Terry and Vicki go on Safari or a Facsimile Thereof

Because of Veteran's Day Terry had an extra day off. We spent it lazing around the home front, taking it as easy as we could. Of course, there was the Oregon Duck's football game to suffer through on Saturday (I say suffer because of the loss the Ducks had), but eventually we grew tired of sitting at home doing little to nothing. We figured that Sunday afternoon would be a perfect time to go shopping to grab some items we were out of, and then off to the Wildlife Safari Park in Winston, Oregon. The park sits about seven miles from us, and Terry purchased a year pass a few weeks ago, so off we went. 

First the trip to Costco where we picked up some items we needed around the home. Next was the drive to Wildlife Safari, one of my favorite places to go. It's about a 15-minute drive from the house, so the anticipation doesn't last long. Once I get there, I go nuts. All the animals are cool to me, and I enjoy each place we see any movement. The sun was out, but it was chilly. Perfect day for the animals to stay cool and get a little playful. We had guessed correctly in one aspect that the animals were all running around, but some were grazing far off into the distance where it was difficult to see them well enough or to get a photograph. 

As we began the drive, we ran into some of my favorite animals. These beautiful creatures look a lot like Texas Longhorn cattle; however, these awesome babies live in Africa. They derive from the Angola cattle breeds from East and Central Africa. They are called Angole-Watusi cattle. These bulls and cows are noticeable due to the very large horns. 

The difference in appearance between the sexes of the Watusi cattle breed are basically the bone structure. Males tend to have the broader, wider look in the shoulders and hips. Females are slenderer and have a smaller build overall. 

We drove past the Watusi group and into the hippo area. Last trip to the safari, we were both able to snag some great photos of the hippos. This time through, we had a chance to see one up close, but at least it was outside the mud hole they are typically rolling in. One came out, but it was intent on grazing a bit by the mud slide. Unfortunately, there is a large fence pole where it was standing. Not a great shot, for sure, but at least I was able to get one picture of the animal up close. 

Next up were the zebra. Now I have more zebra photos in my collection than I do of my grandchildren. I love zebra and always snap photos when we go. This time I was in control of my urges and didn't snap one picture of a black and white animal. 

Driving around the corner led us into the bison area. I love bison. They are often confused with the buffalo and have been for many, many years. They always have such a docile, laid back look on their faces and those eyes! They really show their emotions in their eyes or at least in my opinion. 

There were several bison calves this time. Spring and summer must have been great breeding seasons. We saw tiny calves all the way up to the larger ones. All were looking good. After the bison came the bear area, but they were all hibernating. This is the time of year they disappear for that part of their lives. 

Driving on up the hill and around the area the lions typically roam free when let out, we ran into the wolves. The wolf pack was looking great! I was visiting the park with my daughter when they first brought the wolves in. They appear to have adapted quite well and are thriving. It was nice to see. They were all alert and waiting for their dinner I would assume, since it was almost that time of day. The cheetahs were further down the road, and they appeared to be waiting for dinner as well. Of course, we can't forget the gorgeous Bengal tigers who joined the dinner dance. All of the animals along this path were pacing back and forth, eyeing the Wildlife Safari staff and truck headed their way. 

We did see the rhinos this visit; however, they were off grazing on the top of a hill, and we couldn't get a good view of them. It was frustrating, but it is the way things go when dealing with live animals. They don't have a set schedule. 

Toward the exit, we saw some of the deer-like animals. I'm not certain what some of them were called, but they were all absolutely beautiful! Of course, in my mind a worm is beautiful, but it is what it is. They have the calming stare as all deer-like animals have. Those large brown, precious moment type eyes. 

This guy was staring into our eyes for a while, but soon turned into this regal, "get my good side" pose. I cannot recall what these are called, but wow. I love watching them. He was guarding a couple of cows and calves. 

Then of course, our favorite, the sika Deer. The sika are native to East Asia. Sika deer are also called the Spotted deer or the Japanese deer. They are small in build, especially the head. The antlers are unique, as the tips are flatter than most antler wielding creatures. Smaller than moose antlers but built similar. 

The babies were adorable with their large Precious Moment eyes and little spots covering their tiny bodies. We watched as the small herd pressed their faces against car windows, begging for the hard food morsels purchased to feed them along the way. I enjoy watching them. They look up at you and often you can pet their snouts and chat with them before moving on. 

 

We were able to see a few more of the sika deer on the way out of the park. Once again, the Safari Park did not let me down, even though most of the animals were out of view, grazing and enjoying their Sunday afternoon. As closing time came quickly, Terry and I headed home to "graze" and call it another day. We always have so much fun together, and especially when we go on new adventures. Until our next visit, we hope you enjoy reading the post about this trip.