For Wild Time, Call Robert

Over the summer, the Global Wildlife Center in Robert, La., has been busy adding exotics to its collection of 4,000 animals. The ranch houses hoofed species ranging from antelope to zebras and even a few kangaroo. More than just providing views of the majestic countryside dotted with exotic animals, Global Wildlife allows visitors to ride covered wagon caravans through the pastures, so they can see up close, feed and touch free-roaming camels, oryx, giraffes and several species of deer.

In July, the non-profit celebrated the arrival of four big babies. First, mother and daughter, Kameel and Zira, each gave birth of to a giraffe calf. Giraffes are born after a 15-month gestation period. The mother giraffe gives birth standing up and the calf falls approximately six feet to the ground when they are born. Zira’s baby boy must have landed with quite a clunk because he weighed 150 pounds and stood over six-feet tall at birth.

The baby boy and girls are both roaming the 900-acre preserve and visiting with safari wagon guests. For the next week or so, visitors still have the opportunity to enter the baby-naming contest. The Global Wildlife Center staff will announce the winners later this month.

In addition to the giraffe calves, Global Wildlife also welcomed two crias, more commonly known as baby llamas. Baby llamas are born after a 12-month gestation period and weigh about 35 pounds. Llamas are very social animals, who love to interact with visitors and other hoof stock.

The babies aren’t the only new members of the herd. Recently, another four llamas and seven alpacas moved from a local farm to Global Wildlife Center.

The non-profit organization offers safari wagon tours at $17 for adults; $15 for seniors; $11 for children ages two to 11; and, free for children under two-year-old. Private Pinzer [a Swiss all-terrain vehicle similar to a Jeep] tours are available for $35 per person.

For more information, visit globalwildlife.com. Or, for a wild time, call 985-796-3585.

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