By Mina Kinjo

Tucked away in Winder, just about 20 minutes outside of Gwinnett County, with a whole lot of heart and a little bit of wild magic, Hand Me Down Zoo is the kind of place where “rescue” is not just a word. It is a full-time mission filled with claws, feathers, hooves and the occasional very curious kangaroo.

This nonprofit sanctuary is home to exotics and non-releasable state wildlife that needed somewhere safe to land when returning to the wild was not an option. Instead of turning animals away, Hand Me Down Zoo steps in with open arms and sturdy enclosures, offering a second chance at life filled with care, dignity and enrichment.

But they do not stop at sanctuary life. This crew brings the wild to you. From educational presentations that turn living rooms into mini safaris, to petting zoos that show up at festivals, birthdays and community events, they create unforgettable experiences that connect people and animals in a fun, meaningful way. Think lemurs, tortoises, kangaroos and more bringing joy while sparking curiosity about the natural world.

Education is a big part of their heartbeat too. Through programs like Kids Going Wild, they introduce young learners to wildlife, ecosystems and what it truly means to coexist with nature, all in an engaging, hands-on way that sticks with them long after the visit ends.

At its core, Hand Me Down Zoo is powered by people just as much as animals. Behind every enclosure, outreach visit and educational program is a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who pour time, energy and heart into making sure every animal is safe, seen and cared for. Their passion shows up in the early mornings, the long days and the quiet moments of care that most visitors never see but always benefit from.

More than a sanctuary, it is a community built on compassion in action. It is a place where curiosity is encouraged, kindness is practiced daily and every encounter leaves you a little more connected to the natural world.

SIDE BAR
Ways to Support The Wild Work 

• Book a tour or animal encounter, by appointment only
• Host a traveling petting zoo or educational presentation
• Sponsor an animal or donate toward care and enclosure rebuilding
• Book them for film, photography or special events
• Join fundraising efforts or share their mission on social media
• Call 706-429-4591 or email Handmedownzoo@gmail.com to get involved

Because sometimes digging for good means getting a little closer to the wild and a lot closer to the community!