The Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is another drive through wildlife experience, but this one is really great because you can actually feed exotic animals like zebras and ostriches. Of course we sprung for a couple bags of treats and off we drove 5 miles an hour onto the Tatonka range. We spotted some a few different kinds of antelope and something that resembled water buffalo before things got really interesting. Shortly thereafter we encountered some Zebras. We pulled up and the kids offered up their snacks. Immediately the Zebras approached and began nibbling right out of their hands. It was incredible to get that close to these amazing and adorable animals. They were so sweet and friendly wagging their tails. They sort of resembled horses but getting up close and personal you realize that these guys are clearly different. Feeding these animals was a once in a lifetime experience I don't think my kids will ever forget. Seriously how often do you get a chance to feed and pet a zebra! As we continued to drive along we saw some giraffes in the distance but they were too far to come over and eat our snack offerings. We continued onward till we encountered some very aggressive ostrich. You cannot believe how big these guys are till they are literally right next to your car. These guys are dialed in to one thing and one thing only...snacks! Before we could do anything the guy you see in this photo had his head in the car anxiously digging around right into the snack bag Isaac was holding. These guys have absolutely no manners whatsoever and grab whatever they can find. The kids were a little flipped out but it was quite simply hilarious. Thankfully this guy didn't manage to swallow anything else that wasn't bolted down...
After the drive we parked at headed to the petting zoo where we shelled out for some more snacks for the goats, sheep and miniature horses. Joel, my animal loving child was very busy befriending everyone in the pen hands full of snack pellets and giggling away. Dutiful mom that I am, I kept telling my kids to watch where they were stepping. I did not want a stinky souvenir coming back in the car with us. In addition to the petting zoo there was also a gold and gem panning activity. I bought a bag of gravel and gave each kid a pan full to sift through under the running water at the sluicing shed. We found a lot of nothing but the kids had a great time sifting searching and sorting. Isaac was so clever, after he was done with his pan, realizing his gems probably fell into the water, starting panning the gravel in the sluice figuring just like him other folks probably missed some good stuff too. Even Isaac came up empty handed. It's so funny, to this day, panning for gold or gems is one of my kids all time favorite activities. I guess it's just the thrill finding the hidden treasure that's just so addictive. Oh, by the way, if you click here, there's a link to a coupon to the park that will save you a little money.
