Meet a Capybara and Paint With a Porcupine in Pipe Creek
Happy Tails Entertainment offers private, by-appointment animal encounters right here in the Texas Hill Country. Then head home to a cabin at Al's Hideaway in the same town.
Check Availability & Book Your StayA Private Zoo Experience, Just for Your Group
Happy Tails Entertainment is a fully licensed and insured wildlife education organization based in Pipe Creek, about 15 minutes from Bandera. Their private animal encounters take place at their home property and are closed to the public, so your family or small group has the animals to yourselves. There are no additional admission fees.
Expect hands-on time with capybaras, Bennett's wallabies, African crested porcupines, alpacas, Patagonian cavies, reptiles, and more, guided by friendly, knowledgeable handlers. You can ask questions, feed and pet many of the animals, and take plenty of photos.
Good to know: Encounters are by appointment only, for guests age 5 and up, in groups of up to 10. Reserve through the Happy Tails contact page, email admin@happytailsent.com, or call Anita at 210-385-4351 or Mark at 210-387-8460.
Private Animal Encounter Packages
Four ways to meet the animals. Every package includes at least four kinds of animals.
Silver
Meet and play with the alpacas and Patagonian cavies.
Plus 2 surprise furry friends and 1 reptile.
Gold
Meet and play with the African porcupines and wallabies.
Plus 2 surprise furry friends and 1 reptile.
Diamond
Meet and play with the capybaras, wallabies, and African porcupines.
Plus 3 surprise furry friends and 2 reptiles.
Platinum
Build your own encounter with 11 animals, plus a free painting with a porcupine session.
Groups of more than four can ask about a discount. Prices are from the Happy Tails website and may change, so confirm when you book. Animals are subject to substitution, and some have handling restrictions that Happy Tails will explain when you reserve.
Who You'll Meet
An unusual crew for the Texas Hill Country.
Capybaras
The world's largest rodents, known for a calm, friendly nature. You can meet them in the Diamond Package.
Bennett's Wallabies
Small kangaroo relatives you can give scratches to, included in the Gold and Diamond packages.
African Crested Porcupines
Meet the porcupines, or try painting with one as an add-on. Encounters are guided by handlers who know each animal.
Alpacas & Patagonian Cavies
Meet the alpacas and Patagonian cavies in the Silver Package.
Plus bunnies, reptiles, and other small critters that visit for shorter meet-ups. See the Happy Tails animal list.
Take Home More Than Photos
Optional add-ons from Happy Tails.
Painting With a Porcupine
$25 per painting. Requires a booked encounter that includes the porcupines, and included free with Platinum.
Porcupine Quill Bundle
A $5 keepsake to take home.
Pre-Made Animal Artist Painting
A $15 painting made by one of the animal artists.
Loyalty Card
Meet the alpacas, porcupines, wallabies, and cavies, and get a free capybara add-on on your next visit. Each guest needs their own punch card.
How to Plan Your Animal Encounter
Three quick steps to build a weekend around it.
Reserve With Happy Tails
Contact Happy Tails to pick your package and date. Encounters are private and by appointment only.
Book Your Stay With Us
Reserve a cabin, RV site, or cowboy campsite at Al's Hideaway. Book 2+ nights and use code FUN to save 10%.
Meet the Animals
Enjoy your encounter, then come back to the pool, MeMaw's Country Store, and a campfire.
Make It an Animal Weekend in Pipe Creek
Pipe Creek is packed with animal experiences. Here is an easy way to fill your trip.
Morning: Private Encounter
Meet capybaras, wallabies, and porcupines with Happy Tails Entertainment.
Midday: MeMaw's Country Store
Sno cones, smoothies, and cooked food are on-site at Al's Hideaway.
Afternoon: Camel Farm
Feed kangaroos and meet camels at Movieland Animals. See the Camel Farm guide.
Another Day: Highland Cows
Between October and May, add a private ranch visit with Highland cattle. See the Highland cow guide.
More to explore: the full Texas Hill Country guide, our cabins, and RV sites and camping.
Bring the Animals to Your Event
Happy Tails also travels. They offer walk-around mingling programs for corporate and hospitality events, petting booths for festivals, school and homeschool programs, church events, and holiday parades, and they can customize most programs. Planning a wedding or celebration at Al's Hideaway? Contact Happy Tails for a quote, and see our events and venue page for space and pricing.
Stay Where the Trip Really Happens
Al's Hideaway is a family-owned, pet-friendly retreat in Pipe Creek with no pet fees and no cleaning fees.
13 Handcrafted Log Cabins
Real beds, A/C, and pets always free. See the cabins.
RV Sites & Cowboy Campsites
10 full-hookup RV sites and 9 cowboy campsites. See RV & camping.
Pool, Store & 20 Acres
Cool off after your encounter and stock up at MeMaw's Country Store.