teens and kids

Out of Africa Wildlife Park
by Danielle Ruberto

“Giraffe! Giraffe! Wildebeest!” yelled my seven-year old brother Jim on the Serengeti bus. Our day at Out Of Africa Wildlife Park was amazing.

We started on the Serengeti Tour with our guide, Sean, originally from South Africa. He was very helpful in explaining the animals and their backgrounds. The first animals we saw were zebras. They came right up to the bus and Sean pulled out treats. “Have you ever seen a zebra smile?” he asked us. Seconds later, we all did. I thought that was awesome; but so much more was ahead of us.

At our next stop we were observing some of the habitats when all of a sudden an enormous ostrich comes out of nowhere and starts running toward the bus. It stretched its neck over the side of the bus and stuck its head in the bucket of treats. I didn’t know what to do with myself. My brother started cracking up and my dad whipped out his 80-pound camera. It was all hysterical to watch.

After that little adventure, we kept driving until we came upon a giraffe. The bus was stopped and the giraffe lowered its huge head inside. Sean then pulled out a treat and put it in between his two front teeth. Moments later the giraffe let out its crazy long gray tongue and wrapped it around the treat, taking it from Sean’s mouth. Everyone was in awe. Lots of kids fed it next, some with their mouths, others with their hands, and then it was my turn. Now of course my dad made me use my mouth, and somehow I ended up doing it twice. The giraffe licked my entire face, and let me say, that was sloppy and fun.

The Serengeti Tour was incredible, but there was still more to be seen. We then were escorted down to the daily predator feed by Dean and Prayeri, the owners of the wildlife park. The staff members travel from habitat to habitat feeding the animals as the park visitors follow along. Watching the animals feed in their natural habitats was absolutely incredible.

We also saw lions, white tigers, tigers, hyenas, jaguar, wolfs, serval cats, bear, leopard, big snakes and a rhino!

Out Of Africa turned out to be not just a day at a wildlife park, but an amazing experience that I’ll never forget. All the animals in the park were just beautiful, and it’s thanks to the wonderful owners, Dean and Prayeri, for being so loving and passionate. If you are interested in seeing these animals in their natural habitats, having a great time with your family, or (getting licked by a giraffe), you should definitely visit this breathtaking park.

For more information on Out of Africa Wildlife Park, visit www.outofafricapark.com or call 928-567-2840.

Danielle Ruberto is the 15 year old daughter of Key publisher Tom Ruberto and is a sophomore in high school.