Safari Wilderness Safari Wilderness Review and News Thread

[Clouded Leopard Mom]

Sometime last year SW started renting "Premium" and "Classic" Safari tents for an outright egregious price. They have 9 or 10 tents (the website gives both numbers) near the main "lodge" building.

The Classic Safari tent is $400 a night and the Premium is.....wait for it.......$1,500 a night. LOL. That is just insane. You could literally go on a safari in Africa for a week, with flights, for what it would cost to stay here 5 nights (not that you ever would stay at SW for 5 nights). Hey, it comes with a continental breakfast too!

Do you have any Idea what it costs to buy 260 acres? To put 10 miles of 8 Ft 100 year guaranteed Game fence around it? Build several million dollars worth of buildings? spend $50,000 a month on feed? Have insurance costs to be able to do this business would blow your freaking mind.! Payroll for six employees, animals that can run upwards to $700,000 apiece. Electric bills that are probably over two grand a month, maintenance and equipment to maintain the place and that’s not the half of it and you want to make some smart Alec comment about how you think things are too expensive? Go start your own business, and then you can judge other people. I have read this entire thread and can’t find one bit of correct information only gossip and speculation. Really sad to see you guys enjoying tearing down something you don’t even know anything about. I am the manager of Safari Wilderness and have been for the last two years…this is a wonderful place where animals run free and they are happy and they do not hide like zoo animals that are tired of being stared at and are not given enough room to get away. I would think that loose free animals would make you happier than a stupid accreditation where you pay somebody so they can tell you how to run your business… Lex Salisbury was an AZA accreditation Inspector for years, so why does he need to pay somebody else when he already abides by the rules and goes above and beyond them because he demands excellence in his staff and he is a very kind man, is great to his employees and dearly loves his animals probably more than most people love their kids. I was told by the head of FWC recently, that we are one of the top facilities in the state of Florida, other than White Oak I think that speaks volumes… Question.. does it feel good to tear other people down?

 

[SwampDonkey]

Do you have any Idea what it costs to buy 260 acres? To put 10 miles of 8 Ft 100 year guaranteed Game fence around it? Build several million dollars worth of buildings? spend $50,000 a month on feed? Have insurance costs to be able to do this business would blow your freaking mind.! Payroll for six employees, animals that can run upwards to $700,000 apiece. Electric bills that are probably over two grand a month, maintenance and equipment to maintain the place and that’s not the half of it and you want to make some smart Alec comment about how you think things are too expensive? Go start your own business, and then you can judge other people.

Actually, I own my own business and I also have a real-estate license. Further, both businesses I own are closely involved in the hospitality industry, so yes - I do have a very good idea of costs for building hotels/motels/Inns and the expenses in their ongoing maintenance.

I have read this entire thread and can’t find one bit of correct information only gossip and speculation.

Well, this is an internet forum with people that are generally not really invovled in the actual zoos and aquariums, so most of it is speculation. It would be fantastic to have more people as members that were actually working in or own the institutions on the forum. It really would set a lot of misconceptions and speculation to bed. But as it is, we only have a few members that qualify as "in the know".

Really sad to see you guys enjoying tearing down something you don’t even know anything about.

I don't think that anyone really enjoys tearing down any of the zoos we enjoy, except perhaps the truly terrible zoos - of which Safari Wilderness is not on that side. Safari Wilderness is a really cool place, and Lex does know his business. Broadly the most complaints are the high cost of entry. While it may be "worth" it to many people, to others the cost will be higher than they can justify.

I am the manager of Safari Wilderness and have been for the last two years…this is a wonderful place where animals run free and they are happy and they do not hide like zoo animals that are tired of being stared at and are not given enough room to get away.

Welcome, it really is great to have you as a part of the forum, to give a voice from the "inside". But there is no reason to also tear down traditional zoos in the process.

I would think that loose free animals would make you happier than a stupid accreditation where you pay somebody so they can tell you how to run your business

Many of us agree and find the AZA to be a byzantine organization that is of value to a level but also see that remaining unaccredited also makes sense for a lot of zoos.

… Lex Salisbury was an AZA accreditation Inspector for years, so why does he need to pay somebody else when he already abides by the rules and goes above and beyond them because he demands excellence in his staff and he is a very kind man, is great to his employees and dearly loves his animals probably more than most people love their kids.

I was acquainted with Lex in his Lowry Park days, and I can agree with the above statement wholeheartedly. Lowry Park/ZooTampa was at its top level when he was Director.

I was told by the head of FWC recently, that we are one of the top facilities in the state of Florida, other than White Oak I think that speaks volumes

I could believe that. Care, dedication, and a lot of money have gone into the construction and ongoing operations of Safari Wilderness.[/quote]

… Question.. does it feel good to tear other people down?

Of course not. I am so sorry that you feel like people are attacking a place that you love, and the animals and people that are a part of that place. I will personally apologize for any statements that I made that may have fallen in that category.

I think most of the criticisms of Safari Wilderness come down to the high costs, which whether one feels like it is "worth it" or not is up to the individual. My posts (seen through this thread and initial review) mostly think that it is "worth it", but the increasing cost of entry does make that more difficult to justify, but that is perhaps just "me".

The post you quoted from me in regards to the luxury camping I still stand beside. It is expensive, very, very expensive. Is it worth it to some people? Absolutely it will be worth it to some. For what it is worth, I also don't think Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge is worth the cost either, and they are near capacity nearly always. While they are different experiences, they are both very costly. A lot of people see the value in that experience. But that does not mean Animal Kingdom or Safari Wilderness are not very well run zoos and not fulfilling a really nice niche in the zoo and tourism world. I have been on safari in Kruger Park, and there is really no closer experience than what you are offering....it's just expensive.

Broadly, most members see the species list and cost and judge that it is not worth the entry. Personally I think that it is a unique place and can be worth the entry. Before the opening of Wild Florida's drive through it was the only place in Florida (outside Lion Country) with anything like a safari experience. Wild Florida has seen their own share of controversy, of course.

Some criticize the species available to be seen as most are common. There are a handful of really special animals, the forest buffalo in particular, but it is hard to deny that the animals kept are largely common. As I mentioned in one of the first posts in this thread, the high cost is really for the experience offered, and it is a unique experience to be sure. Perhaps if the species kept were more clear people would feel less this way? It is rather hard to find any species lists other than combing the USDA reports.

The other criticisms are of Lex, and it is hard to deny (keeping in mind the kindness and the excellence he inspires) the issues that led to his departure from Lowry Park cloud his standing in the zoo world. It is hard to live down issues like that, although he has made two really nice facilities with little other than his own persona, personal investment, and sheer will - which he can be commended for, very few individuals have that ability - but many of us on these forums wish that we did.

 

[Aardwolf]

I get it. I've seen several of the zoos I've worked at here put down by folks who don't always appear to know what they're talking about, and my gut reactions is always to reply, "Oh yeah you little (insert string of profanities here), let's see YOU do better..."

 

[Clouded Leopard Mom]

Actually, I own my own business and I also have a real-estate license. Further, both businesses I own are closely involved in the hospitality industry, so yes - I do have a very good idea of costs for building hotels/motels/Inns and the expenses in their ongoing maintenance.

Well, this is an internet forum with people that are generally not really invovled in the actual zoos and aquariums, so most of it is speculation. It would be fantastic to have more people as members that were actually working in or own the institutions on the forum. It really would set a lot of misconceptions and speculation to bed. But as it is, we only have a few members that qualify as "in the know".

I don't think that anyone really enjoys tearing down any of the zoos we enjoy, except perhaps the truly terrible zoos - of which Safari Wilderness is not on that side. Safari Wilderness is a really cool place, and Lex does know his business. Broadly the most complaints are the high cost of entry. While it may be "worth" it to many people, to others the cost will be higher than they can justify.

Welcome, it really is great to have you as a part of the forum, to give a voice from the "inside". But there is no reason to also tear down traditional zoos in the process.

Many of us agree and find the AZA to be a byzantine organization that is of value to a level but also see that remaining unaccredited also makes sense for a lot of zoos.

I was acquainted with Lex in his Lowry Park days, and I can agree with the above statement wholeheartedly. Lowry Park/ZooTampa was at its top level when he was Director.

I could believe that. Care, dedication, and a lot of money have gone into the construction and ongoing operations of Safari Wilderness.

Of course not. I am so sorry that you feel like people are attacking a place that you love, and the animals and people that are a part of that place. I will personally apologize for any statements that I made that may have fallen in that category.

I think most of the criticisms of Safari Wilderness come down to the high costs, which whether one feels like it is "worth it" or not is up to the individual. My posts (seen through this thread and initial review) mostly think that it is "worth it", but the increasing cost of entry does make that more difficult to justify, but that is perhaps just "me".

Broadly, most members see the species list and cost and judge that it is not worth the entry. Personally I think that it is a unique place and can be worth the entry. Before the opening of Wild Florida's drive through it was the only place in Florida (outside Lion Country) with anything like a safari experience. Wild Florida has seen their own share of controversy, of course.

Some criticize the species available to be seen as most are common. There are a handful of really special animals, the forest buffalo in particular, but it is hard to deny that the animals kept are largely common. As I mentioned in one of the first posts in this thread, the high cost is really for the experience offered, and it is a unique experience to be sure. Perhaps if the species kept were more clear people would feel less this way? It is rather hard to find any species lists other than combing the USDA reports.

The other criticisms are of Lex, and it is hard to deny (keeping in mind the kindness and the excellence he inspires) the issues that led to his departure from Lowry Park cloud his standing in the zoo world. It is hard to live down issues like that, although he has made two really nice facilities with little other than his own persona, personal investment, and sheer will - which he can be commended for, very few individuals have that ability - but many of us on these forums wish that we did.[/QUOTE]
Also to put the issue to rest about Lex Salisbury leaving the Zoo…he left on his own and he was never found guilty of any wrongdoing and FDLE stated that publicly at the the end of the witch hunt, any and all transactions he ever did while at the zoo were signed off on and approved by the board and he was found completely innocent. Did you ever wonder if there were other reasons that whole controversy started? Until you have a high profile job that works with the city you won’t understand and I won’t go into that but believe me everything you see on TV and read in the paper is not true and this is a dog eat dog world. Someone also mentioned my Facebook posts about Tigger the Great and our other Clouded Leopard and Servals and made fun of my posts… that’s why I stopped posting anything on our ranch. I grew up on a large farm in the Midwest in a small town where children were taught that if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all. So every time I post something on social media, someone wants to destroy the sweetness of it. I love those cats with my whole soul. I raised them from kittens. It wasn’t meant to be an advertisement as much as I am just so proud of them ,they will always be wild animals and I know that and respect it, but privately they are my kids and they are well adjusted mush balls who flop over on there backs and put all four paws in the air and just want a belly rub when they see me, not even interested in their meat until I leave their enclosure worried they won’t get enough “mom time” As for the types of animals on our ranch that people in this thread deem common? We are in the Green Swamp… not all animals can live in wet pastures.. ever heard of hoof rot? There are so many things that go in to putting an animal collection together especially when you have to consider the type of land that they live on. Seeing people on here publishing our animal lists from USDA? God that take some time to look up I’ve never even looked it up. Jeez!! That takes a fault finding ,nothing else better to do , need to get a life kind of person! Just so everyone knows we have never failed a USDA inspection and we have never failed a FWC inspection. I wish I would have never found this thread, I have really thick skin but I have worked 12 to 16 hour days for the last 2 years because this is not just a job for me, it’s my life and most of my employees have been here over 10 years and it’s their life too.. I was told people could be very critical in this field when I started but I never imagined there would be blogs on the Internet where people just try to find something wrong with people that are doing everything they can to do things the right way and give animals the best life imaginable. In the future, If you guys have questions, please ask them, we have nothing to hide and we are very proud of this place! I have the best employees on the planet, in fact we call ourselves a Team! Hard to find that work environment these days where no one wants to work and everybody wants to be a social media star or drive an Uber. In the future, why not turn this blog into something positive, be the change that you want to see in the world and be kind always. And one final note.. I have never been to Wild Florida and yes they may be cheaper but they also are owned by Munns and Munns accident attorneys and had no idea how to introduce a rhinoceros into its pen when they acquired it, and it got scared to death because they used no visual sight barrier to get it used to the area (they have terrible eyesight) and it escaped and was chased down and shot 40 times by the park so if everyone thinks Cheaper is better feel free to patronize the cheaper place, but think about what “Cheap” has done and the life lost you are paying for.

 

[SwampDonkey]

Also to put the issue to rest about Lex Salisbury leaving the Zoo…he left on his own and he was never found guilty of any wrongdoing and FDLE stated that publicly at the the end of the witch hunt, any and all transactions he ever did while at the zoo were signed off on and approved by the board and he was found completely innocent. Did you ever wonder if there were other reasons that whole controversy started?

Legal innocence does not necessarily mean the transactions and other issues were not improper. I personally know people that were working at the ranch while logged into their LPZ zoo hours, using LPZ employees for personal use. That may not be illegal, but it certainly is an example of improper employee use to a private organization. That said, I also don't think that he ever really intended to do anything nefarious or outright wrong. He always seemed to have the greater Lowry Park Zoo organization as his top priority. He also was good at taking responsibility when things did not turn out as hoped, which is a character strength.

I will state again, ZooTampa/Lowry Park was at it's top level when Lex was there.

Until you have a high profile job that works with the city you won’t understand and I won’t go into that but believe me everything you see on TV and read in the paper is not true and this is a dog eat dog world.

That is certainly true, I can't really understand how it is to be someone of that position in a city or organization. I can project or theorize, but that is not my world or my experience.

Someone also mentioned my Facebook posts about Tigger the Great and our other Clouded Leopard and Servals and made fun of my posts… that’s why I stopped posting anything on our ranch. I grew up on a large farm in the Midwest in a small town where children were taught that if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all. So every time I post something on social media, someone wants to destroy the sweetness of it. I love those cats with my whole soul. I raised them from kittens. It wasn’t meant to be an advertisement as much as I am just so proud of them ,they will always be wild animals and I know that and respect it, but privately they are my kids and they are well adjusted mush balls who flop over on there backs and put all four paws in the air and just want a belly rub when they see me, not even interested in their meat until I leave their enclosure worried they won’t get enough “mom time”

If you mean my post here then I am really sorry it was interpreted as making fun of your facebook post. I simply meant that it did not offer a lot of information and reading it as a member of the general public it seemed like an advertisement. Being an advert is fine, businesses do that and should do it. It is fantastic that you care so much for those cats, please don't interpret it as a slight to you, please rather understand that it was simply a statement of how I read the post. Often text conversations don't translate well, and I did not mean to be read as making fun of you or your posts.

So, please accept my sincere apology for my ill fitting post.

As for the types of animals on our ranch that people in this thread deem common? We are in the Green Swamp… not all animals can live in wet pastures.. ever heard of hoof rot? There are so many things that go in to putting an animal collection together especially when you have to consider the type of land that they live on.

Yes, thank you! No, most people here have never kept hoofstock so this kind of input is fantastic.

Seeing people on here publishing our animal lists from USDA? God that take some time to look up I’ve never even looked it up. Jeez!! That takes a fault finding ,nothing else better to do , need to get a life kind of person! Just so everyone knows we have never failed a USDA inspection and we have never failed a FWC inspection.

Actually it is very simple to look it up on the USDA website and takes less than a minute. The Department of Agriculture publishes them for public view, nobody here is "publishing" animal lists. No one is posting the USDA lists to shame or otherwise find fault.

This is a zoo enthusiast website, so people are interested in the animals that an institution keeps. Just like forums for sports will have people speculating on trades and player movements, people that are zoo enthusiasts will look for data where they can. When an institution is not visited often by members and does not self-publish the data then people tend to go to another source, and the USDA is a reasonably reliable source. Honestly, look at the Safari Wilderness website, it does not list the species, so the USDA is a reasonable resource for anyone interested in what is at the zoo.

I wish I would have never found this thread, I have really thick skin but I have worked 12 to 16 hour days for the last 2 years because this is not just a job for me, it’s my life and most of my employees have been here over 10 years and it’s their life too.. I was told people could be very critical in this field when I started but I never imagined there would be blogs on the Internet where people just try to find something wrong with people that are doing everything they can to do things the right way and give animals the best life imaginable.

I, for one, am so happy that you did find the thread, it is fantastic to have you as a member and to help set things straight for us. As members that are primarily on the other side of the rope, we just don't have much insight to what is going on or why some decisions are made.

In the future, If you guys have questions, please ask them, we have nothing to hide and we are very proud of this place! I have the best employees on the planet, in fact we call ourselves a Team! Hard to find that work environment these days where no one wants to work and everybody wants to be a social media star or drive an Uber.

It is great that you have a dedicated staff, I know first hand how hard it can be to find good team members.

Thank you so much for offering to be a connection to Safari Wilderness.

I will start with a question, how are the forest buffalo?

In the future, why not turn this blog into something positive, be the change that you want to see in the world and be kind always.

That is great advice, I for one will try and take it. I know that I often fail, but I can try and improve. By and large the forum is not really negative, although it certainly can be that way at times.

And one final note.. I have never been to Wild Florida and yes they may be cheaper but they also are owned by Munns and Munns accident attorneys and had no idea how to introduce a rhinoceros into its pen when they acquired it, and it got scared to death because they used no visual sight barrier to get it used to the area (they have terrible eyesight) and it escaped and was chased down and shot 40 times by the park so if everyone thinks Cheaper is better feel free to patronize the cheaper place, but think about what “Cheap” has done and the life lost you are paying for.

Yes, most of us are aware of the debacle of the rhino at Wild Florida.

 

[wild boar]

I grew up on a large farm in the Midwest in a small town where children were taught that if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all.

Right, you must not have been taught well...

Seeing people on here publishing our animal lists from USDA? God that take some time to look up I’ve never even looked it up. Jeez!! That takes a fault finding ,nothing else better to do , need to get a life kind of person!

In the same post no less...

 

[Clouded Leopard Mom]

Right, you must not have been taught well...


In the same post no less...

1. If you want to know what kinds of animals we have call and ask, we have changed and added over the years and are ever evolving, when we see that something is having issues here we promptly move it to our other ranch which is high and dry like our scimitar horned oryx.
2. What happened at Lowry park zoo with Lex was almost 20 years ago he never received an apology and it’s time for people to realize that the wake does not drive the boat, it is only the trail left behind and no one deserves to be persecuted for the rest of their lives… although he has never spoken to us about the incident I can imagine it was crushing.
He still loves zoos because they educate millions of people but his dream was to see animals happy in big open spaces living their best life. If you are ever lucky enough to go on one of his tours, which he still does from time to time, you will find he is a brilliant man who is passionate about conservation and educating the public, especially children, because they are our future. He is smart, funny, compassionate and very hands on, and everyone that works for him deeply respects him.
3. I have no opinion on Wild Florida, this state is big and there is enough room for everyone and they are not a competitor and what I said was not bashing them it is simply stating the facts of what happened and I’m sure they were horrified when the event happened because animals are not cheap and their intentions were good…when we know better, we do better, and I’m sure as time goes on they will be much more educated about the animals they acquire.
4.) Our Red Forrest Buffalo (the last 2 in the country) are alive and well and they have their own 30 acre pasture ( being basically the same animal as a cape buffalo I’m sure you are aware that they can be very aggressive and that’s why we keep them separate) some days we see them on every tour and some days they are out in the woods and out of view, They are little old ladies at this point and I dread the day we lose them from old age because they are no longer allowed to be imported.
5. If you have not visited us recently you should come do a tour and see the wonderful changes we have made. I save a lot of farm animals from 4H kids who decide at the last minute that they don’t want their animal that they raised to go to slaughter after the fair and I personally pay their bale and bring them here so the kids that visit us can love on and play with them. I just rescued a whole bunch of giant meat rabbits that were to go in the stew pot (or however people eat them and turned them loose around our welcome barn and there is nothing cuter than giant bunnies hopping around loosely begging for carrots!
Our tent camp may seem expensive for a nights stay but Lex invested in the nicest tents possible made by the #1 tent maker in the world and they were brought in from South Africa. They sit up on permanent platforms have real roofs over top of them have decks off the front with chairs, air conditioning and heat inside ,Tempur-pedic beds chandeliers made from our antler sheds, chairs, tables ,carpet and are decorated beautifully and look out at our largest lake with a island full of ringtail lemurs and antelope that stand at the fence and stare at you like you are the exhibit not them. You get use of the entire 13,000 square-foot welcome barn with games inside. I serve a really nice breakfast with just about anything you can ask for and a campfire at night with s’mores.
6. We have five different kinds of Safari tours, including camelback over the whole 260 acres, kayaking, ATV, drive through safari , custom vehicle, and the romantic sunset tour, which is an abbreviated custom vehicle tour at a cheaper rate.
I recently adopted 4 off the track thoroughbreds from Kentucky from the best of the best farms. One is the son of the famous Curlin and was supposed to run in the Kentucky Derby, but was injured before hand and did not run and the others are descendants of the great secretariat, and other famous stallions. When they retired from racing the farms wanted to make sure that they got good homes and 2nd careers and we will be doing horseback safaris in the future.
Our Clouded Leopards and servals will be on display as soon as we finish constructing our “ habit trail” (like with hamsters) which will be up in the air above the people and allow them to run around and people watch (it is in the planning stage) there is so much to see here and the #1 thing I hear from the people who visit is how happy, healthy and friendly our animals are and I am very proud of that because they mean everything to us! I forgive you, and I accept your apology. Please know I take great pride in my work and I love my job. I work for an amazing guy who never stops educating us and wants us all to feel good about the work we do and take excellent care of his animals while educating the public. Thank you for welcoming me to your forum!

 

[SwampDonkey]

1. If you want to know what kinds of animals we have call and ask, we have changed and added over the years and are ever evolving, when we see that something is having issues here we promptly move it to our other ranch which is high and dry like our scimitar horned oryx.

That is very open of you, thank you! May I suggest a page on the website? Most zoos and safari parks have some information about the current collection, and it helps the casual user as well as the enthusiast.

2. What happened at Lowry park zoo with Lex was almost 20 years ago he never received an apology and it’s time for people to realize that the wake does not drive the boat, it is only the trail left behind and no one deserves to be persecuted for the rest of their lives… although he has never spoken to us about the incident I can imagine it was crushing.
He still loves zoos because they educate millions of people but his dream was to see animals happy in big open spaces living their best life. If you are ever lucky enough to go on one of his tours, which he still does from time to time, you will find he is a brilliant man who is passionate about conservation and educating the public, especially children, because they are our future. He is smart, funny, compassionate and very hands on, and everyone that works for him deeply respects him.

Agree, it is probably best to leave the past where it belongs.

4.) Our Red Forrest Buffalo (the last 2 in the country) are alive and well and they have their own 30 acre pasture ( being basically the same animal as a cape buffalo I’m sure you are aware that they can be very aggressive and that’s why we keep them separate) some days we see them on every tour and some days they are out in the woods and out of view, They are little old ladies at this point and I dread the day we lose them from old age because they are no longer allowed to be imported.

Thank you for much for that information. It is a pity that importing new stock is so difficult currently.

5. If you have not visited us recently you should come do a tour and see the wonderful changes we have made. I save a lot of farm animals from 4H kids who decide at the last minute that they don’t want their animal that they raised to go to slaughter after the fair and I personally pay their bale and bring them here so the kids that visit us can love on and play with them. I just rescued a whole bunch of giant meat rabbits that were to go in the stew pot (or however people eat them and turned them loose around our welcome barn and there is nothing cuter than giant bunnies hopping around loosely begging for carrots!

That sounds very nice. I would love to visit again, unfortunately the cost is higher than I can budget right now.

Our tent camp may seem expensive for a nights stay but Lex invested in the nicest tents possible made by the #1 tent maker in the world and they were brought in from South Africa. They sit up on permanent platforms have real roofs over top of them have decks off the front with chairs, air conditioning and heat inside ,Tempur-pedic beds chandeliers made from our antler sheds, chairs, tables ,carpet and are decorated beautifully and look out at our largest lake with a island full of ringtail lemurs and antelope that stand at the fence and stare at you like you are the exhibit not them. You get use of the entire 13,000 square-foot welcome barn with games inside. I serve a really nice breakfast with just about anything you can ask for and a campfire at night with s’mores.

The tents do indeed sound luxury, but I still feel they are out of price for most individuals and for what the accommodations are. Granted the experience is what one is getting out of them, so I can certainly see how it appeals to some people that have the funds.

6. We have five different kinds of Safari tours, including camelback over the whole 260 acres, kayaking, ATV, drive through safari , custom vehicle, and the romantic sunset tour, which is an abbreviated custom vehicle tour at a cheaper rate.
I recently adopted 4 off the track thoroughbreds from Kentucky from the best of the best farms. One is the son of the famous Curlin and was supposed to run in the Kentucky Derby, but was injured before hand and did not run and the others are descendants of the great secretariat, and other famous stallions. When they retired from racing the farms wanted to make sure that they got good homes and 2nd careers and we will be doing horseback safaris in the future.

Very cool, the horseback safari will be unique and those horses sound wonderful.

Our Clouded Leopards and servals will be on display as soon as we finish constructing our “ habit trail” (like with hamsters) which will be up in the air above the people and allow them to run around and people watch (it is in the planning stage) there is so much to see here and the #1 thing I hear from the people who visit is how happy, healthy and friendly our animals are and I am very proud of that because they mean everything to us! I forgive you, and I accept your apology. Please know I take great pride in my work and I love my job. I work for an amazing guy who never stops educating us and wants us all to feel good about the work we do and take excellent care of his animals while educating the public. Thank you for welcoming me to your forum!

Sincerely, I really am glad that you joined. The forum would be so much better if we actually had more members that are on the "inside", there would be far less speculation and guessing.

I did think of another question, are there any plans to utilize the islands for any more primates?

 

[Clouded Leopard Mom]

That is very open of you, thank you! May I suggest a page on the website? Most zoos and safari parks have some information about the current collection, and it helps the casual user as well as the enthusiast.

Agree, it is probably best to leave the past where it belongs.

Thank you for much for that information. It is a pity that importing new stock is so difficult currently.

That sounds very nice. I would love to visit again, unfortunately the cost is higher than I can budget right now.

The tents do indeed sound luxury, but I still feel they are out of price for most individuals and for what the accommodations are. Granted the experience is what one is getting out of them, so I can certainly see how it appeals to some people that have the funds.

Very cool, the horseback safari will be unique and those horses sound wonderful.

Sincerely, I really am glad that you joined. The forum would be so much better if we actually had more members that are on the "inside", there would be far less speculation and guessing.

I did think of another question, are there any plans to utilize the islands for any more primates?

 

[Clouded Leopard Mom]

That is very open of you, thank you! May I suggest a page on the website? Most zoos and safari parks have some information about the current collection, and it helps the casual user as well as the enthusiast.

Agree, it is probably best to leave the past where it belongs.

Thank you for much for that information. It is a pity that importing new stock is so difficult currently.

That sounds very nice. I would love to visit again, unfortunately the cost is higher than I can budget right now.

The tents do indeed sound luxury, but I still feel they are out of price for most individuals and for what the accommodations are. Granted the experience is what one is getting out of them, so I can certainly see how it appeals to some people that have the funds.

Very cool, the horseback safari will be unique and those horses sound wonderful.

Sincerely, I really am glad that you joined. The forum would be so much better if we actually had more members that are on the "inside", there would be far less speculation and guessing.

I did think of another question, are there any plans to utilize the islands for any more primates?

There has been talk about possibly putting orangutans on an island but only talk, so I do not know what the future holds for that. I also forgot to mention that if our other options are not affordable for you, our drive-through Safari is cheaper than Wild Florida… it is $125 a car for up to 7 people which comes out to about $18 per person. Wild Florida charges $34 per person and $24 for children

 

[Dyl0526]

In the future, If you guys have questions, please ask them, we have nothing to hide and we are very proud of this place! I have the best employees on the planet, in fact we call ourselves a Team!

First I’d like to welcome you to the website, it’s always great to see more zoo professionals here. Other than the forest buffalo, do y’all have any other species you’d consider to be unique to your facility. Also if I could only visit one of the facilities would you suggest Safari wilderness or giraffe ranch (I know they have African clawless otter which is pretty cool), I feel like little is known about both places but I’d be interested to check them out next time I’m in Florida

 

[SwampDonkey]

Apparently the forest buffalo have been in a separate field for the last 10 years, but they have now opened it to the rest of the safari, so perhaps they will be easier to see now:
Facebook Post:

Most people that visit our ranch never get to see our Red Forrest Buffalo from the Congo in Africa. These are the last Red Forrest Buffalo left in the United States that we are aware of and because of laws changing they are now banned for import. For the last 10 years they have been living their best life in a 30 acre forest on our ranch not visible to the public. We put them there because it was most like their natural habitat. But now in their Golden years we have opened their gate and let them decide if they wanted to be out in the main pasture and they are kicking up their heels and loving it!!!!Come see our Red Forest Buffalo!!! Unless you go to the Congo in Africa, you will probably never get a chance again to see these magnificent buffalo in person!