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| - There are multiple listings for Bonnie Springs, so here is a copy of what I wrote in another place:
"My friend first introduced us to Bonnie Springs one day on a drive out to Red Rock Canyon. Since then, we have returned a few times with other guests on the way to one of our favorite hiking spots.
My friend first told us he was taking us to the "demented animal farm". He said that this place takes in all types of animals, including ones that have been injured or abandoned in the desert over the years. We are talking everyting from deer, hogs and wolves to exotic animals like the Australian Lynx. They even have a peacock.
When we arrived, we found that Bonnie Springs was a lot more than a shelter for discarded animals. There was an old western town, a train, a small motel, a pond with ducks, and a restaurant. All of that on top of a large (and growing) section of animals. What makes this especially funny/interesting is that this place is literally in the middle of nowhere!
The animals are my favorite. Not only is this a free attraction, but you get to pet and feed many of the animals. Many are in cages or are fenced in, but some are just wandering freely. One deer, in particular, ate food from my hand as he stood next to me in the corridor. I would say that this place is safe for children, but know in advance that this is not like a zoo. Closed-toe shoes are recommended as the ground is rocky and uneven. I did not see any "demented animals" but there are a few that have obviously had some trauma. I always donate a few dollars. Everytime I return, the place is larger and there are more animals.
The old western town is interesting. Apparently, they have shows on certain days, but it was like a ghost town the last time I went. We had one funny thing happen here. We went into the candy store to look around. My nephew wanted a chocolate bar. As he was getting one from the shelf, I saw a small mouse run across the floor. I didn't say anything. When we got outside and he opened his milk chocolate bar, we were all horrified to find it was completely white! Have you even seen brown chocolate turn white? I told my nephew to keep it as it may be an artifact.
Overall, this place is a trip. Truly worth a quick visit if you are passing through, but I wouldn't plan a day around it."
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