Safari park lets you get close to critters from A to Zebra

The Texas longhorns, whitetail deer and southern white rhino appealed to visitors at the Wildlife Animal Safari near Pine Mountain, but they failed to elicit any oohs and aahs. That responsibility fell to the newborn pigs and the family of turtles.

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You’ll see friendly giraffes at Wild Animal Safari near Pine Mountain.

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“They are always popular,” said Jason Hutcherson, vice president of the 500-acre park located about two hours southwest of Atlanta.

In this park you can literally take a walk — or drive — on the wild side. Park patrons can drive their personal vehicles to see the animals, rent a “zebra van” ($11 an hour) or take a free guided bus tour through the year-round park.

The whole experience is a little cheesy, a little weird and a whole lot interesting. It makes sense that the privately owned preserve sells a T-shirt that proclaims “I’ve been slobbered.”

Some of the animals harbor no fear or shame. They mosey right up to the open-air tour buses. They stick their heads in or thrust their tongues out for food that can be purchased in the ticket building.

The driven tour takes about one hour and brings you up close to antelope, buffalo, giraffes, llamas and zebras. You’ll even see a zedonk — a cross between a zebra and a donkey. A separate walk-through section of the park has alligators, bears, monkeys and wolves, though they are not free-roaming. Educational shows and events are scheduled throughout the day.

Getting there

Take I-85 South to I-185 South. Take Exit 42 onto U.S. 27. Turn left and go about seven miles to Oak Grove Road. Turn right. The park is two miles on your left.

Where to eat

The Wildlife Animal Safari has a restaurant called — what else? — the Safari Cafe. Burgers, hot dogs, chicken fingers, subs, pizzas and sandwiches grace the menu. If the cafe cuisine doesn’t suit your palate, downtown Pine Mountain is only five miles away. Restaurants offer everything from quick snacks to fine dining. Cricket’s Restaurant (Ga. 18 W., 706-663-2002, www.cricketsrestaurant.com ) features steaks, seafood and New Orleans cuisine. Outdoor dining, as well as a kid’s menu, is available.

Rest up

You may not want to make the return trip to Atlanta on the same day after spending time in the park, dining and browsing at shops in downtown Pine Mountain. No worries. You have options, including the various villas, cottages and inns at the nearby Callaway Gardens resort www.callawaygardens.com, or if your budget is a bit tighter, you can try the Days Inn (368 S. Main Ave., 706-663-2121, www.daysinn.com).