Behind the Business: Wild Acres and Chill Sloth

STONE COUNTY, Miss. (WLOX) - Established in 2018, with just a few animals, Cody Breland has transformed family land into a zoological park, best known as Wild Acres in McHenry.

Tigers, lemurs, porcupines, anteaters, and parrots are some of the dozens of animals that call this place home.

“Wild Acres started out as just a small family farm,” Breland said. “There were a few animals here, then during the pandemic and a little after, people were looking for something to do outdoors for their families... So every hour we allowed a different family to come out here and experience the farm. It was socially distanced family tours.”

Since 2020, Breland has allowed families and many schools to tour the park, creating an experience they won’t forget.

“Now people come here every single week... We get to see and meet families from all over,” Breland said. “It’s just a really awesome experience. What’s really cool is, the way we make it, it’s reservation only, and we only allow so many people per day because we want it to be just as fun for the animals as it is for the people.”

As you walk the park, you’ll notice each species has its own custom-built home. Some even have the luxury to make a splash when they want. Breland said the upkeep can be a lot, but it’s worth it.

Breland shared that business slows down a bit at Wild Acres when kids go back to school and in the winter. So, 15 minutes down the road, he decided to open up shop to welcome the community year-round... and it’s always sweet.

In Downtown Wiggins sits Chill Sloth, an ice cream shop, run mostly by Breland’s partner Jake Fletcher, with an up-close-and-personal experience with a friend from Wild Acres.

“Sammy was at Wild Acres for a few years,” Fletcher said. “He is now an older mature male sloth, so we did decide to bring him up here, let him essentially retire.”

Fletcher said many people come in looking for Sammy the Sloth, who’s nestled in a sound-proof and climate-controlled exhibit right inside of the ice cream shop.

“So as soon as people come in, the first thing they want to do is come and see the sloth,” Fletcher said. “They light up, they love it. Some people have gone their whole lives without seeing a sloth in person.”

Breland said it brings him joy to know he can brighten someone’s day at either business.

“I think it’s extremely rewarding to see people are happy and enjoying themselves,” Breland said.

Wild Acres is also home to several rescue animals. Breland says people contact them to take them in, or simply drop them off.

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