A Wild Kingdom, Close Enough to Touch
From giraffes to zebras to capybaras, the ever-growing Global Wildlife Center animal preserve has brought rare species and immersive encounters to generations of Louisiana visitors.
In Louisiana—where live oaks stretch skyward and blue herons stalk silent bayous, spotting the silhouette of a giraffe strolling between pine trees or a mob of red kangaroos bounding through switchgrass might seem like mirages. But at Folsom’s Global Wildlife Center, these improbable sights and hundreds of others become breathtaking reality. Guests at Louisiana’s largest wildlife preserve enjoy up-close encounters with more than two thousand rare and exotic animals from all over the world, experiencing first-hand the wonder of their presence, and the vital role conservation plays in protecting wild species both here in the Americas and overseas.
Since opening in 1991, nine hundred-acre Global Wildlife Center has introduced generations of visitors to the spectacle of exotic animals—Grant’s zebras, Bactrian camels, American bison, Reticulated giraffes and more—roaming free through the Louisiana landscape. In recent years, the center has experienced a period of dynamic growth, adding fresh educational programs, engaging guest experiences, and more species to its ever-expanding herds.
“We’re in a big growth phase right now,” says Executive Director Christina Cooper. “We’ve been adding lots of fun events to our calendar and some new animal encounters where guests can go inside habitats. It’s a really exciting time for guests to see us for the first time or come back if they haven’t been in awhile, and there’s more to come!”
Every experience at Global Wildlife Center is immersive. Guests can feed giraffes by hand, stroll amongst red kangaroos, or give a South American capybara (the world’s largest rodent) a tummy rub. Visitors also have numerous ways to explore the park grounds—via traditional wagon tours, semi-private tours, and private tours in a Pinzgauer off-road vehicle. Special events happen year-round, with seasonal highlights that include a North Pole Express Safari that takes place the first three weekends in December. These encounters reveal the habits and personality of each species, and emphasize the vital importance of conservation programs both here and abroad.
This Christmas, bring the wild magic of Global Wildlife Center within reach, with a gift membership that invites loved ones to explore the center at any time of year at special rates. Members are among the first to meet new animal arrivals, and to attend exclusive events. Gift cards can be redeemed for safari wagon tours, private pen experiences, or animal feed. All are extraordinary experiences with the potential to delight and educate, long after the holiday season is past.
Visit globalwildlife.com to learn more.
