I’ve been fortunate enough to visit many animal encounters, adventures, safaris, and zoos as part of my job. Still, none left me as spellbound as Safari Wilderness Ranch in Lakeland, Florida. This isn’t your typical animal attraction; it’s a remarkable blend of wilderness, adventure, and intimate animal encounters.
Located about 20 minutes from Celebration and Orlando, Safari Wilderness Ranch provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe exotic animals up close, right here in the United States. Let’s dive into what makes this experience so unique.
A Ride Through Paradise
Unlike theme parks or traditional zoos, Safari Wilderness Ranch offers a ride-through attraction that immerses you in nature. Imagine boarding a safari vehicle equipped with stadium seating and shade canopies, then embarking on a journey through 260 acres of pristine wilderness. The absence of large crowds allows for a more personal and enriching experience.
Our guide, an expert in animal behavior and ecology, added layers of depth to our journey, making it educational as well as exhilarating.
Penelope the Pig and Her Friends
The adventure began at check-in, where we were greeted by Penelope the pig, the “hostess with the mostess.” She was accompanied by several outdoor cats and a pen of vocal little guinea pigs, setting a lighthearted tone right from the start.
Take a bathroom break before boarding the safari vehicle; the ride is bumpy and lasts around two hours, but every moment is worth it.
Up Close with Emus and Ostriches
Our first stop was with the emus, towering birds with inquisitive eyes who eagerly approached our vehicle. Driving further into the park felt like entering a makeshift Serengeti.
The warm Florida sun and the almost eerie silence, punctuated only by the hum of our vehicle and the occasional animal sound, transported us to a different realm. An ostrich, seemingly eager for the treats we had, came so close to our vehicle that it felt like it was about to climb in.
If you’re apprehensive about feeding these majestic birds, don’t worry—your guide will show you the ropes. Trust me, if I can do it, anyone can!
A Place to Stay Nearby: LEGOLAND Pirate Island Hotel
If you plan to extend your trip, consider staying at the uber-cool LEGOLAND Pirate Island Hotel, just 40 minutes away. This family-friendly hotel is only 130 steps from the theme park entrance, making it a convenient and exciting option for travelers of all ages.
Warthogs and The Lion King Moments
Next up were the warthogs. These charming creatures came running to see us, tails wagging and eyes wide with curiosity. They seemed slightly disappointed when we didn’t have warthog-approved treats, but their antics brought back fond memories of “The Lion King.”
Their expressive eyes and playful demeanor made them instant favorites.
A Global Animal Experience
We explored the property for the next 20 to 30 minutes and encountered various exotic animals, including Watusi cattle, eland, sitatunga from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and axis deer. Some animals approached us eagerly, while others preferred to observe from the shade of nearby trees.
Our guide provided fascinating insights into each animal’s intelligence, traits, and global origins, enriching our experience.
Llamas and Water Buffalos
As we neared the llama enclosure, these friendly beggars rushed over for treats. Sharing their space were water buffalos, emerging from their refreshing pond for a snack. We fed the animals as quickly as possible, marveling at their gentle nature.
The water buffalos were remarkably tame, allowing us to toss food pellets directly into their mouths and pet them. Despite their slobbery kisses, they quickly became our favorite animals of the day.
The Majestic Zebra and The Friendly Camels
The Grant’s zebra were beautiful and majestic, with a few babies playing around them. Seeing these animals reproduce naturally was heartening, indicating they are well-acclimated and content in their environment.
But the true stars of Safari Wilderness are the camels. With their single and double humps, these camels are the rulers of the ranch. They are insatiable, constantly seeking food and trying to eat our cameras!
Despite their voracious appetites, they enjoyed being petted and were clearly fans of the safari vehicles filled with curious visitors.
Lemur Love
As our safari adventure ended, we exited the vehicle and entered the ring-tailed lemurs’ quarters. Around a dozen lemurs were perched in window cut-outs and on ledges, keeping a watchful eye on us.
One lemur even had a baby riding on her back, an adorable sight that melted our hearts. Our guide instructed us to stand to one side of a structure where the lemurs would approach for their special treats—tiny bits of red grapes.
Lemurs are incredibly friendly and gentle. They grasp your hand with their velvety paws while eating, making the encounter both endearing and memorable. Handling this kind of animal encounter interaction with utmost care and attention is essential, as lemurs can only eat small amounts at a time.
They don’t like to be petted, but don’t worry—they won’t bite.
Unforgettable Memories
Safari Wilderness Ranch, in Lakeland, Florida, offers an unparalleled experience that combines adventure, education, and conservation. The joy of learning about these animals and seeing them thrive in their naturalistic habitats is truly heartwarming.
From the curious ostriches and friendly warthogs to the majestic zebras and voracious camels, every moment spent at Safari Wilderness is a testament to the wonders of the animal kingdom.
If you’re a travel enthusiast looking to explore the unique wildlife of Florida, Safari Wilderness Ranch should be at the top of your list. The firsthand encounters and the expert guidance make it an unforgettable adventure.
Pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and embark on a journey to Florida’s most unique animal encounter.
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