Safari West - Santa Rosa, California - private wildlife reserve on 400 acres

One of only six private facilities in the United States to be accredited by the Association of Aquariums and Zoos, Safari West was founded in 1989 by Peter Lang. Its ongoing mission is to educate the public and conserve wildlife through breeding, research, education and public interaction. Safari West offers a truly unique experience among zoos and wildlife preserves on the North American continent.

Located on 400 acres of lush land in the middle of California's wine country, Safari West's primary purpose is as a wildlife preserve. Under that aegis, the zoo is home to species of zebra, giraffes, cheetahs and other exotic species that are endangered in the wild. In addition, Safari West participates in breeding endangered bird species to prevent their extinction, and in conservation efforts to preserve two species of Saharan desert antelopes that are extinct in the wild.

However, Safari West also serves another purpose - that of raising awareness of the plight of endangered animals and promoting understanding of the species through interaction. To that end, the wildlife preserve offers a variety of Safari Adventures that allow visitors to spend time among the non-human residents of Safari West.

The simplest of the Safari Adventures is a three hour trek around the preserve in a safari jeep. The animals roam freely among the landscape that is as similar to the African landscape as possible. For those who want to spend more than a few hours among the animals, Safari West offers overnight stays in either tents or cottages. Visitors can spend the night in a canvas tent or a luxury cottage overlooking the plains or the lake, and wake to enjoy their breakfast on an outdoor platform while watching giraffes graze nearby.

The Safari also offers special Animal Encounters that allow visitors to get more personal with the wildlife on the preserve. These include Animal Presentations featuring cheetahs or other exotic animals, and the opportunity to have your photo taken with the Safari West cheetahs. For those who really want to get to know the animals, Safari West offers two Keeper of the Day packages, which allow visitors to spend the day with keepers, feeding the animals and doing the behind the scenes maintenance that keeps the facility on track.

The facility offers a number of special deals for visitors, including Watusi Weekdays, which offer a discount when guests book dinner and lodging at the same time, and a special Girls Getaway for two that includes dinner, lodging, a Safari Adventure and wine and chocolate, the two essentials for a girls' night out. There is also a Romantic Couple special that includes lodging, dinner, a safari and Swedish massages for two, and Full Moon Madness, when the facility offers deep discounts - up to 50% off regular prices.

Visitors can also enjoy dinner or lunch at the Savannah Caf,, which serves safari ranch style meals in an elegant indoor dining room or on the outdoor veranda complete with an African fire pit.

Admissions and fees vary according to season and day of the week, as well as by services. For more information, contact Safari West at 800-616-2695.