East Texas Safari welcomes animals
and guests — from around the world

by Marilyn Jones

It’s summertime; it’s hot; it’s Texas. But don’t let that stop you from visiting Cherokee Trace Drive-thru Safari near Jacksonville in East Texas.

Here, on 300-acres of pine forest, live dozens of exotic and endangered animals and birds that thrive in this open habitat similar to their native territory. Visitors can wind down the windows, crank up the air conditioning and enjoy a couple of hours feeding — and photographing — these gentle members of the animal kingdom.

With admission, guests receive a bag of food that all the animals will enjoy, a list of the different animals and birds that can be discovered along the miles of winding roads in the compound and a list of rules — drive slowly, do not get out of the vehicle, pull over if other visitors need to get around your vehicle, follow the arrows and do not pet the animals.

Deer from around the world

Other than the safari’s alligators and a pair of frisky piglets, all the animals roam free. As soon as they see a vehicle approaching, they usually start making their way toward visitors. Some walk, some gallop; you’ll never want for eager wildlife to feed and photograph.

One of the most eager is several species of deer.

Fallow Deer, native to Iran and Iraq, have spotted backs much like the markings on Whitetail Deer fawns. Like the Fallow Deer, the Axis Deer features spots on its back along with dark fur along its spine. This deer is native to India.

Another deer native to India living here is the Swamp Deer. This deer is an endangered species surviving only in national parks in India, zoos and wildlife parks.

The Pere David Deer is named for Father Armand David, a French missionary working in China during the 19th century when the only surviving herd was in a preserve belonging to the Chinese emperor. There are only about 2,500 left in the world. 

Sika Deer are native to Eastern Asia and Japan and are regarded as sacred in Japan.

The park also has Whitetail deer, native to North America.

Other safari residents       <

Blackbuck, is an antelope native to India and eastern Pakistan, were hunted to near extinction in India. The top half of these beautiful animals is black and the bottom half white.

Another antelope here is the Lechwe which is native to Zambia and Botswana. Like the Black buck, its coloring is half brown and its underbelly white.

Several of the larger animals may not approach your vehicle, but they are all close enough to the roadway and easy to observe and photograph.

These included Canadian Wood Bison, now considered threatened. There are only about 3,000 remaining in free roaming herds. <

Scottish Highland Cattle from Scotland; Water Buffalo found from the Philippines, India, Egypt and Europe; and the magnificent Watusi from Africa.

Watusi are native to Africa they are often referred to as "cattle of kings."

The Wildebeest, on the other hand may try to stick his nose into your car. But he’s just looking for a little food like all his safari neighbors.

Add to this several unusual birds, oryx, kangaroos, camels, elk, llamas and the park’s popular zebra and visitors are in for hours of fun in the wilds of East Texas.

The safari is open all year with the exception of major holidays. <

It is located at 1200 CR 4405, Jacksonville, Texas.

For more information check the website www.cherokeetrace.com. <