Swim With Otters in Louisiana: Magnolia Wilds Experience Guide

If swimming with otters is on your bucket list, you don’t have to travel far to make it happen. Nestled in Ethel, Louisiana, just about 30 miles north of Baton Rouge, Magnolia Wilds (formerly Barn Hill Preserve) offers one of the most unique hands-on wildlife encounters in the region.

The highlight of the visit is the Otter Swim Experience, where guests get to splash around in a climate-controlled saltwater pool alongside Neville and Seamus, the preserve’s resident Asian small-clawed otters.

During the supervised 45-minute swim session, you can watch these agile, playful animals glide through the water, learn about their unique behaviors from expert staff, and get an up-close perspective few ever experience.

However, the adventure starts long before you step into the pool. Every swim booking includes a comprehensive two-hour guided Wild Discovery Tour across the property, covering over 50 species of animal ambassadors. Highlights of the tour include:

Sloth Room: Hand-feed two-toed sloths, grab a group photo, and snap a sloth selfie.

Kangaroo Walkabout: Walk directly inside the exhibit to interact with marsupials.

Reptile & Parrot Discoveries: Hold smaller reptile ambassadors and meet vibrant aviary residents.

Petting Zoo: Hang out in the goat paddock to meet the herd’s quirky personalities.

Plan Your Visit

Location: 11342 Highway 955 E, Ethel, LA

What to Pack: Swimwear, a towel, closed-toe shoes for the walking tour, a refillable water bottle, and sun or rain protection depending on the weather.

Whether you're looking for a memorable family outing or a dream day for an animal lover, meeting Neville and Seamus is an experience you won't soon forget.