Out of Africa Wildlife Park

Out of Africa, in Arizona

by Amanda Arnold

Have you ever touched a 130-pound boa constrictor, or observed a lion devour fresh, raw meat. Have you ever kissed a giraffe?

Giraffes may appear to be rather timid animals, but in reality, they will stretch their spotted neck past your face in search of eager children and adults handing out carrots. The gentle beasts, that do not even have the ability to bite, greet adventurers on the authentic Segenti Safari at Out of Africa Wildlife Park, located in Camp Verde, Arizona everyday.

The magic begins the minute you walk through the tall gates of the 104-acre Out of Africa Wildlife Park. Flagstaff's San Francisco Peaks are visible in the distance, and with just a little imagination, the mountains take the place of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. Look up upon the rugged landscape where a pride of lions gazes down to see who enters their domain.

You will meet the lions who call the park home, and the best way is to board the Wildlife Preserve Tour for an educational introduction to the park's resident lions and other large predators such as white tigers, black panthers and serval cats. For a closer look at the predators, hike along the 2.5-mile loop, but don't forget to carry water because just like Africa, Camp Verde does get hot in the summer.

Along the way, you will learn the unique stories of the animals, such as the touching tale of Boom Boom, the Park's only rhinoceros. Until recently, Boom Boom faced a doomed fate of a canned hunt (where the landowner in certain states guarantees the paying customer a trophy). However, Marc Ecko of the Ecko Unlimited clothing line, out-bid the highest bidder for the hunt, thus saving Boom Boom.

Throughout your visit to the Park, you will see caretakers tending to animals as if they were taking care of their own children. If you visit on Sunday, Wednesday or Friday you will have the opportunity to join the Predator Feed Tour where the caregivers feed 800 pounds of raw meet to the hungry carnivores. The caretakers feed some animals by hand, like Java the 21-year-old cape lion that is slightly arthritic but since he acquired several new lioness friends, he now moves around fairly well.

For those who live in the area and cannot make it to Out of Africa, the Director of Outreach, Jil Ocel, will bring Millie the African Giant Millipede, Julius Squeezer the giant python, Norman the Congo African grey parrot, or other animals of her menagerie to such locations as schools, assisted living facilities and the 2007 Women's Expo in Phoenix.

"The ultimate mission is to touch as many people as we can," Ms. Ocel explains the outreach program, which is an extension of Out of Africa.

Ms. Ocel continues to explain that people of all ages and abilities react to the animals in awe and amazement. Most people enjoy touching the animals, even the snakes and bugs. In fact, those in the audience who appear apprehensive about creepy crawlers may face their fear or adjust their attitude by getting close and feeling the animal. Out of Africa and the outreach program are both safe environments for learning and dispelling common myths that surround wildlife.

“Each animal has its place and we try to teach respect for all animals and we are always trying to bring a representative of the reptiles,” Ms. Ocel declares.

Usually, people have a fondness for cute fuzzy animals, but they surprise themselves when Millie, for example, intrigues them. Ms. Ocel often hears seniors comment on the beauty of the giant millipede.

When you visit Out of Africa Wildlife Park, perhaps you will find the beauty in all the animals.

For more information about Out of Africa visit http://www.outofafricapark.com/ or call 928.567.2840. Also, for further information about wildlife outreach programs in your area contact your local zoological society.


WHEN YOU GO
LOCATION: Out of Africa Wildlife Park is located about 90 miles north of Phoenix
GETTINGTHERE: Take I17 north and take the Camp Verde Exit. Then follow the signs to Out of Africa.
PHONE: 928.567.2840
HOURS: Visit http://www.outofafricapark.com/ for current hours of operation.
EVENTS: The Predator Feed Tour is on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. The Giant Snake Show is Thursday and Saturday.
RECOMMENDATIONS: You should plan to spend about three to four hours at the park, and if you go on a weekday, it will not be as crowded. Also, don’t forget your camera so you can photograph the animals from one of the many unobstructed views from the observation decks.
COST: Tickets are $28 for adults, seniors 65+ $26, children 3-12 $20 and children under 3 are free. All of the tours are included in the ticket price.