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You Could Fill Clint Wolston’s Shoes at Bayou Wildlife Zoo for $7M

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Tony Maples Photography

 

The Bayou Wildlife Zoo in Alvin, Texas, is an open range animal zoo that has been a local favorite for decades. The aging owner of the facility, off FM 517, put his park up for sale in the fall of 2016, listed at $7 million. And for this price, the buyer will get close to 500 animals (which can grow to 750 during bird migrations), property suitable to build a home, an existing apartment, 80 acres of land, barns, a small fleet of vehicles, and bayou frontage.

The listing is still live (link posted here) and if you’ve ever watched the movie “We Bought a Zoo,” you wouldn’t be far off in your concept of what this property and its wonderful business entail. The owner is looking to retire, and although his property has been a long-time favorite with visiting schools, families, and tourists since the 1980s, after three decades of curating the property and animals, now is the time. Earlier in 2016, RayJ of DGW Services visited the Bayou Wildlife Zoo for a tour and produced the following video of this pretty impressive project:

Looking to step down as the head zookeeper and all-around friend to animal and human alike, owner Clint Wolston, 80, has managed a life of exotic animals, petting zoos, and pony rides right here in Texas. With a staff of eight to assist with the heavier workloads, the park is home to two islands that feature ring-tailed lemurs, to which Wolston takes a boat every morning to feed fruit to the hungry crew. It’s estimated that all told, there are 65 species of animals on-site, and the zoo has an estimated annual income of $1 million with nominal veterinarian bills. Having as kind a heart as he has, Wolston ensures all of the animals in his care are properly nourished, have ample space to roam, play, and live, and even fall in love! In 1995, he invited Justice of the Peace Mike Nelson out to the zoo to perform a wedding ceremony for a pair of 17-year old Southern white rhinos named Bonnie and Shorty in front of 200 spectators. And as you can see by the video, he still has a soft spot for the rhino named Pee-Wee that the zoo has been home to for roughly 31 years. Given the opportunity, visit the Bayou Wildlife Zoo in Alvin, Texas before Wolston gets his wish, and you’ll witness the great things one man with a vision can do for animals of all shapes and sizes. And if you have some spare pocket change, perhaps you could be the one to fill his shoes.

Source:

Houston Chronicle