Welcome
to
Mini 'S'
Exotic Zoo!

Founded by Michelle Smith, Mini S Exotic Zoo (also now known as C.A.R.E.S: Conservation & Advocacy For Rare & Endangered Species) is a USDA licensed propagation center and a private educational touring site in Mineola, Texas, 90 miles east of Dallas, Texas. At any given time, our zoological facility houses, breeds and exhibits more than 30 species of exotic wildlife from around the world, of many which are critically endangered and facing extinction. Without carefully-executed captive breeding programs such as the C.A.R.E.S. in place, many of these unique wildlife species would continue to decline in number, eventually disappearing from the Earth entirely.
Our animals have been featured in commercials, advertisements and documentaries across the United States. You can now see these same rare and endangered animals up close and in a personal one on one setting. You will learn about each unique species from our knowledgeable, friendly staff, and when available, have the opportunity to feed and interact with baby exotic animals!
​We are a fully USDA and Texas Parks and Wildlife compliant facility.
*We DO NOT allow contact with most primates. The pictures above are only of our staff!