While on assignment in Oregon this fall, I discovered the amazing Wild Life Safari exhibit where you can view the animals up close and personal from the comfort of your car. Believe me, this was one of the most exciting experiences I have ever had.

I was able to view a massive Elk that was walking up the road past our car. He had been munching a few choice grasses in the marsh below the road. He was an exquisite animal with full rack and sleek hide. He was so close I could have reached out and touched him as he passed.

Let me say that none of the photos taken were done with a telephoto lens. These photos were as close as we could get without actually inviting them inside for a ride.

However, I suggest you bring along a telephoto lenses. We missed wonderful shots because the animals were too far away for a regular camera to pick up enough of the image to make them visible. This is particularly important in the Bear and Cat areas where you have to view them through rolled up windows.

The cats and bears are in their own secure compounds. Cars have to enter through gates opened and closed by park employees. The Gates have towers where guards can view the entire area. If anyone knows what type of lens to use to block the glass reflection I would be most interested in hearing about it. The biggest problem I had was the glare.I forgot to bring a camera with me so I purchased one of the disposable ones at the ticket booth. They were $10.00. The problem again was not having a telephoto lens.

I used 2 1/2 disposable cameras. The cameras held 24 35mm shots . Bring lots of film with you or you will wish you had.

When you plan your visit to Wild Life Safari, the best time to visit is from Noon to 3:30 p.m. There is a very special reason for this.

First: Some animals are active in the morning, some in the late afternoon.

The hay eating animals are fed around 12:00 p.m. They will gather around the feeding area and you will be able to get some great shots.

Second: You will notice that not all animals are out at that time. You will need to drive once through the park, then visit the village, have lunch and spend some time relaxing.

Then, go around again about 3:00 p.m. This is when the cats and the bears are being fed. Also the Rhinos will be out along with the giraffes. We were able to get shots that were missed earlier. The Hippos were not out in the morning, but were eating when we came around the second time.

The Cheetahs were out, walking along side the road as we passed through the second time also.

This Emu was up close and personal. He practically stuck his head in the car window as we came by. We stopped and he sauntered right up to us. They are considered mean and can kick a person to death if given the chance.

This turkey got up close and personal also. Notice the beautiful orange and yellow tail feathers. It was my first time seeing a gobbler that wasn't stuffed and served on a Thanksgiving table.

For more pictures from Wild Life Safari Click Here

United States Zoos