Continuing our look back at our 6–8 trip to the Global Wildlife Center—here’s what the experience looked like on Day 2.
Screeches of delight reverberate throughout our van as Phoenix kids spy animal after animal materializing out of our research books to spread out across the pastures right in front of us.
Giraffes tower over rolling landscape, heads high in trees excited Jay at first glimpse. Leon exclaimed over herds of axis deer roaming the landscape, while Jake eyed feathery rheas beside the van.
Zebras kicking up dust and dodging each other hold Gavin’s attention while graceful black bucks show off their twisted antlers to Fiona’s delight. Alfie stares in disbelief at the roaming giraffes because he cannot imagine seeing a giraffe outside of a zoo. He shouts in joy at seeing Capybaras, his personal research subject.
Our first experience at Global Wildlife Center is perfect; warm sunlight embracing us, a light breeze keeping us cool in the Louisiana spring painted by blooming shrubs, and wandering herds of wild animals capturing our attention as we head for the visitor center.
We meet Mikayla and McKale, our expert guides for the week, for an introduction to the Global Wildlife Center while Cali, the Center’s horticulturalist, explains the importance of plant management before we take a much closer peek at the animals around us.
Antelope, eland, bison, countless varieties of deer, Watusi cattle, zebras, rheas, and giraffes follow us as our tractor pulls us across the landscape in open air wagons. To supplement their usual graze and hay we have plenty of healthy animal treats for the hungry creatures who clammer after us begging for handouts. Giraffes gently lean in to snuffle food pellets from our hands, deer follow scooping up leftovers from the ground. Bison and Watusi cattle reach their impressive skulls and horns close, open their mouths waiting for us to pour the tasty morsels into their mouths. Some of us are lucky to get “kissed” by a Watusi, whose spit on our hands assures 7 years of good luck. Others feel the sandpaper tongues of Bison reaching for food. Zebras kick and shove, vying for treats. We are lucky to be so close to such captivating creatures.
Dr. Canyon then invites us into her lab to explain how she works to make sure every animal at GWC stays healthy or gets treated if compromised. To her delight we ask question after question in true Phoenix fashion, feeling her excitement and dedication to her job as the on-site veterinarian. We examine tools she uses to diagnose and treat animals on the property. Clearly she loves her patients even if some avoid her when they need her most. After spending time in the lab, we begin to feel a bit like vets ourselves.
