Global Wildlife’s anniversary’s quite a big ‘kudu’

The notion of an African safari park existing in the midst of the Bayou State is ludicrous. Visions of antelope, giraffe, kangaroos and camels cavorting in Tangipahoa Parish seem like hallucinations. And, yet, for 20 years, the Global Wildlife Center in rural Robert has brought more than a million locals and international tourists face-to-face with exotic herbivores.

Rather than adhering to the constructs of some master plan, the Global Wildlife Center evolved naturally. In 1991, a wildlife enthusiast brought a single giraffe to live on his family’s property in Robert. The graceful African giant immediately attracted onlookers in the farming community.

As the collection of exotic herbivores and the crowds grew, the owner recognized the potential for the place to educate local children about the conservation. So, he soon began offer fieldtrips like no other: an opportunity to see eye-to-eye—and get an occasional slurp—from a giraffe, camel or horned antelope, reaching into a covered wagon for feed. Entranced by their children’s tales of the hungry, huge, horned, striped, big-eyed beasts, parents had to go where the wild things are to see for themselves. Word spread about those experiences.

Events coordinator Nancy Ruiz attributes the park’s success and longevity to its novelty. “It’s so unique that there’s nothing like it anywhere. There are safari parks you can drive through,” she says, “but, not where you come face-to-face with the animals. Two-year-olds to 90-years-old drive into the park with a smile on their face, and they leave the same way.”

Unlike a theme park with its artificial, static environment, the Global Wildlife experience changes organically with the seasons, weather and time of day, Ruiz says, “Even working here, you never get used to [seeing these live exotic animals roaming the property]. That’s why we created memberships, because so many people want to come back again and again.”

Global Wildlife has now developed into a self-sustaining 501c3 organization with 20 employees and 4,000 animals representing 35 species roaming over 900 acres.

The animal exhibits are always expanding. This past May, two local doctors donated their four African sulcata tortoises, which had been kept as pets. While they may be slow moving, these reptiles are fast growing. The third largest tortoise in the world, they can reach 18 inches in shell length and weigh between 70 and 100 pounds.

Besides adding to its collection, Global Wildlife has diversified its tour options. The center added private Pinz tours. More nimble than the traditional caravan, the nine-passenger German World War II trucks veer into areas inaccessible other vehicles. This tour provides an even greater chance of one-on-one animal encounters and up-close angles for a photo safari.

For its 20th anniversary year, the Global Wildlife Center received a remarkable present. After eight months of gestation, the wildlife park celebrated the birth of its first kudu (see photo). Originating in the Eastern and Southern regions of the continent, kudus are among the largest and most striking of African antelopes.

Of course, the baby kudu is not the only new addition to the center. After two decades, a new generation of visitors is discovering the feel of a giraffe’s neck, the aroma of bison’s breath and the antics of a baby antelope. Moms and dads who visited as children themselves are bringing their kids back to have a wild time—or maybe just for another epic battle with a cup-stealing Cape Eland.

For tour and other information, visit globalwildlife.com.

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