Out of Africa Wildlife Park Arizona

Africa in the Heart of Arizona

Imagine watching 500-pound Royal White Bengal Tigers romping and splashing with toys and caretakers in a swimming pool. Tiger Splash is just one of the amazing sights you will see in Out of Africa Wildlife Park 104 wilderness acres in Camp Verde, near Camp Verde, Arizona.

Out of Africa is not a zoo or a circus, but a unique way to enjoy a variety of wildlife from large cats to bear, wolves, javelina and snakes. The Park offers different shows throughout the day. These are not really "shows" since the animals are not trained or rehearsed.

Caretakers interact with the animals and the animals do as they like, everything is spontaneous. On one of my visits, a large Bengal tiger decided Dean Harrison, president of Out of Africa, needed a "bath." The tiger came up behind Dean, placed its two large paws on his shoulders and licked Dean’s hair until it stood up in unruly swirls on his head.

During the big cat show, caretakers play with lions much the same way as I play with my pet cat at home, throwing them balloons to pop and toys to chase. The caretakers have been with these five-year-old lions since they were small and they treat each other with mutual respect. The animals are in charge of the shows, so no two shows are ever alike. Each time you visit Out of Africa, you’ll see something different.

My favorite part of this Wildlife Park is that visitors can actually experience the animals. On one visit I cuddled a lion cub, another time I let a python wrap himself around my neck and I’ve fed an extremely ugly lizard. You can feed a tiger yourself on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday or just watch the lions being fed - an unforgettable experience that proves these large cats are not really "tame."

In addition to the large cats, Out of Africa Wildlife Park has wolves, bears, coati, fox, javelina and a variety of birds, lizards and snakes. The animals are kept in large, clean natural habitats and are beautiful and healthy. Guests can spend all day wandering the trails and enjoying a near Garden of Eden experience.

Two gift shops, a snack shop and cafe along with plenty of tables and benches allow visitors to sit and relax. Out of Africa Wildlife Park is wheelchair accessible and wheelchairs, strollers and wagons can be rented. Younger children enjoy the playground. If fact, there is plenty of fun for all ages in Out of Africa Wildlife Park.

by Janet Webb Farnsworth

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