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Go Wild On SafariAn Encounter With The Cutest African Crittersby Belkis Kambach
:� Rob Kambach Go nose-to-nose with a giraffe, look at a rhino eyeball-to-eyeball and have them both eat out of your hand!� Spend a day as close to wildlife as you�ve ever dreamed.
 Our safari guide-driver downshifted the truck, leaned over and said, "Those are Kenya impala." Raising his head, he alerted us: "Giraffes!� As we drove off, a tiny Thomson's gazelle clinging to its mum was near a tree, and suddenly there were three adorable baby rhinos walking by, just two feet from us. We could only gasp, point and click the shutters of our Canon Elan until we had no film left.
 Slowly our truck backed away, heading towards new sightings. As we rode along, the radio crackled with the voices of other guides in their vehicles telling us about Gopan, one of the cute Indian rhinoceros (Rhiniceros unicornis), that was born this spring.� After we circled the park enjoying other wildlife, we were fortunate to see Gopan and his buddies again, and he seemed as curious about us as we were about him. All three of the rhinos leaned forward to lick our hands and peered at us with great interest--surely they saw us as apple trees.
 My husband Rob says I live to mingle with other creatures and rekindle the deep, primal link that humans share with other animals. I've bonded with a motherless alligator in Florida, counted� innumerable herds of reindeer wandering freely in Finnish Lapland, hand-fed and hugged baby camels in Wadi-Rum and swam with manatees and dolphins off the coast of Punta Cana. I've even been seen trying to dive with Beluga whales in Manitoba and humbach whales off the Samana Bay peninsula during breeding season. I've been witness to the nesting activities of sea turtles in Grand Cayman and happily shared oceanic waters with all manner of fish, with stingrays, eels, lemon sharks and other denizens of the deep in Bora Bora.
 These beautiful experiences whetted my sense of adventure and have inspired me to always seek wild destinations.� There is such a sense of grace in the presence of free-roaming animals that there is not much I wouldn't do to see some of the earth's most exotic and endangered wildlife up-close-and-personal. So we were both excited when the opportunity came our way for another unique adventure -- a safari to observe over 2,500 wild animals roaming free where we could spend an afternoon hand-feeding rhinos an giraffes.
 Off we headed on a much needed wild African safari experience, the only twist being that our destination wasn't the Massai Mara or South Africa's Kruger National Park which have been lauded as Africa's greatest natural wildlife preserves. Indeed we were far from Africa. Would you guess San Diego, California? Our friends look at the of our trip and swear we were on the plains of Africa rather than the foothills northeast of San Diego.�
 Exotic wildlife abounds at The San Diego Wild Animal Park, where a camera is your best accessory.� A caravan� took us on a four-hour safari to photograph African wildlife at its best, and of course life is so grand that we were also given the pleasurable task of feeding afternoon snacks to both the rhinos and giraffes. Best of all, we didn't even need our passport, for this adventure was in the backyard of our hotel.
 The park opened to the public in early 1972 when a precious cargo of endangered animals -- 20 southern white rhinos -- arrived.� It has since become a haven for the world's vanishing species,� a sanctuary for 58 exotic endangered animal species, 41 of which have successfully reproduced here. Nearing the end of its third decade of study, preservation and research, the San Diego Wild Animal Park maintains its reputation as one of the leading animal sanctuaries in the U.S.
 The four-hour safari is like a journey to the world's most exotic places. At the entrance to the park, we were given an introduction and a guide to identify all 15 species of mammals that peacefully coexist in the Eastern Africa enclosure. As we drove through the savannah, we were caged in our safari truck while the animals roamed free.
 When we entered the gated community we were given two buckets of wildlife feed, one full of sliced red apples for the rhinos. The giraffes, on the other hand, prefer smelly dry biscuits made of soya, hominy corn and beef. A pretentious bribe, we might add. Our first sighting was a herd of Eastern Bearded Gnu or wilderbeest (Connochaetes taurinus albojubatus), perhaps nature's oddest-looking creatures. We were all stunned at how close we got to them. These animals usually migrate in huge herds for thousands of miles in Africa. They seemed to think our growling, sand-crunching vehicle was just a natural� part of the landscape in the Wild Animal Park.
 We spotted a baby gnu taking its first steps, and learned that babies are born here year-roud. With a little luck you'll witness a birth during your safari.� A family of rhinos was ahead of us, and they have learned that safari trucks mean heavy duty snacking. The greediest ambled over and surrounded the truck, halting our progress. We lowered ourselves out, and this is where I first met Gopan, who attempted to stick his head in my chest. This little one was so greedy he didn�t take a chance on chewing the apples I had already placed gently in his mouth; instead he kept his mouth open and waited for the entire group to throw in some more apples. Even with a mouthfull, he still waited and waited for more.
 John Meitz, our driver, guide, head ranger and keeper all in one, feeds 160 horses before arriving for his shift here. He works as a team with his "spotter" Terry and are among San Diego Wild Animal Park�s finest.� They accompany the photo caravans to help identify wildlife subjects and to point out interesting animal habits and natural behaviors.
 It was a treat to see animals roaming so freely and be able to go into the heart of the large open animal enclosures. We learned how conservation efforts have earned this vast 1,800-acre sanctuary a worldwide reputation. They have even rescued the rhino from virtual extinction with their efforts to further safeguard the species� future. You know that your ticket fee goes to a good cause here.
The San Diego Wild Animal Park is a private, non profit enterprise dedicated to saving the world�s rare wildlife. It is an accredited member of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association and participates in a special managed breeding success programs for species survival.� The Zoological Society of San Diego takes pride in its history of success in being a leader for the protection and conservation of plants, animals, and habitats.  We fed apples to those juvenile rhinos with guilty reverence, however, knowing our own species had brought so much death, danger and disfigurement to theirs.� Today many die at the hands of those believing that rhino horns can be used as a fever reducer or an aphrodisiac, neither of which has been scientifically proven.�� However, the Wild Animal Park's similarity to animal's native habitat encourages animal's natural behavior. In this small oasis of hope, at least animals are still� free to come and go as they choose, and they choose to be there in hopes you might just feed them more apples.
Heading in another direction, we ran into a convention of Dutch square lipped rhinoceros giving us the eye. These don't do apples, by the way, and you don�t want to try feeding these guys. By the time we circled the perimeter and reached the baby rhinos once again, we�d run out of apple slices, and they were not pleased. Little Gopan approached one group member and pecked at a sandal strap but eventually backed off and let us continue, showing us his considerable tushy. These were big babies,� weighing 150 pounds at birth and reaching three tons by the time they�re two.� I was soon sitting almost on the mouth of Jakichu, the shyest and most gentle of the three adult rhinos. He didn't want to take no for an answer, although I had no more apples to spare. The trio are refugees on asylum here from South Africa. Our max-out fantasy was feeding the rhinos and Ugandan giraffes (Giraffa Camelopardalis Rothschildi) with their stunning eyelashes and long necks. They can�t even bend down to the road.� Rob, being the tallest of the group, offered them a handful of biscuits but was not quick enough, and the animal's blackish tongue licked his eye and kissed me. We had originally thought that such a safari would be too tame for us, but ask us today, and we�ll say that� this could be one of the best weekend outings you could plan.� About� 58 endangered species would like to invite all rhino lovers to photograph these beauties. By the way, bring apples! Our photo safari didn't involve an overnight stay in San Diego Wild Animal Park, although it can be arranged. The Roar & Snore Camp at Kilima Point overlooks the East Africa enclosure and provides a behind-the-scenes look at the wildlife, al fresco dining, and a campfire program of 100 fellow campers. These tents are not fenced, but wild animals don't wander around the campsite at will, so between sunset and sunrise visitors need not be escorted to and from their tents by a ranger. As darkness fell, the residents of� the San Diego Wild Animal Park became even more alert. For us it was time to head back to camp, and we were really looking forward to that. It was our anniversary week, and I managed to reserve a night in a very special place so we would never forget this day.� We were booked at the irresistably romantic Hotel de Coronado. If You Go:In San Diego you can dive into a Mecca of activities from SeaWorld, the World-Famous San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, LEGOLAND California, Balboa Park and historic Old Town will fill your days with excitement and memories.� There are enough attractions within reasonable distance of the Del to keep guests happily occupied for days. San Diego Visitor Information: Tonya Stefan San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau, Direct Line: (619) 557-2810� Web Site: http://www.sandiego.org The Del rooms at range from about 205$, for the room with limited views, to $2,300 for the the Beach House, a� private two bedroom cottage on the beach is. Our suite was cost is $850.00 per night for two. For more information or to make a reservation, call (800).� PHOTO CARAVANS Because of their popularity, tours run Wednesdays through Sundays, year-round (weather permitting). Call (760) 738-5022 for information. These tours are available by reservation only. Limited Space on vehicle - a minimum of 8 people and maximum of 12 per truck. A maximum of four trucks are available. Last Photo Caravan will be scheduled 2 hours before sunset. To ensure a safe experience, children under 8 years of age are not permitted on caravan vehicles.� (619) 685-3257. Don�t forget to bring lots of film for some amazing photo opportunities. LOCATION Located 32 miles northeast of the Zoo near the city of Escondido in north San Diego County.� Directions from the Hotel Del (SOUTH) (northbound): From State Route 163 (downtown San Diego, Mission Valley) proceed to Interstate 15 to the Via Rancho Parkway exit. Go east and follow signs to the Park. From Interstate 5 or 805 (Mexico), proceed to the SR 163, then to Interstate 15, and then exit at Via Rancho Parkway. Follow signs east. Hours: The Wild Animal Park is open 365 days a year. Spring hours are in effect: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.(grounds close at 5 p.m.) Admission Prices: General admission: Adults $21.95, Child $14.95. Children 2 and under are free.Two-Park Ticket (Zoo and Wild Animal Park to use within 5 days from day of purchase): Adult $38.35, Child $23.15 . Parking is $5 per vehicle. Photo Caravan costs: tour 1 or 2 $70.00 Tour 3 $94.00 Deposit required: $170 per truck reserved. Other Wildlife Viewing in San Diego Include:San Diego Zoo 2920 Zoo Drive San Diego CA 92103. (619) 234-3153. General Information Open at 9 a.m., 365 days a year. Closing times vary by seasons. For current hour and prices, call (619) 234-6541. http://www.sandiegozoo.org/ Sea World San Diego 500 Sea World Drive (Mission Bay), San Diego, CA 92109� (619) 226-3901 FAX (619) 226-3996 CA (800) 325-3150, US (800) SEA WORLD (732-9675). www.seaworld.org����� http://www.4adventure.com/seaworld/sw_california/frame.html Dolphin Interaction Program (DIP) Ever wanted to enter the watery world of dolphins? Now is your chance with SeaWorld�s Dolphin Interaction Program (DIP).� Program fees are $125.�� These fees do not include admission to the park. Advance registration is recommended: call 1-877-436-5746 for more information. SeaWorld California Single Day Ticket - Adult: $40.00 Child (Ages 3 - 11): $30.00 Other attractions that will enhance your stay in San Diego include:Balboa Park & Museums (619) 231-1515, San Diego Harbor Tour 1050 N. Harbor Dr. (800) 44-Cruise San Diego Old Town Trolley Tours Legoland California One Lego Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92008 (760) 918-LEGO (5346) FAX (760) 918-5459 Belkis and Rob Kambach are a team of Travel Writer & Photographer.� Pursuing dolphins, manatees and whales around the globe have become their silent obsession.� They are� the travel editor-photographer for Greenline, a columnists for Naturally, France Today, New Traveler and a frequent contributors to Toronto�s Globe & the Mail and Epicurean. The Kambach�s can be reached at travelwriter@att.net, or through their Web page, at http://home.att.net/~travelwriter/ Back to TravelLady Magazine |