Do you know what a group of giraffes is called? A tower of giraffes. Perfect, right? All kinds of fun facts about African plains animals and tropical birds can be gleaned from a walk or ride through Safari West’s 400 acres. Safari West’s oak hill woodlands are home to approximately 900 animals and 90 species, including about a dozen giraffes. All of the animals are rescued. None are taken from the wild.
Unlike traditional zoos with cages, animals here have clean, large habitats which can be toured in vintage Dodge Power Wagons outfitted with four levels of seating, including a perched roof-deck bench. They are similar to vehicles used in African safaris. Be sure to strap in. The roads are bumpy! The 4×4 Power Wagons crawl up and down slowly offering close yet respectful encounters with the animals while knowledgeable guides offer insights. For instance, giraffes have 25-pound hearts necessary for pumping blood up to the brain, and their blue tongues stretch almost 2 feet to grab leaves high on trees, while the blue color prevents sunburn while they feed. This giraffe walked to within a foot of our safari vehicle, and yes, it towered over us.
Safari West welcomes overnight stays in glamping tents imported from Botswana. Guests can hear nighttime and morning sounds of the “wild” echoing off the Mayacamas while gazing up at the stars in dark surroundings. Other tours at the property allow feeding and close interactions with the animals—including the rhinos. Walk through a large aviary called Amani Oasis housing more than 30 species of birds, while a guide points out the scarlet ibises, cranes, pheasants, kookaburras, spoonbills and many more.
Peter and Nancy Lang started this unique preserve in 1993. It survived the Tubbs fire in 2017 partly through Peter Lang’s heroic efforts putting out spot fires with garden hoses. Remarkably, no animals died. Safari West transitioned to nonprofit stewardship this year under the Safari West Zoological Society, helping secure its mission of environmental education and care of animals.
FUN FACTS: Specialty names for groups of animals include: a pride of lions; a leap of leopards; a coalition of cheetahs; a parade of elephants; a crash of rhinoceros; a dazzle of zebras; an implausibility of gnus; a mob of kangaroos; a gang or obstinacy of Cape buffalo; a flamboyance of flamingos; a convocation of eagles; a parliament of owls; starlings—a chatter, or murmuration when swirling; parrots, a pandamonium; a festival of toucans; an exaltation of larks; a murder of crows; vultures—a wake when feeding, or a kettle when flying in circles; and a shiver of sharks.
For more wildlife viewing opportunities, see safariwest.org.
