Ready to get up close and personal with the reticulated giraffes, Grant’s zebras, Bactrian camels, American bison, and various species of deer and antelope roaming the 900 acres of Global Wildlife Center’s refuge in Folsom? Book a private tour in an open-air Pinzgauer vehicle and get down to “slobber level,” as the guides like to joke, with a safari experience unlike anything else in Louisiana.
Aboard one of the center’s Pinzgauer all-terrain vehicles, equipped with a sack or bin of pellets to feed the wildlife (the larger size offerings are recommended), visitors to Global Wildlife Center can enjoy an hour-long excursion across the largely flat terrain, with stops here and there to maneuver even closer to the animals, that bump up against the vehicle in search of a snack (or, in some cases, sticking their heads right inside). The Holstein cows on the premises, in particular, are especially friendly, while the Watusi (a breed of African cow) tend to be more curious, thoughtful observers. Guides will remind you to maintain a respectful distance from the zebras, lest they bite, and to be on the lookout for different baby animals frolicking beside their parents. Bonus tip: Toss some pellets from the back of the Pinz as the guide drives away from a stop and watch the many different deer—there are so many deer—scurrying behind, vying for another taste, and guaranteeing squeals of delight from the kids.
To Global Wildlife's reticulated giraffes, an approaching Safari Wagon signifies snack time.
In addition to a face-full of giraffe (and their purple tongues, naturally protected from the sun as they graze from tall trees) or llama (surprisingly soft and not as drool-heavy as you might suspect), Global Wildlife Center also offers a safari souvenir experience worthy of—if not MoMA—at least your living room wall. For this tour opportunity, guests will be given a canvas, along with their color choice of human- and animal-safe food dye to attract hungry wildlife during the trek. Dab some dye and pellets on the blank sheet of canvas, and when the animals stick their faces (and noses, and tongues) into the Pinz, they will paint your canvas themselves for a memorable, extraordinary abstract piece of art to bring home. At the very least, it will serve as a conversation starter at your next dinner party.
If a private Pinz tour ($49.95 per person, minimum 4 people) sounds a bit pricey, ask about opportunities to join a semi-private tour, for smaller groups willing to share vehicle space; depending on group size, you may get a discount—and the chance to paint with the animals. The Safari Souvenir option costs $20.
To learn more about Global Wildlife’s private, semi-private, and public tours, visit globalwildlife.com.
