On the Wild Side...

Up at sunrise full of excitement as Wild Animal Safari was calling.  Packed a sandwich lunch and headed down Rt. 18/27 to Pine Mountain, GA.  Here we purchased our tickets, a "slobber towel", and 4 bags of animal feed pellets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We chose to drive our big white truck through the park instead of riding the zebra striped bus or renting a zebra striped van for a more personal encounter.

 

As we entered the big arched open cattle guard gate, the animals were waiting and hungry.  The park attendant said early morning visits were best as midday to afternoon is siesta time.

 

I was a bit leery of the animals as they told us to be aware of the Zebras, Zedonks, Ostriches, Emus, and Rheas...they can peck and bite.

 

So, J started out with the feeding frenzy as I became the camera gal.

 

 

 These Zebras have TEETH as they fuss with each other for the pellet toss.  Wild Animal Safari encourages you to feed any and all of the hoofed animals in the drive-through section.

 

 This big Caur (on left) poked its head through our OPEN window for a nibble.

 

 

Giraffe Hill was next.  Their long necks enabled them to reach over and under the top rail of their safety fence for a pellet of food.

Markhor Mountain

 

Check out these racks.

 

The red cow (below right) had one horn up and one horn was turned down.  Big wall eyes as they reached for food.

 

Finally getting up my nerve to feed something.  See them coming...................

Look at this newborn.  Was wobbly on its legs when it got up to nurse.





 



 

 Cat Condo                                                                        Camel Caravan

 

                           

Watusi Way

Look at those horns.  Believe it or not...but, they know how to turn their heads to get food from you so as not to hit your vehicle or bump your big mirrors.  We did get bumped a few times...nothing major.  Just had to be careful when moving forward so as not to hang a horn on anything.  WHEW!

This was the prettiest marked cow in the park.
 

 

Elk Swimming Hole
 

 

                  

Rhino Riviera









Here the 1 week old potbellied piglets (at left) were playing inside the Rhino pen while mama nibbled treats outside along the roadway.


Today we had a royal treat.  The park had quite a number of potbellied pigs.  As we rode through, I squealed for J to stop and BACK UP!  There in a heaped up bed of pine needle straw under the pines was a mama potbellied pig with a NEW litter of piglets.  As best we could count...there were about seven of the shiny black newborns.

We drove through this park 3 times getting 3 different views of these little beauties.  They are growing and each trip around more active.  Mama resting.  Sooooooo cute!

Bushwhacker Hideout is home for the Ostrich.  Today I learned the Ostrich opens its beak as it moves its head forward to scoop up a drink of water. 





Pig Palace located at the end of the watering hole was a red mud walla.  Check out this XXX size.





Elk and Fallow Deer.  The Egyptian Goose above enjoyed the pellet nibbles, too.  There were many animals...deer, goats, donkeys, Llamas, pond turtles, monkeys, lions, tigers, ligers, and more.  

Old McDonald's Farm Walk-About



Old McDonald's Farm (above right) was a walk-about with more birds and animals.  We were greeted by this beautiful Peacock.  The Kangaroo and Tortoise shared a residence.

 Here is J's buddy...the Black Bear perched up on top of a big pile of rocks as he/she peers around the grounds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We were able to observe a park attendant inside the Ocelot cage.  This young  male has learned to "hiss"...but, does not pose a threat, yet.
 

Here is the Patagonian Cavy...a native of Argentina.                Here is one of the twin baby goats.     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OK Reece....this is for YOU. 

There were several more Geckos; but, these were my favorite lizards.

 

 
Can't leave without the Zedonk (Zebra/Donkey cross) and the barnyard chicken.  We were spit on, slobbered on, burped on, rubbed on, door handles chewed, and mirrors occasionally horned.  But, what an awesome day of fun with the animals.  Until next time...take care...travel safe.  See you by the campfire.