Camping Out Under the Stars In the Wild

Camping OutUnder theStars In the Wild

by Kirstin Conlin

Photos by Josh Gray

Just 90 minutes north of Phoenix, in the foothills of the beautiful Verde Valley Mountains, is a 104-acre wildlife sanctuary that both the animals and their human visitors thoroughly enjoy. Out of Africa Wildlife Park is home to nearly 40 exotic big cats and hundreds of other mammals, birds, and reptiles which represent the incredible biological diversity of the jungles, forests, and plains of the world. The preserve was designed to give animals the freedom to roam and interact as they would in their native habitats. Humans can experience many different encounters with the animals and thereby develop an appreciation for ‘the wild’ and its wondrous inhabitants, many of whom are currently teetering on extinction.

One of the amazingly unique experiences that Out of Africa offers to human guests is their annual Family Campout on the expansive park grounds. Imagine pitching a tent a few feet from the mountain lion enclosure, or hearing the cackling of hyenas just beyond your campsite. Last May, my family and I got to experience this amazing overnight adventure, and I’m happy to share the highlights of our surprising, sometimes funny, and always entertaining memories.

Although we’d never been to Out of Africa before, we are animal enthusiasts, so the thought of camping out with the animals excited us. Although, with two children, I was also just a bit nervous – what exactly did ‘with the animals’ mean? Upon arrival, we were greeted by friendly staff members who immediately calmed my nerves and prepared us for our adventure. I quickly learned that Out of Africa was very different from places we’d visited before. The animals all have very large spaces in which to live and play, and the animal-centric attitudes of the keepers was evident. I was surprised by the feeling of being immersed into the lives of animals that we wouldn’t normally get close enough to see, let alone get to know on a personal level!

After setting up camp, we made our way to the “Tiger Splash Show.” Seeing the large fenced area with a pool in the middle and several staff members milling around inside, gave us pause. We knew something unusual was about to happen. Dean Harrison, the wildlife park’s founder acted as our emcee. While several other staff members stretched out as if they were preparing for a marathon, Dean continued began to explain the dynamics of what we were about to witness (with great humor and personality.) I must admit, my concentration wavered when I saw several ferocious looking tigers waiting to enter the ‘play pen’ WITH the people!

Trepidation crept in as I began to wonder what my kids might be about to witness. Dean continued to narrate what we were seeing as the gate opened and Jeff, a self-proclaimed ‘adrenaline-junkie’ ran full speed with a tiger in tow. Have you ever seen a cat sneak up on its prey and then instantaneously pounce on it with its entire body weight? We were in awe as we saw this familiar scene play out, but with a full-grown man facing a 450-pound tiger. The gasps turned to giggles as it became clear that Jeff would survive the encounter, would not be eaten, and was actually playing with his feline friend. Both tigers and people ended up in the swimming pool, certainly warranting the name “Tiger Splash!”

Dean Harrison

After an evening snake encounter, we got a glimpse of how Out of Africa was started by Dean and his wife Prayeri. One of the special perks of the campout is the personal time we got with the founders — in the evening during the ice cream social, and in the morning over breakfast.

In 2018, to celebrate their 30th anniversary, Out of Africa provided this immersive ‘Family Campout Experience.’ I can honestly say it was unlike anything I have experienced before. It was quite evident that the founders and the entire staff have a genuine love and respect for the animals they care for. The atmosphere is one of adventure, education, peaceful interaction, and community. After more than three decades of preserving and protecting wildlife from around the world, their legacy as one of Arizona’s premier wildlife sanctuaries continues.

On May 18, 2019, Out of Africa again opens its gates to welcome some humans for an overnight experience of a lifetime. For more information call 928-567-2840 or visit www.outofafricapark.com AZ

Founders Dean & Prayeri Harrison

ArizonaKEY.com