Meet the Wild Side of Marana: Ghost Ranch Exotics Is Your Next Animal Adventure

I became intrigued with capybaras when I read about them many years ago. I later saw a documentary about these cute, gentle giant rodents, and I couldn't get them out of my head.

I never imagined I'd get to meet one in person, but that I'd also get the chance to pet and even cuddle one—right here in Arizona!

What’s Ghost Ranch Exotics All About?

Ghost Ranch Exotics is a one-of-a-kind sanctuary where humans of all ages can meet, feed, and interact with exotic animals. Tucked away in the scenic Sonoran Desert near Marana Regional Airport, it's home to some of the sweetest creatures you'd never imagine meeting in Arizona.

The ranch is owned and operated by Georgie McNeal, and she also happened to be our guide on a warm fall day. She's not just a docent; she's an enthusiastic caretaker who knows the personality and temperament of each animal in her care.

Many of the animals were born and hand-raised, right there and the ranch. She shared that some were even "bottle-fed in my own living room."

This ranch isn’t your average petting zoo. It’s a private, small-group, appointment-only experience that lets you get up close and personal with some of the world's most gentle and fascinating creatures.

Love birds, too? You can read about the difference between crows and ravens, here: How to Identify Ravens and Crows in Arizona

Ever Hung Out with a Capybara?

I have a confession: I was worried that the hype around the capybara may have been exaggerated. I fretted that the gentle, sweet nature the documentary filmmakers shared was just for the cameras. I was delighted to learn these adorable animals live up to the hype.

If you haven’t met a capybara yet, you’re in for a treat. These critters are the world’s largest rodents, and they're both social and sweet.

The capybara is native to South America, and they love hanging out in the water. They're excellent swimmers thanks to their webbed feet and spend much of their time lounging near water. "This is the life," Georgie joked as we fed leaf lettuce to one capy who was chilling in a water tank, "hanging out and getting hand-fed snacks, poolside."

What Do You Call a Group of Capybaras?

At Ghost Ranch, you can feed and pet a whole herd of capys, and some of the smaller ones even jumped up and hugged us as we bent down to feed them.

(In case you were wondering, according to A-Z Animals, a group of capybaras are called a herd. I was hoping for something more creative like, a "snuggle" or a "commune". If a group of crows can be a murder it seems capybaras could be called something more interesting, too.)

Here's another ranch in Arizona where you can meet animals, but a little less exotic: How Horsen Around Rescue Is Helping Horses In Hereford

What’s a Mara and Why Is It So Cute?

The capybaras were my main motivation for visiting the ranch, but they have a host of other interesting and friendly animals who proved to be just as delightful.

Hanging out with the young capys were a few small animals that looked like a cross between a rabbit and a kangaroo, called Patagonian mara.

Mara, according to A-Z Animals, are lesser-known cousins of the guinea pig. They look a lot like a rabbit with long legs and a deer-like face. These gentle, quirky critters are native to Argentina. They were basking in the shade near the capybaras.

Can You Really Pet a Porcupine?

Here's a question I never thought I would ask: have you ever pet a porcupine? It turns out, they’re surprisingly mellow, not at all prickly or pokey, and we learned that they don't eject their quills.

Georgie introduced us to a pair, and explained that they love to eat small nuts, roots, and berries. Then she guided us on the best way to interact with them safely.

Why Is This the Coolest Petting Zoo in Arizona?

We also met a friendly warthog, emus, and tortoises. If you're interested in meeting any of these animals or have animal-obsessed kids, you'll enjoy a day trip to Ghost Ranch Exotics.

If you'd like to find out more, connect with them Ghost Ranch Exotics and Funny Foot Farm on Facebook or book your visit their website, Ghost Ranch Exotics.