African Safari Wildlife Park

May 8, 2026

With a few of my favorite people-

Packed in the back seat of my little car-

Each with an overnight bag

and swim trunks just in case.

Pillows and their favorite blankets

A bundle of snacks sent by their moms

-we.are.all.set-

For the highly anticipated-

Newest birthday adventure-

The only clue

-Animals-

Lots and lots of animals.

Way up in the tippy top northwest corner of Ohio

Sits the African Safari Wildlife Park

Pulling up we order our snacks for the drive through park.

Rolling down our windows we take off down the curvy path.

Within minutes a herd of antelope are circling the car ready to nibble on our gifts of vegetables and grain.

Licking our windows and rear view mirrors.

-Giggles erupt-

Elk and a emu are next

Then zebras, giraffes, llamas and highlander cows-

Sticking their noses in your face and outstretching their tongues.

-Screams of laughter-

By the time the gigantic buffalo strides up

The air is •absolutely• electric.

Slowly he sticks its whole head onto the car

Positive this mass of pure muscle and fur

Could tip my car over

-the kids squeal-

And my heart busts at the seams.

Not wanting to leave we circle the route a few times,

Before stopping at the walk through safari.

Here my nephews talk over each other

Leaping from one exhibit to the next

Telling me everything they know

About every animal they see.

I ate up every moment.

-all of us-

Laughing until tears.

When I am old and fully gray

I will blame this trip for the laugh lines on my face

-my souvenir-

African Safari Wildlife Park

267 S. Lightner Road

Port Clinton, Ohio 43452

419.732.3606 Africansafariwildlifepark.com