We know what you’re thinking…
How did we wind up in Effingham County?
Let’s go back to the very beginning.
Our intentions at first were not centered around creating a conventional “zoo”, but rather a place where our deep love for animals could grow. Our many different species of birds, particularly pheasants, is what sparked our passoion to opening our home to different types of animals. What started as chickens, geese, ginnies, and pheasants, outgrew to goats, horses, and cows.
Our Family Keeps Growing
As time went on, more and more animals joined us like our camel, zebras, lemurs, sloth, you name it. Each new addition reminded us how much joy animals can bring, and it made us want to share that joy with others.
Rolling Up Our Sleeves
Opening a ranch like ours takes a lot of hard work and then some! We had to learn about each animal’s needs, build safe and comfortable habitats, follow safety protocols, and make sure all the permits and regulations were in place. It was (and is) a big job, but every step is worth it to give our animals the best home possible!
Welcoming Our First Guests
Once everything was ready, we started welcoming guests through private guided tours in August 2023. Small groups got the chance to meet our animals up close, learn about their care, and experience the ranch in a personal way.
Seeing people’s reactions, the wonder in kids’ eyes and the excitement of adults getting to interact with animals reminded us why we started this journey in the first place. It was one thing to care for the animals at home, but sharing them with others brought a whole new kind of joy.
Today at Hope Ranch
That leads us to today the culmination of our journey. In March 2026, we opened our gates for general admission, so anyone can come explore the ranch, meet our animals, and enjoy a fun day outdoors!
We still offer private guided tours for guests who want a more personal experience, but now families, friends, and animal lovers of all ages can wander the grounds at their own pace.
Hope Ranch isn’t just a home for animals. It’s a place to learn, discover, and make memories together. We are so grateful to everyone who has supported us along the way and helped make our dream a reality.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,
Shannon and Gilvan Valim