The Unique Park Everyone In Arizona Should Visit At Least Once
By Monica Spencer|Published October 15, 2016
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Monica Spencer
Author
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
Did you know you don’t have to travel far to see some exotic creatures living in our state? In some cases, you can take a short walk outside and spot a few lurking about behind bushes and trees. However, if you’re looking to spot some really exotic animals, you’ll have to head out to a zoo or animal sanctuary! One of the more unique places to visit here in Arizona is the Out of Africa Wildlife Park, located in Camp Verde.
Ever since it opened to the public in 2005, the park’s 104 acres showcases the animals at their best. You’ll find moments of them interacting with each other, other animals, their caretakers, and, on occasion, you! Let’s take a look at some of the park’s features.
Out of Africa Wildlife Park is an adventure waiting to happen. Located 1.5 hours from Phoenix in Camp Verde, the park brings you in contact with exotic wildlife while also acting as a sanctuary for exotic animals.
The animals here have a varied history. Some are former circus performers and others, such as the Bengal tiger Vista, were illegally living in cages in residential homes. There's no doubt they are probably happy to be living in a place they can roam.
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One of the main attractions here are the safari rides you can take around the park to the animals interact in a "natural" environment.
The wildlife park has plenty of other ways to enjoy the area and interact with the animals while still getting a mild adrenaline rush. You can take a zipline through a portion of the park.
You can get a chance to learn about, pet, and even get a photo with many of the animals. They also offer animal shows, such as the Tiger Splash, where you watch tigers engage in their predatory instincts while playing with their caretakers.
You can sleep under the stars a short distance from the lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! Enjoy a campfire to roast over your campfire, and find out what the park is like after hours.
Out of Africa Wildlife Park is located at 3505 State Route 260 in Camp Verde. It is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. More details can be found on their website, www.outofafricapark.com.