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Safari adventure

By Betty O'Neill-Roderick
Ohio.com

This summer you can go on safari without taking a long plane ride. Safari Adventures Animal Park opened at Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Ohio, on June 11.

The newest addition to the resort brings to life many of the African animals that are seen in murals and other artwork around Kalahari.

Safari Adventures offers guest the remarkable opportunity to interact with the animals. Guests are invited to feed and pet many of the animals they meet on this Safari.

"These animals are ambassadors for their brothers and sisters in the wild, and offer an amazing opportunity for people in the Midwest to experience African wildlife in a unique and interactive way," said renowned animal expert Jack Hanna at the opening of the new park.

Bill Coburn, who built the animal park, gave the animals outside areas, while we, the visitors are enclosed. This means guests come face to face with the giraffes who are eager to greet their guests, especially if they come bearing food. Fortunately all of the animals like carrots, so carrots are available for feeding everyone at the park.

Coming face to face with these magnificent animals is only part of the fun. A camel named Sinbad waits, offering rides to the little ones. Sinbad is highly trained, and has appeared in a number of movies, including Scorpian King and George of the Jungle. As they waited for a ride, my little niece and nephew found Sinbad was also interested in them as he nuzzled close and then allowed them to pet him.

Kangaroos, African antelope, Barbary sheep and African Pygmy goats were also waiting to share in the food, fortunately all of the animals like carrots. Zebras and ostrich came over to watch just as if someone had rung the dinner bell.

A baby kangaroo nestled in a pouch was one of the highlights of our day, especially as Lori Rister allowed guests to assist in giving him a bottle. Later in the summer a Junior Zookeeper Program will be offered.

Outside we saw mountain goats standing high atop "their" mountain, making it seem like we weren't in Ohio any more. Kalahari offers a breakfast program for groups, outdoors with the animals, making it seem to be a million miles away from Ohio.

Kalahari's commitment to offering an authentic African experience began with a trip Todd Nelson, president and owner of Kalahari Resorts, took to Africa in 1998, when he discovered the cultural offerings and distinctive wildlife the continent had to offer. The Kalahari Resorts are filled with handpicked African artwork, decor and furnishings.

Kalahari is known for having the largest waterpark in the United States, and this new Safari adds to the fun and excitement of a family getaway. However, Safari Adventures as well as the Spa at Kalahari are open to the public, and you do not have to be a resort guest in order to visit the animal park. Admission is $5 per person, but just $3 for resort guests. Pony rides and photos with the animals are also available.

Kalahari Resort is located on State Highway 250, just north of exit 118 of the Ohio Turnpike. In addition to both indoor and outdoor waterparks guests can enjoy an indoor miniature golf course, a fitness center, a spa, children's crafts and activities, and eight different dining options. For more information and reservations call 877-525-2427 or visit www.KalahariResorts.com.

This summer you can go on safari without taking a long plane ride. Safari Adventures Animal Park opened at Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Ohio, on June 11.

The newest addition to the resort brings to life many of the African animals that are seen in murals and other artwork around Kalahari.

Safari Adventures offers guest the remarkable opportunity to interact with the animals. Guests are invited to feed and pet many of the animals they meet on this Safari.

"These animals are ambassadors for their brothers and sisters in the wild, and offer an amazing opportunity for people in the Midwest to experience African wildlife in a unique and interactive way," said renowned animal expert Jack Hanna at the opening of the new park.

Bill Coburn, who built the animal park, gave the animals outside areas, while we, the visitors are enclosed. This means guests come face to face with the giraffes who are eager to greet their guests, especially if they come bearing food. Fortunately all of the animals like carrots, so carrots are available for feeding everyone at the park.

Coming face to face with these magnificent animals is only part of the fun. A camel named Sinbad waits, offering rides to the little ones. Sinbad is highly trained, and has appeared in a number of movies, including Scorpian King and George of the Jungle. As they waited for a ride, my little niece and nephew found Sinbad was also interested in them as he nuzzled close and then allowed them to pet him.

Kangaroos, African antelope, Barbary sheep and African Pygmy goats were also waiting to share in the food, fortunately all of the animals like carrots. Zebras and ostrich came over to watch just as if someone had rung the dinner bell.

A baby kangaroo nestled in a pouch was one of the highlights of our day, especially as Lori Rister allowed guests to assist in giving him a bottle. Later in the summer a Junior Zookeeper Program will be offered.

Outside we saw mountain goats standing high atop "their" mountain, making it seem like we weren't in Ohio any more. Kalahari offers a breakfast program for groups, outdoors with the animals, making it seem to be a million miles away from Ohio.

Kalahari's commitment to offering an authentic African experience began with a trip Todd Nelson, president and owner of Kalahari Resorts, took to Africa in 1998, when he discovered the cultural offerings and distinctive wildlife the continent had to offer. The Kalahari Resorts are filled with handpicked African artwork, decor and furnishings.

Kalahari is known for having the largest waterpark in the United States, and this new Safari adds to the fun and excitement of a family getaway. However, Safari Adventures as well as the Spa at Kalahari are open to the public, and you do not have to be a resort guest in order to visit the animal park. Admission is $5 per person, but just $3 for resort guests. Pony rides and photos with the animals are also available.

Kalahari Resort is located on State Highway 250, just north of exit 118 of the Ohio Turnpike. In addition to both indoor and outdoor waterparks guests can enjoy an indoor miniature golf course, a fitness center, a spa, children's crafts and activities, and eight different dining options. For more information and reservations call 877-525-2427 or visit www.KalahariResorts.com.




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