Cougars, bears (polar, Kodiak, grizzly and black), zebras, elk, moose, burrows, emus and llamas were there. There was also water buffalo, wolves, tigers, ostriches, yaks, lynx, peacocks, rhinos, buffalo and fallow deer. And many more.
We arrived early, yet there was already a line of cars to get in. There were three choices of tours to go on. You could do a walk tour, which was guided and all the animals histories were presented or you could choose to drive through, but you had to stay in your vehicle. The third choice was to do both. We chose to just do the drive through. We handed them the pass, retrieved for us by Glenna & Jack and headed up the hill to the observatory tower. Rabbits were all around the bottom of the stairs. Just off to the right of the tower was an enclosed area that housed baby prairie dogs.
Yaks were blocking our progression and would only move after being "bribed" with bread that we purchased for fifty cents a loaf as we entered the park.
As we came down the back side of the hill the bears were waiting. These bears put on shows for people. They throw rocks. They sit up and wave and show their teeth if you do. They loved the carrots that Glenna had given us to share with them. There were a lot of bears. The grizzlies were, as expected the largest, and were the most playful.
We proceeded to drive by a "walking tour" that was getting information about the tigers and wolves that were in large cages in the center of the park. And then we went across grates that kept the buffalo and elk from entering the parking area. We stopped and fed the buffalo. One very large buffalo came right up to the van that Glenna & Jack had loaned us to enjoy the farm with. As Cindy put a slice of bread out the window for the buffalo, he "slimed" the window. We learned first hand about buffalo breath!
After we exited the fenced area, we stopped and went on to the gift shop. There we saw a bumper sticker which read, "I was "slimed" at the Olympic Game Farm". WE knew exactly what they meant.
We had an exceptional time at the farm, but we realize that the important thing about this farm is the concept of saving animal actors. The Beebes are extraordinary people and we appreciate their efforts. There is a book that Lloyd wrote entitled "Wilderness Trails And A Dream". He is a remarkable man and once reading this book you will understand just how much. He used patience rather than force, reward in favor of fear and turned wild animals into television and movie stars. The book tells the complete story of The Olympic Game Farm, its origins and purpose and is on sale in the gift shop. The park is open 362 days a year.
Check out their Website, set your reservations and be sure to tell them Cruising America says HI!
A Winding Road * (formerly Cruising America) * * 336-984-9648 * freedom04@awindingroad.net
