Unique Experiences

Item Description

The Lazy 5, located between Interstates 85 and 77 in Piedmont, North Carolina, features over 700 animals from around the world. On the 3 1/2 mile trail through gently sloping pasturelands you will experience domestic and exotic animals from six continents including giraffe, buffalo, zebras, cattle, sheep and many more. Stretch your legs while taking a walk through beautifully landscaped exhibits with ring-tailed lemurs, tropical birds and domestic fowl just to name a few. The Lazy 5 Ranch also offers several petting areas, playground, picnic area, gift shop and snacks. The item up for bid is a gift certificate for general admission for 2 adults & 2 kids donated by Lazy 5 Ranch.

The Lazy 5 Ranch is privately owned and operated by Henry Hampton with no federal or state funding. Henry Hampton has been raising exotic animals for over 35 years and is known nationwide for his handling of exotic animals. Henry Hampton is the owner of Lazy 5 Ranch with a baby giraffe. For many years Mr. Hampton allowed school groups to visit his home to gaze from the opposite side of the fence and through cracks of barn doors at the animals. Others made loops through the driveway trying to get a glimpse of Mr. Hampton's many unique species. Seeing the educational and entertaining possibilities, Mr. Hampton began putting together his plan for a park that would allow children and adults alike to fully experience his exotic animal collection.

On May 22, 1993 after several years of planning and hard work, his dream became a reality. With a mere staff of five, two buildings and only two operating wagons, the Lazy 5 Ranch was officially open. The name of the park was debated for only a short amount of time when Mr. Hampton's son came up with the obvious name, Lazy 5 Ranch. Mr. Hampton's family at the time consisted of 5 "lazy" people. The Lazy 5 Ranch is now the home to over 750 animals from 6 different continents. These animals can be viewed by horse drawn wagon ride tour or from the comfort of your own vehicle while traveling along a 3-1/2 mile safari ride.

The Lazy 5 Ranch strives to have a constantly changing environment by adding new exhibits as well as increasing the variety of animals seen in the drive through safari areas. The purpose of the Lazy 5 Ranch is to educate in an entertaining way, as well as provide an excellent environment for the reproduction of some of God's most unique creatures. The Lazy 5 Ranch also seeks to help the recovery of several endangered species including the Grevy Zebra, Scimitar Horned Oryx and Ring-tailed Lemur. Hopefully, with your visit to the Lazy 5 Ranch, you have learned new things and had lots of fun. Come see us again soon. The animals will be waiting!