Just a few miles southwest of Roseburg, in the quiet hills of Winston, Oregon, the wild animals roam. Welcome to the Wildlife Safari, one of the most well-known and well-admired wild animal parks in the United States. Where hundreds of species of wild animals wander freely over a six hundred acre parcel of land, the Wildlife Safari has something for everyone to enjoy. As an example, the ostrich pictured here can often be found greeting visitors as they exit the African section of the drive through safari.

Thanks to the generosity of Mr. Frank Hart, a frequent visitor to the continent of Africa, the Wildlife Safari first opened its gates in the spring of 1973. A non-profit organization as of 1980, the safari is overseen by the Safari Game Search Foundation. Completely dedicated to the conservation of wildlife, the safari caretakers work diligently to be sure the animals' surroundings stay as natural as possible. By not offering "petting" of the animals as other parks do, the animals do not have to be declawed, and thus they maintain as much of their natural instincts and behaviors as possible. (Visitors probably wouldn't want to pet this one anyway!)

As word spread over the years and more visitors came to experience the "wild side", the Wildlife Safari soon became accredited with the American Zoo & Aquarium Association. This affiliation allows the workers at the safari to attain the funding and support they need to assist in maintaining the existence of threatened and endangered animals. In fact, the park is internationally known for its cheetah breeding program, having welcomed over 130 cubs since its opening thirty years ago.

The Wildlife Safari is open seven days a week, except Christmas Day, and the drive through hours vary depending on the season. (Check out their website to confirm hours before visiting.) The entrance fee includes two drives through the safari, taken at the visitor's convenience during the day. The fee also includes entrance into the walk-through park where many other smaller animals can also be viewed and enjoyed. One such animal, the gibbon, can be heard whooping throughout the park when he feels like letting himself be heard. In the picture, the two gibbons in the park are shown enjoying a snack and watching the people go by.

As for the drive through safari, it is a picture taker's paradise. With the ability to stop (everywhere but in the bear cage) and view the animals from the safety of their vehicle, visitors find themselves on an international safari in rural Oregon. Visitors are welcome year around, but those coming during the winter months will have to miss the bears, as they are denning or hibernating during this time. However, winter visitors can still get great up-close views of many of the other animals as the cooler weather tends to bring them out for a stroll.

Whether looking for elephants, rhinos, camels, deer, bison, yak, or zebras, visitors usually find all they're looking for and more as they drive through the safari. Visitors during the spring time are often also greeted by new additions to the safari, including young zebras and yak. The spring weather usually cooperates for the best viewing. Given the wide open space of the safari, visitors are encouraged to choose a warm, but overcast day for their visit. If the animals get too warm from the summer heat, they aren't as likely to venture out into the open areas.

To reach the Wildlife Safari, take Interstate 5 to Exit 119, just south of Roseburg. Go west for three miles to the edge of Winston and follow the signs from there. All the turns are well-marked and easy to find. Visitors are encouraged to remember that pets are not allowed in the drive through safari, but free kennels are available for those who are traveling with their own beloved animals. Take a walk on the wild side and check out the Wildlife Safari in Winston, Oregon. The giraffes (and all the other spectacular animals) will be patiently waiting.

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