Friday, February 02, 2007

Watching Animal Planet has this effect on me ...

So, with the boys around, watching TV means watching more Animal Planet and less MTV and VH1 (at least until they go to bed).

And right now, I'm watching a show like about giraffes -- giraffes who live a lot closer than Africa, and not in a zoo. Specifically, they live in wine country, of all places. It's a place called Safari West -- and until I can get the family to the actual Savannah, this may tide us over.

This is from their Web site, minus the blah blah about how our world moves too fast, etc., etc.:


Nestled on 400 acres in the heart of California's wine country, Safari West is home for over 400 exotic mammals and birds. Not a zoo, not a drive-through park, it's a wildlife preserve where the whole family can experience some of nature's most beautiful animals in a natural habitat.
Established by Peter Lang in 1979, Safari West gained membership in the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, one of only six private facilities in North America to belong to that prestigious organization. The ongoing mission of Safari West is wildlife preservation through breeding, education, research and public interaction.
What happens at Safari West?
Safari West serves two important functions: first and foremost, we are a wildlife preserve, with several important ongoing projects such as:
The propagation of endangered species. Safari West is the home of zebras, giraffes, cheetahs and many more exotic creatures.
Under the directorship of Nancy Lang, Safari West is breeding several endangered bird species.
Conservation programs are in place for two species of Saharan Desert antelope now extinct in the wild.
But Safari West is more than a preserve. We are dedicated to raising awareness of our exotic neighbors and promoting understanding through in-person contact. That's why we offer safaris year-round. If your only experience with a zebra or giraffe has been at a zoo, you should see these beautiful animals in their natural habitat. You owe it to yourself, and to them.

The safari is something like $30 a pop, and then there are lodging opportunities ("luxury tents on the Sonoma Serengeti")

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