Pho*o» By Anthony Fomoy
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Endangered species find homes at Wildlife Safari
By R«b«cc«
Oregon Oa*y I metM)
A little more than an hour south of Eugene, bengal
tigers. African elephants and wild zebras roam more
than tUK) acres that have been dedicated to preserving the
world's endangered species.
During the past 21 years, the same 600 acres have
become internationally famous for their unique ability to
successfully breed cheetahs About 108 cheetah cubs
have Inteii brought to life at Wildlife Safari in Winston.
else in the Western
Hemisphere.
"It's a lot of luck
really." said kossie
Mil.ollen. public
relat ions assistant at
Wildlife Safari.
Cheetahs, like most
of the safari's 100
wildlife species, are
losing their habitat in
the wild and are fac
ing n decreased
chance of survival.
Wildlife Safari, said
Mcl.ellen. offers
these endangered
animals a chance to
survive, us well us
reproduce. in a
healthy. wildlife
environment
Wildlife Safari first
opened in 1972 due
Thn0 stkm d—r •Ktmine phasing
tourists.
to the ettons oi trank nan. managing director ana pres
ident of the Safari Came Seandi Foundation. After taking
numerous trips to Africa. Hart noticed tho depleting
numbers of wildlife and wanted to a create a wildlife
reserve. While allowing its visitors to view ran*, endan
gered species, Hart's park was created for wildlife
research, public education and breeding endangered
species.
Hart. McLellan said, chose to build his wildlife park in
Southern Oregon because the area reminded him of
Africa. Operating year round. Wildlife Safari is the only
drive-through w ildlife park in Oregon.
The park was reorganized in 19«0 by a non-profit orga
nization. the Safari Game Search Foundation Inc.
Wildlife Safari operates on visitor fees, membership foes,
grants and donations.
Wildlife Safari attracts about 175.000 visitors yearly
and offers educational programs to a number of schools
in Oregon and Northern California.
"People just feel a hond with animals and like lo see
animals in their natural setting," McLellen said. "We
work hard to keep our animals healthy. I think that real
ly shows to our visitors.”
Although the animals at Wildlife Safari maintain their
wild instincts, the animals aren't taken directly from
their wild environments of Africa and Asia. Wildlife
Safari obtains its animals through the Amerian Associ
ation of Zoos and Aquariums
The park buys, sells or trades animals with a network
of zoos. This summer, McLellen said, the wildlife
reserve plans to add giraffes to its growing animal col
lodion.
Animals are looked after by trained wildlife rangers,
and a curator is responsible for the buying, selling and
mixing of animals. The pork has to conduct extensive
research and experimentation to determine which ani
mals could most easily adapt to the Oregon environment.
Most animals at the safari, however, do not mix with
other species, so the park maintains separate areas for
different species. The more dangerous species, lion and
tiger species, are fenced off from the other animals for
safety reasons
Sixteen species of wildlife animals at the safari.
McLellen said, are listed on the endangered species list
and are part of the safari's species survival plan. The pro
gram matches by computer animals with the most
diverse gene pools that could successfully breed togeth
er to ensure reproduction
A visit to Wildlife Safari includes a drive through
Africa, Asia and North America, the park's three divi
sions. In Africa, visitors view the hippopotamus. Dama
ra zebras, the southern white rhinoceros and the African
lion. Barbary sheep, watusi cattle and ostriches also
roam Africa.
Main attractions in Asia include the bengal tiger, chee
tahs. bac.trian camels, nilgai and white fallow dear. In
North America, visitors drive (last bison. Alaskan brown
bears, bald eagles and elk
Wildlife Safori plans to add an Oregon territories sec -
tion that would feature animals native to Oregon.
Wolves, coyotes and elk would be included in the new
addition. The park has also purchased cougars that will
lie put in the park as soon as an appropriate structure is
built to house the animals
Me Lei Ian said the safari trit-s to keep animals wild for
the safety of both the animals and visitors. While some
animals are hand-raised, most are kept in their natural,
wild environment.
“When they are wild they are more predictable,"
Mcuellen said. It is also sater that animats not gei gei
usod to people, so thoy don't tip over any oars, she said.
Carnivores are locked up at night, also for safety pre
cautions. Because most animals at the safari were born
in zoos, she said, the park generally does not have any
problems.
"They are all bom and raised in captivity so they real
ly don't know anything else," McLellen said.
Once the drive-through tour is completed, visitors can
wander through Safari Village and visit the park's petting
L
A white-handed gibbon swinge
around Its habitat.
Tk,
k.>n f
cheetah is displayed
in the village that is
used for educational
programs. Tourists
can also visit the
Kducation Center
and new safari the
ater and can view
one of seven of the
safari's animal edu
cation programs.
As well as organiz
ing about 100 school
assemblies each
year, the safari also
offers special pro
grams throughout
the year. Saturday is
Conservation Day.
kicking off Zoo and
Aquarium Month
The safari will try to
build a giant recy
cling ball of tin foil.
• ;i ik. .i_r ...fiv.-.ll
i row wno nruig a nan oi mi ion me size oi a sonnaii
will receive u dollar of lar admission.
People interested in the Wildlife Safari could either
volunteer to help with the maintenance of the park or
adopt an animal. Currently, about 50 volunteers assist
the park ranger and help guide tourists. Safari enthusi
asts could also purchase a membership in the Safari
Game Search Foundation.
Located just off Interstate 5 Exit 119. Wildlife Safari is
open seven days a week from 9 a m. to 5 p in. McLellen
suggests that people visit the park in the morning or
evening because that is when most animals are at their
best
Admission costs are SH 95 for adults. $7.50 for senior
citizens and $5.75 lot children. Children three and under
are free. For more information, call 679-6761