Ville Magazine l Insider Access for City Lifestyle Sept/Oct 2016 / Fashion Issue | Page 33

ANIMAL INSTINCT

Scimitar-horned oryx and sika deer are just one of many species of mammals that roam the park.

majestic creatures were Hart’s biggest goal to save and the first
animals to arrive at the park.
Cheetahs are considered “Critically Endangered” due to habitat
loss, poaching and hunting by farmers worried about their
livestock. There are estimated to be fewer than 10,000 cheetahs
left in the wild being extinct in 25 countries including Asia, and
there is only an isolated population of perhaps 50 in central Iran.
With the size of the cheetah population being so low, it has
caused inbreeding amongst the wild cheetahs. This causes its
genetic line to be altered and eventually disappear. The overall
long-term goal of the program is to improve captive cheetahs’
genetic diversity with sperm from wild cats. In return, that
sperm will be use to impregnate females in the wild.
The last ambassador cheetah cub born to Wildlife Safari that
made headlines was Pancake, born in February 2015. On the
same day, Dayo, a Rhodesian Ridgeback, was also born and soon
arrived at Wildlife Safari. The two became best of friends, which
isn’t uncommon to see. Dogs actually help cheetahs in captivity
and are seen as “siblings” to the large cats. In Africa, farmers
are using livestock guard dogs to keep wild Cheetahs away
from local farms, which has helped lower the annual number of
cheetahs being shot in those regions.
Wildlife Safari has had cub litters since Pancake, but were sent
to the Cincinnati Zoo for the breeding program. One of those
sent was deemed “the most genetically valuable cheetah” in
terms of genetic diversity.
With the success of the Wildlife Safari’s cheetah breeding
program and its work with its lions, the AZA hopes to start
another breeding program there with Rhya and Kehmala,
Safari’s two Sumatran Tigers. On September 9th, a fundraiser
was held to raise funds to expand the carnivore exhibit so they
are able to bring in male tigers. Just like the cheetahs, tigers
are extremely endangered animals with only 3,400 wild tigers
remaining. Tigers breed easily so given adequate space, prey
base and protection, the wild tiger population can increase.

Another very special feature of Wildlife Safari is that it is a AZA
accredited facility with hands-on elephant experiences. AZA
requires protected contact management of elephants, a safer and
more humane approach, which involves positive reinforcement
training though a protective barrier. The elephants at Wildlife
Safari are treated above standards by providing them with full
healthcare. There is a full-time vet on staff at the beck and call
of the elephants. If the elephants (or any animal) don’t feel
like doing something, whether it be training or interacting with
people during personal encounters, then they don’t. The staff
does not push them to do anything they don’t want to do. The
park is also raising funds to expand their elephant habitat from
its current 4 acres by adding another 3 acres of land for them
and a “Tembo Darasani” – meaning elephant classroom.
Wildlife Safari’s drive-thru experience takes about an hour and
half and you can purchase food to feed the sweet sika deer that
walk right up to your car. They also offer group and personal
animal encounters. Group encounters include taking a ride
on their transport vehicle and having the opportunity to feed
the giraffes, brown bears and hippos, “meet and greet” the
elephants, and get up close to the lions and cheetahs. They
also offer exclusive encounters where you can take a cheetah
for a stroll with their ambassadors, premier encounters with
the elephants, and opportunities to feed the carnivores in their
private holdings.
Multiple other experiences and education are offered. Visiting
the safari helps it to continue its purpose of conservation,
education and research of native and exotic wildlife. You can