For students wanting a sabbatical away from the hustle of Auburn, Wild Animal Safari awaits with more than 65 types of exotic animals who are ready to eat treats directly from human hands.
Located just 45 minutes away in Pine Mountain, Georgia, the 3.5-mile drive-thru safari was obtained by Wild Animal Safari Park in 2005.
Kylie Deese, head keeper, started at the safari three years ago during her senior year at LaGrange College.
According to Deese, the park is split into two venues: drive-thru and walk-about.
Free-roaming animals are the stars of the drive-thru venue. Zebras, giraffes, bison, elk, emus and deer roam through 250 acres, anticipating treats from visiting cars.
“It’s more interactive with the animals than normal zoos,” Deese said. “Usually you would walk around and view the animals in their enclosures [at a normal zoo]. You are unable to interact with them, touch them and feed them.”
The walk-about venue features primates and predators. These animals are contained for safety reasons, Deese said.
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