environment where visitors can enter alongside an expert staff member. During this time, you’ll hand-feed her preferred snacks, stroke her soft fur, capture memorable photographs, and observe the subtle, deliberate movements that define sloth behavior. Unlike typical zoo visits where animals are distant, this experience invites you directly into her space, lending an extraordinary perspective on the life of a two-toed sloth.
This encounter is especially unique in Sweetwater, a town more commonly known for outdoor hiking and river adventures, as it blends wildlife education with a tactile connection. The two-toed sloth, native to Central and South American rainforests, is an oddity for Tennessee’s wildlife scene, making this offering all the more special. The zoo’s knowledgeable guides provide insights into the sloth’s slow metabolism, its arboreal lifestyle, and conservation challenges, enriching your appreciation of a creature few get to meet in the U.S.
Mitchell's Petting Zoo & Exotics prioritizes sustainability and animal welfare, ensuring that Princess Peanut’s health and comfort remain paramount. Visitors must purchase general admission in addition to the encounter, supporting the zoo’s ongoing efforts to rescue and care for exotic and native animals. This personalized experience is especially suited for families, animal lovers, and anyone seeking a unique wildlife moment during their East Tennessee travels.
Why book this? The Two-Toed Sloth Encounter offers a quiet, serene escape from fast-paced adventures, providing mindfulness through slow observation and gentle interaction. It’s an unforgettable opportunity to connect with wildlife in a new way—a rare adventure not found in typical petting zoos, and a photo opportunity that’s bound to delight.
Whether you’re passing through Sweetwater or making it your base for exploring the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains, Mitchell's Petting Zoo adds a distinctive chapter to your outdoor adventure story. Reserve your spot early to enjoy this intimate glimpse into the life of Princess Peanut, and bring home not just pictures, but stories of connection with this fascinating creature.
Yes, all guests must buy general admission tickets in addition to the encounter fee.
Children aged 8 and older are welcome to join the Two-Toed Sloth Encounter.
Yes, photos are encouraged but please refrain from using a flash to avoid disturbing Princess Peanut.
No, guests may pet and feed Princess Peanut but the zoo does not allow holding or picking up the sloth.
Encounters are limited to up to two guests per session for a personalized experience.
Soft, long-sleeve clothing is recommended to comfortably pet the sloth and protect your skin.
Mitchell’s Petting Zoo & Exotics in Sweetwater, Tennessee provides hands-on animal interactions and educational experiences for visitors of all ages. The facility features a petting zoo area and specialized exotic encounters that include named ambassadors and trained staff supervision. Signature offerings include 25-minute encounters with capybaras Jelly Roll and Bunnie, a two-toed sloth named Princess Peanut, red kangaroos Rose and Jack, and black-tailed prairie dogs Goose and Cracker. General admission gives access to a variety of animals where guests can cuddle goats, feed deer, and enjoy up-close viewing of exotic species. The operation schedules timed encounters to ensure safe, focused interactions. Trained staff guide each encounter, provide animal care information, and supervise handling and photography to prioritize animal welfare and visitor safety. Encounters are designed to be both educational and memorable, combining close contact with facts about behavior, diet, and habitat. Mitchell’s emphasizes animal health and responsible handling practices. Appropriate sanitation, supervised feeding, and controlled access to enclosures are standard procedures. The business serves families, school groups, and animal enthusiasts seeking an accessible, hands-on wildlife experience near Sweetwater. Located in Monroe County, Mitchell’s Petting Zoo & Exotics offers a convenient rural destination for day visits and special event bookings. Visitors are encouraged to review specific encounter details and booking requirements before arrival to confirm availability and age or size restrictions. Parking is available on site and the venue often accommodates private groups and educational visits with advance notice; guests should consult the business's booking page for hours and reservation policies.
Book with Mitchell’s Petting Zoo & Exotics