Words by Jan Lee
Summer is often a great time to watch wildlife. Deer, caribou, eagles and for the trained eye, more elusive species like bear and elk are often visible at this time of year. National parks in both Canada and the U.S. offer numerous opportunities for learning about the animals, birds, and insects that reside just beyond our backyards.
For our youngest RV travelers, there is nothing better than an up-close and personal encounter with a furry creature. Petting zoos that care for bunny rabbits, baby deer, and other miniature animals can be the perfect way to introduce kids to the animal kingdom and the unusual habitats in which they live.
These days, many private zoos and working farms, that open their wildlife parks or working zoos to the public, also have RV sites on the premises. Perhaps that's because conservation organizations have learned that having a well-equipped campground on site is a great way to teach the public about what they do.
Of course, petting zoos don't fit every member of the family's idea of the perfect vacation. For teens and older travelers, a sprawling safari can be just the ticket. Wildlife preserves offer you the opportunity to drive (or walk, in some cases) through acres of parkland and view species rarely seen up close.
Two Rivers Wildlife Park
4581 Grand Mira North Rd.
Huntington, NS B1K 1V5
The story behind Two Rivers Wildlife Park is special. Set at the headwaters of the Salmon and Mira Rivers in Cape Breton Nova Scotia, the 500-acre park is considered a landmark to the area's remarkable French and British history. However, it's also a testament to the local community's dedication to ecological conservation. Originally managed by the department of natural resources, it's now a not-for-profit park that focuses on wildlife rehabilitation and conservation.
The park’s wildlife trail allows visitors to view animals native to North America, many of which came to the sanctuary because of injury and have since been nursed back to health. There’s also a petting zoo featuring horses, cows, rabbits, a donkey, alpacas, llamas, goats, waterfowl, a swan, and one potbelly pig. Kids under 12 must be accompanied by an adult while visiting the animals.
Rosemary Maclean, who runs the park, notes that the petting zoo and other amenities are free for campers staying on-site.
History buffs will want to check out the area’s early history, which dates back to the 18h century. The old French Road, which connected the Fortress of Louisbourg to other parts of Cape Breton, passes through the acreage and stone markers from that period are still visible.
The park has 45 sites, most of which are equipped for 30-amp. There are three 50-amp sites as well. The park can accommodate RVs up to 12 m (40 ft) in length.
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Two Rivers Wildlife Park
Visitors can stroll along Two Rivers’ wildlife trail or visit furry creatures at the park’s petting zoo.
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Two Rivers Wildlife Park
Visitors can stroll along Two Rivers’ wildlife trail or visit furry creatures at the park’s petting zoo.
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Two Rivers Wildlife Park
Foxes, llamas, and peacocks, oh my! There's lots to take in at the petting zoo and on the wildlife trail.
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Two Rivers Wildlife Park
Foxes, llamas, and peacocks, oh my! There's lots to take in at the petting zoo and on the wildlife trail.
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Two Rivers Wildlife Park
Foxes, llamas, and peacocks, oh my! There's lots to take in at the petting zoo and on the wildlife trail.
Saugeen Springs RV Park
173844 Mulock Road,
Hanover, ON
Saugeen Springs RV Park, just outside of Hanover, Ontario, features a small petting zoo of goats, lambs, and horses. Assistants are on-site to introduce the animals. The park asks that you don't feed the animals, as they have prescribed diets and food restrictions, but guests are welcome to visit the petting zoo during open hours.
“The kids love, it," co-owner Catherine Serez said. She added that the park does set aside some grain and other feedstocks so kids can feed the animals during supervised introductions. "But they can visit the animals anytime (during the day) because they are always out there."
The Saugeen River is a popular destination for river tubing, swimming, and fishing, as well as day hikes. Dining and other city attractions are a short drive away in Hanover.
The park can accommodate vehicles 14 m (45 ft) in length and under, in their roughly 200 sites (approximately 125 per-night sites and 75 seasonal residents). Three-way services with 30-amp power are available, some with paved driveways.
This year the park is offering a 5-night Canada Day event (June 26-July 1). There will be music and fireworks according to the weather. The online calendar lists weekly summer events. "There's always something going on," said Serez.
Buena Vista Wildlife Park
1830 S. U.S. Highway 281
Evant, TX 76525
www.buenavistawildlifesafari.com
Buena Vista's 600-acre wildlife safari drive winds past open pastures of Indian Axis deer, African blue wildebeests, South American llamas, Chinese semi-aquatic Pѐre David deer, and many other species. Many of the animals, that call this out-of-the-way preserve home, are endangered. That includes the Texas Longhorn, which is critically endangered, and the Pѐre David deer, which is now extinct in the wild and survives only in preserves like this one.
Visitors can drive the 5.5 km (3.5 mi) safari or visit the petting zoo at the front of the park. The park provides packets of food for the animals and asks that you don't offer the animals anything else. Also, it's best to leave your pets back at the RV.
The RV park has 35 full-service sites, with 30/50-amps and an event centre, dog park, and horse pen on site.
The nearby town of Evant’s 4th of July celebrations expects a good turnout. "The [town] is less than a half-mile from our safari/RV park, which means guests will have an outstanding view of the fireworks show," co-owner D'AnnDrennan said.
Buena Vista Safari, and the town of Evant, sit at the intersection of State highways 281 and 84 in hilly Central Texas, an area well-known for warm summer weather. July temps range around 35-37 C (95-98 F) or a bit warmer; June is usually a bit cooler.
“The stars are beautiful at this time of year in the hill country,” Drennan noted.
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Al Stewart
There are lots of great photographic moments to capture at Buena Vista.
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Toni Rejcek
Buena Vista’s small petting zoo is a favourite destination.
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Buena Vista Safari
The Pere David deer, originally from China, is now extinct in the wild, but thriving at this wildlife safari in Texas.
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Toni Rejcek
Both the Pere David deer and the Scimitar Horned Oryx (background) are extinct in the wild.
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Toni Rejcek
The 3.5-mile safari provides an up-close view of animals from all over the world.
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AL STEWART
From Africa, the zebra and wildebeests are used to cohabitating in the wild.
Wildlife Safari
1790 Safari Road
Winston, OR 97496
Oregon's most famous wildlife park has been making a name for itself since 1972. Home to some 500 animals, the 400-acre park is one of western Oregon's most popular attractions. It houses tigers, lions, bison, eagles, elephants, and the critically endangered cotton-top tamarin monkey, as well as many other mammals, birds, and reptiles.
The park runs a cheetah breeding program and hosts educational talks throughout the day. It is a designated rescue for injured and abandoned animals. For its littlest guests, it runs a junior zookeeper program, a great place for meeting animals big and small, and learning about wildlife conservation.
The park has only 12 camping spots and limited RV provisions. But it’s also located near a plethora of campgrounds, in one of western Oregon’s most popular areas. Rising River RV Park, in nearby Roseburg, sits on the banks of the Umpqua River, famous for river rafting and backcountry hikes. Rising River’s 90 sites are popular during the 4th of July weekend, but the park says there’s usually a few sites left just before the holiday. Still, it’s best to call and reserve ahead when possible.
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Aaron Anderer
Some animals can be visited without a car
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Bruce Fingerhood
The welcoming party is always an attraction at the Wildlife Safari in Winston, Oregon.
Rules and regs
Parents will want to keep in mind that while most petting zoos are great for small children, each zoo has its own set of rules when it comes to petting or feeding the animals. Remember that not all farm animals, while cuddly and cute from beyond the fence, are comfortable with being touched by strangers or are appropriate for fence feeding. It's best to ask first unless the park has signs stating otherwise.
As several of the parks noted, it's important to remember that this is an animal's personal home. In many cases, it's also a sanctuary for animals that have been abused or injured. So following the park's rules keeps the animals – and the visitors – safe.
More information is available about the parks’ missions and services on each of their websites. Enjoy your visit!