ANIMAL INSTINCT
Safari Survival
written by Charity Mainville l Photos Jessica Drake - JLD Imagery
When you think about a safari , most likely you think of wild animals roaming around African lands . Granted that thought process is correct , but what if , instead , you get a very similar experience by only taking a road trip ? About 5 ½ hours south of Seattle lies over 600 animals roaming freely over 400 developed acres of land including elephants , hippos , tigers , lions , zebras , cheetahs , giraffes and more . Located in Winston , Oregon , Wildlife Safari is a nonprofit drive-thru animal park with a purpose - saving some of the world ’ s most endangered species through conservation , education and research .
Hippos were one of the first species of animals to arrive at Wildlife Safari
In 1963 , a man named Frank Hart took some time off from his real estate career and left his family to go on a safari in Africa and it wouldn ’ t be his last . During this time , he witnessed the selling of zebra , lion , and cheetah skins so Africans could afford to pay for food and shelter .
He soon realized that these majestic animals were endangered , on the brink of extinction , and the poaching was getting worse . It was only his third trip when Hart decided he wanted to help by creating a sanctuary in the US where the animals could roam free and people could witness them close up .
In 1972 , he went forward with his dream . After raising funds and leaving their Beverly Hills life , Hart and his wife , Barbara , drove up and down the west coast in search of the perfect land and found Winston . In an interview with The Seattle Times , Hart stated , “ Oregon looks so much like Africa--the mild weather , the snow , the mountains , it ’ s very similar .” In spring of 1973 , the safari park opened its door to the public featuring 30 different species including elephants , hippos and cheetahs .
In 1982 , Wildlife Safari became a nonprofit organization and in 1986 it received accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums . Fewer than 10 % of the approximately 2,800 animal exhibitors are AZA accredited . This means Wildlife Safari must meet AZA ’ s standards for animal management and care including its living environments , social groupings , health , and nutrition , provided with enrichment . It also evaluates its veterinary program , involvement in conservation and research , education programs , safety policies and procedures , security , physical facilities , guest services , and the quality of the institution ’ s staff .
In addition , Wildlife Safari is home to a world-renowned cheetah breeding program . It is the second best in the world birthing over 200 cubs so far . Hart was also a recipient of the Significant Achievement Award from the Cheetah Conservation Fund . These
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