EXPLORING BEYOND OKLAHOMA
Safari Barn When you think of a rhino, does a puppy immediately come to mind? For us it didn’t, but the keepers assured us that many of their rhinos have very similar personalities! We were also delighted to learn that each of the white rhinos within the Safari Barn are named after characters from “The Office.” Our favorite, Dwight, was certainly puppy-like, enjoying getting pats
The keepers described the penguins in their care as a cross between a toddler and a cat, which was a perfectly accurate explanation of our experience with these flightless birds! Tanganyika also offers amazing “swim with the penguin” experiences; however with two littles in tow, we decided to stay on dry land. Park Tips Visiting Tanganyika is easily a full-day event. Each reserved animal experience lasts about an hour, and there is more than enough to do between bookings. There are 15 animal exhibits, three interactive areas and eight feeding stations total, five of which are included in regular park admission. Planning your visit is just a matter of prioritizing which animals you would like to see first! If visiting during the warmer months, check out the Tanganyika Falls Splash Park. This jungle gym and splash pad combination is the perfect place to cool off and recharge after walking around the park. Next to the splash park are picnic tables (for those who opt to bring their own food and snacks) as well as park restaurant Luna’s Canteen. The Thirsty Sloth sells adult beverages such as tap beer, margaritas and sangria. We recommend packing snacks, water bottles, water shoes, sunscreen and hats.
DWIGHT THE WHITE RHINO ENJOYED OUR PATS AND BEING HAND-FED ALFALFA.
and being hand-fed alfalfa. He whined when we moved away from his enclosure, begging us to come back to give him more attention. Of course this stole our hearts! The keepers informed us that the last thing you would want to do is approach a 5,000 pound rhino when they are about to spar. As if on cue, two male rhinos began to bash each other, even drawing small bits of blood, while the females hardly turned their heads. Did I imagine it, or did they roll their eyes?! Penguin Meet & Greet If you thought
penguins were all prim and proper, think again. Getting to meet these little balls of personality was truly the icing on the cake of the day. “OG,” named after her orange and green tag, came barreling out of the door and into our viewing room, bursting with confidence and curiosity. We played with her using cat toys on a string, and when she snatched and broke a toy off the string, she strutted away with pride. The keepers talked to us about the penguin lifecycle, feather
COOL OFF AT TANGANYIKA FALLS SPLASH PAD.
Enter for your chance to WIN! Ready to have your own WILD experience at Tanganyika Wildlife Park?! Enter our “Best Day Ever” at Tanganyika Wildlife Park Contest through May 16 for your chance to win the “Best Day Bundle,” which comes with admission for four, unlimited animal feeding opportunities, your choice of two Wildly Different Experiences and a souvenir cup for unlimited refills of fountain drinks and slushies from Luna’s Canteen, a value of more than $700! Enter at metrofamilymagazine.com/contests. The full range of experiences are open to those 8 years and older and a more limited number of experiences will be available to those ages 3 to 7. Children under the age of 16 must have an adult participant with them.
OG THE PENGUIN STEALS THE SHOW!
markings, how they stay warm in frigid temperatures and so much more. It was a question-led discussion, which kept all the kids in the room hanging on each word. At the end we all got to pet the oil-slicked top coat feathers of OG, and she obliged us with a photo as well.
60 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAY-JUNE 2023
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