Did I ever tell you that I’m terrified of animals…big and small? But still I thought it would be a great idea to snag that Groupon for $5 to an African Safari Wildlife Park that’s only an hour from our house. The kids would love it! Who cares if I would be scared out of my wits the whole time?
The boys were super excited but Olivia wasn’t sure. We loaded up the truck with feed and carrots and set off down the path.
This was the first guy that came up to the truck. THEY COME RIGHT UP TO THE TRUCK!!! I didn’t think they would do that. I thought we’d throw the food out to where they were…a few hundred feet away. I really started to freak out. Look at his teeth!
Right after this, my kids got a nice lesson in…the birds and the bees. “They’re just cuddling!” we said. Gabe knew better.
Right after that, this guy walked up. We called him The Dude. Doesn’t he look like he has surfer hair? He ate quite a few of our stash and then rubbed his head all over the mirror trying to scratch an itch. It was hilarious! I was starting to think this wasn’t going to be so bad.
What happened over the next 5 minutes could probably have won us $10,000 on America’s Funniest Videos but since it happened to me, and I’m the only one who uses the camera, there’s no evidence. An elk came up to the car and I wanted to feed it a carrot. A carrot. One. This guy wanted to sit right on my lap and have a feast. I tried to climb into the backseat but couldn’t do it while he was trying to get in the truck. Matt thought it would be funny to put a carrot behind my ear. I can’t even describe to you the amount of freaking out that was going on. There were tears, I’m not going to lie. But the rest of the truck was hysterical with laughter.
I moved to the backseat after that. Turns out not only did Olivia inherit my thick brown hair and freckles, but also my understandable fear of animals. She wasn’t so sure about this whole feed-the-wild-animals thing either. So we sat in the back and hunkered down and let the boys have the front.
Olivia and I did feed a zebra and a giraffe at the end. To us, those animals aren’t too scary. Although the giraffe’s tongue was a little freaky. Just a little. Even though my heart was racing and I was scared, it was a great time overall!
Elastamom's Excerpts 
Wow…you’re brave! The safari we have here have monkeys and they climb on top of your car and destroy it!!! l ike rip off you’re mirrors and roof destroy. We take the park bus through!
Have to admit, I was chuckling the whole time I read this. The animals by themselves don’t bother me, it’s the licking. Can’t stand the thought of those huge, nasty tongues licking my hands. Ewww…
You are an awesome mother. You put your own fears aside so your boys could enjoy the adventure. Alyssa would love something like this. Olivia and I would be like you and your Olivia, hunkered down in the backseat. My O isn’t a fan of animals either. She doesn’t get the allure at all.
laughing so hard!!! i could just picture you and Olivia in the back seat!! I hate all of the slobber those animals produce!!! YUCK!!!! Thanks for the laugh that Olivia and got this morning!!
and going there always makes me think of that old commercial “Excuse me, do you have any grey poupon?” I guess they would be asking for carrots though and not mustard!
WOW! We’re practically neighbors if this is the park in Ohio! We’re about 1 1/2 hrs from the Sandusky park! We haven’t been there in a couple years, but it freaks my daughter out too. In fact, an ostrich pecked at her when she was about 6 and she’s still afraid of ostrichs! And she’s almost 19!!!!!!!!!
You HAVE to look up Tera’s video she has of this! It is quite similar to your description. I will send it to you via facebook!
Thanks for the giggles – a great start to a Monday morning! I hope both you and Olivia have recovered from the ordeal.
The boys look like they’re having the best time š Kudos to you for going along even though it wasn’t quite your cup of tea!
What a fun time! They must have loved having a front row seat to so many furry faces š
that sounds so awesome! Especially the part starring you…ha! I wish that was on film…
Poor Olivia!!! And poor you!!! I almost bought those tickets and then thought twice about it. I’m thinking I’m glad I did!
Love the pictures you were able to take through your scared state!!!
I’m a little freaked out by animals too. I’m so glad you guys went and what a great deal.
Safari tours are daunting for me too. My daughter only likes elephants, so we only visit the zoo about once every two years. I am not a an animal person so I don’t object.