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Time flies when you’re a baby rhino! Ozzy is already six weeks old and ready to take on the world.

“While Ozzy is slowly becoming more independent, he still doesn’t venture too far from mom and follows her cues. Ozzy is very curious about his caretakers and enjoys coming up to say hello and greatly enjoys receiving belly scratches. The keepers have started working with him to get kiss prints and he is quickly following in the footsteps of his older brother, Otto, with his artistic abilities. He has started exploring the wallow with his feet, but we have yet to see him fully take a roll in the mud.

We provide our animals with choice and control over where they go in their habitats, if they are visible to guests on tour and if they want to interact during animal encounters; while we can’t guarantee anything, if Eesha is comfortable with it (as determined by her caretakers), guests may be able to say hi to Ozzy during our rhino encounters. These up close and personal experiences really allow our guests to appreciate these incredible creatures and we hope through these interactions, our rhinos inspire them to support conservation of rhinos in the wild.”

~Rhino Keeper Erika Defer⁠

We can’t wait to see Ozzy’s personality continue to develop as he gets older. Be sure to follow us on social media for the latest cute videos and pictures!

The post Welcome, Ozzy: Safari West Celebrates the Birth of a White Rhino Calf appeared first on Safari West.

Kulula inspired generations of guests, staff, and conservationists with her headstrong spirit, captivating presence, and extraordinary story — first introduced to the world through the acclaimed Animal Planet documentary *Growing Up Giraffe*.

“Kulula was more than just an animal in our care,” says Dr. Nancy Lang, founder of Safari West. “She was family. She grew up here, and in many ways, she helped shape the heart of Safari West.”

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At Safari West, we are thrilled to introduce our newest (and furriest) little bundle of happiness—Arlo, a baby ring-tailed lemur!

Born to his attentive and loving mother, Betty, Arlo has already stolen our hearts. His bright eyes peek out curiously from her fur, his tiny hands grip tightly as she leaps from branch to branch, and his wobbly movements as he explores are enough to make anyone smile.

Ring-tailed lemurs, classified as an Endangered species by the IUCN, face challenges in the wild due to habitat loss and other threats. That makes every new birth a reason to celebrate—and Arlo is no exception. But beyond the conservation importance, his arrival is a simple and beautiful reminder of why we cherish the natural world. In times when the world feels uncertain, watching a baby lemur begin his journey is a small but meaningful source of happiness.

The post A Little Lemur, A Big Joy: Welcome Baby Arlo to Safari West! appeared first on Safari West.

Zoolife was started at the Toronto Zoo, providing a live stream of the zoo’s giraffe habitat during the pandemic to help guests stay connected with the zoo during an uncertain and difficult time. Over the last 5 years they have expanded to partner with dozens of zoos and showcase more than 100 different species across the world, from koalas at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Australia to maned wolves at the Endangered Wolf Center here in the US. 

The post Safari West partners with Zoolife for Giraffe Livestreams appeared first on Safari West.

With so many Sonoma County residents providing critical butterfly habitats, we hope our magnificent butterflies will continue to thrive in and around our homes, parks, and open spaces.

It is a delight to stroll the grounds of Safari West and see so many enchanting monarch butterflies floating and dancing above the grasses and throughout the flower beds and trees.

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In the early hours of that morning, animal caregivers discovered Safiri shivering, wet, and splayed. The animal team quickly assisted the calf by helping her position her legs appropriately and started a brief exam where they found her body temperature had plummeted to a dangerously low 92°F, far below the normal 101°F for giraffes. Initial blood tests revealed infection and critically low glucose levels.

Dr. Emily Cehrs, staff veterinarian for Safari West, working closely with Animal Collection Manager Nikki Smith and Animal Collection Assistant Manager Erika Defer, quickly developed a comprehensive treatment plan. They used blankets and a Bair Hugger warming system to stabilize Safiri’s temperature while administering IV fluids and antibiotics to combat infection and low glucose levels.

The post Safari West’s Heroic Effort Saves Critically Ill Newborn Giraffe appeared first on Safari West.

Discover the thrill of immersing yourself in nature and teaching others about the world around them. We are seeking motivated individuals who find invigoration in being outdoors year-round and have a genuine passion for educating and inspiring others.

At Safari West, you’ll become a part of a preserve that houses nearly 1,000 animals, with a diverse mammal population primarily originating from the African continent. Alongside these magnificent creatures, we are visited by native wildlife such as otters, osprey, and bald eagles, making every day a unique experience. Our safari tours operate year-round, allowing guests to indulge in a captivating three-hour adventure. For two hours, they’ll ride in an authentic open-air 1950s Dodge power wagon, immersing themselves in the safari experience. The remaining time is spent on a guided walking tour, where our knowledgeable guides lead guests through enchanting aviaries, alongside lively flamingo flocks, towering giraffes, majestic cheetahs, and habitats teeming with hyenas and monkeys, among other wonders.

We understand the importance of flexibility in work schedules, and that’s why we offer part-time and/or on-call positions to accommodate your needs. Join us at Safari West for an important informational seminar, where you’ll learn more about the endless possibilities and incredible experiences that await you.

Your journey begins here—join our Safari West team and become a catalyst for change in wildlife conservation. Together, we’ll create cherished memories and foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

For additional information, please contact our Human Resources Team at HR@safariwest.com. There is no age restriction; we warmly welcome everyone. This position can be an excellent match for retirees who may not possess a conventional resume. It’s important to note that there are physical requirements for the job, including tasks such as opening and closing double gates and adapting to varying weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of both our team members and guests.

At Safari West, we are an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in our workforce.

The post Join Our Safari West Team: Unleash Your Passion for Nature! appeared first on Safari West.

People come to Safari West for close encounters with exotic African wildlife, but there is one less exotic species that we can almost guarantee you will see during your visit: the Canada goose. You don’t need to visit Safari West to see Canada geese—they are so common in Sonoma County that many consider them to be pests due to their thunderous honking, ceaseless droppings, and antagonistic behavior. Canada geese do often migrate, but Sonoma County seems to have mild enough winters and enough food availability that many Canada geese are permanent residents here. As such, come to Safari West and you can expect to see an incessantly honking black and white head at some point on your tour.

The post Canada Goose: Friend or Foe? appeared first on Safari West.

Sound the (rhino) horns! Safari West is overjoyed to announce the birth of our first-ever Southern white rhino baby born to mother, Eesha, and father, Ongava.

The calf was born on Sunday, April 2nd at 5:30 pm PST. We feel fortunate and honored to contribute to the growth of global rhino populations and aid in conserving this magnificent protected species.

Our extraordinary animal care staff report the bouncing baby rhino calf is strong, nursing, and is bonding well with Mom. Safari West Veterinarian Dr. Emily Cehrs estimates the baby weighs around 100 pounds. We have not named the new baby yet!

This is a momentous event for us as the calf is the first of its species to be born at Safari West, Needless to say, it is a big deal to Eesha as well! She immediately showed good mothering instincts and has been attentive to her calf.

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