25-acre exotic animal sanctuary hits market near Raleigh, camel and sloth included
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Owner lists 25-acre Animal Edventures sanctuary for $2 million, animals included.
- Sanctuary operates as nonprofit on donations, offers tours, camps and education.
- Listing suggests revenue options: glamping, Airbnb, private events and camps.
For over a decade, Corynne “Cory” Freeman has operated Animal Edventures Sanctuary, also known as Earth-Speak Park, in rural Coats, in Harnett County, about 30 miles south of Raleigh.
Spanning 25 acres of mostly grassy pasture, the land has provided refuge to an array of unwanted or neglected exotic pets. Among them: a camel, a sloth, horses, goats, lemurs, binturongs, and various exotic birds, bats and reptiles.
However, the sanctuary’s fate — including many of its resident creatures — is up in the air.
The property at 1489 Live Oak Road is listed for sale for $2 million, animals included.
“The owner is having medical issues and needs someone to take over and continue this well-loved facility,” listing agent Rosemary Podgradski, a Benson-based Realtor, told The N&O.
The registered nonprofit describes itself as a “Sanctuary for the Human Spirit” and a “Peace Park for All.” It recently passed an inspection from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, according to the listing.
It has a 4.5-star rating from 827 Google reviews.
The property features a 2,380-square-foot brick home with three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms and multiple outbuildings, including a 2,400-square-foot barn, 1,200-square-foot reptile room and several animal enclosures.
It operates entirely on donations and admissions, with no state or federal funding. It offers walking tours, field trips, summer camps, and educational programs focused on “responsible pet ownership and wildlife conservation.”
If desired, the owner could “train, teach and consult” for a smooth transition, Podgradski said.
But it’s not required. Selections and customizations can be made. “Undesired animals can be safely placed elsewhere, if desired.”
The listing offers other ideas to produce income: setting up glamping sights, promoting as an Airbnb, holding private events or kids’ camps.
“There are endless possibilities,” it reads. “Your imagination is the limit.”
This story was originally published October 8, 2025 at 10:52 AM with the headline "25-acre exotic animal sanctuary hits market near Raleigh, camel and sloth included."
