Out of Africa Animal Park--Camp Verde, AZ

In Jason's words "The ghetto version of San Diego's Wild Animal Park." haha.  We saw a groupon about a month ago, so we bought it with two other couples (The Barbers, and the Romneys) and used it  this past weekend.

Yes, the park itself was nothing special, but I was able to see some awesome animals, get some good pictures, and spend time with great company... and at the end of the day, that's all that really matters. Here are several pictures from different Activities during the day:


"Mobbing" out to Camp Verde in the Romney's (their family's technically) Navigator.

Tiger Splash

The Ladies

Everyone (except main Photographer--me :) )

The time with the white tiger was a little surreal for me.... the fulfilling of a childhood dream actually. As a young kiddo, my older sister used to assign make believe animals/pets for each of us to play with.  She always assigned herself animals like a stallion, or a cheetah..... and myself animals like a pig or a duck.  It didn't exactly seem fair.  I put up with this for quite some time as a kindergartener, when one day I said, "Hey.  These animals are make believe.  I can have whatever I want.  I am going to have a white tiger and you can't stop me." ..... and I was right, she couldn't stop me..... but she did stop playing make-believe with me after that because apparently it wasn't as fun when I began to defy her make-believe "rules" ..... and then shortly thereafter I moved on from the white tiger and began requesting real pets, seeing as playing make-believe--especially by yourself--is not as fun. Go figure.

Hyena -- they always make me think of Lion King.

Rhinoceros statue to commemorate the 43 year old male who resided in this park, but recently passed away.  I had no idea a rhino could live to be that old. 

 Safari

Check out the tongue on this Giraffe.  Sheesh.  Did you know Giraffe's tongues are purple so they don't get sunburned?  Learn something new every day!  It is like God knew what he was doing when he created this world.... :) ..... 

Who knew that Giraffes can actually be pretty good at hiding/camouflaging themselves?!

Feeding the giraffe carrots

Jason held the carrot with his mouth because the safari guide said people do that sometimes. I asked him "WHAT WERE YOU THINKING??!!"  His response: "Not very many people can say they've kissed a giraffe before" (more like had his entire face licked).... My response: "That's because most people would not want to ever experience that, honey."  Haha.... Jason always keeps things exciting!

Up close and personal.

This was a sincere, sheer look of horror on my face.  Because Jason was brave enough to hold the carrot in his mouth, I had the bright idea to place the carrot on top of my top of my head.  Feeling the giraffe's tongue wipe all the way across my head scared me half to death..... Seriously...... and so much for washing my hair that morning.  Yuck.

The grin of the man who just finished making the whole safari bus laugh because they witnessed him kiss the giraffe.

Did you know Zebra's have very strong teeth, and can't tell the difference between fingers and carrots..... accordingly, NO touching/petting of the Zebras is allowed.

Feeding the Camel.

Looks like a Texas Longhorn.... but their horns are actually porous like a honey comb.

Yellow Anaconda

 Porcupine.  Despite myths--they cannot actually shoot their quills.  They just spread them and wait for the enemy to run into them and essentially be stabbed.

Holding two of the porcupine's quills.

Awesome Zebra minivan.  Oh yeah.

King Julian.  Think Madagascar. 

Such intriguing creatures.

Grizzly Bear.... just trying to keep cool.

These guys were so adorable, and could be fed!!!  We probably spent a LOT more time there than we should have.  haha.

Calling the prairie dogs over.

Waiting.

Waiting.

More Waiting.....

VICTORY!!!!!

 

VICTORY x2!!!

Jason--over the Prairie Dogs and waiting in the shade :)

This was the longest (8 hours) we have ever left Leidy home alone.  She is so tiny, she can fit between the slats of the baby gate that keeps her in the kitchen, so we cover it with cardboard.  She was so distressed she tried to chew her way out!  Poor thing. lol.