Affordable Family Adventures: Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch in San Antonio, Texas

Ever watch the Discovery Channel or one of those nature shows and wonder what it would be like to see all those beautiful, wild beasts in person? Well, if you live in Texas or plan on making a trip to the Lone Star State you can do just that, and from the comfort and safety of your own car. The Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is like an African safari done the Texas way.

About

If you've ever wanted to visit a real African Safari but don't have the time or money the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is the best alternative. It's a perfect outing for everyone, especially those with children. The best part is you'll able to see, and even touch, the animals from the safety of your own car because it's a drive-thru park. There are certain vehicles that are prohibited like motorcycles and jeeps without doors, but otherwise all other vehicles should be okay. I do have to point out that your car will be exposed to wild animals, and although they're probably use to seeing cars go through the ranch, be aware that there could be a chance that one might ding your car a little. I'm not saying it'll happen but with wild animals you can never be too sure.

The park is open year round but during extreme weather it's best to call to make sure that they'll be open. Admissions for adults is $16.50, seniors $15.50, children between the ages of three and eleven is $8.50 and children under the age of three get in free. The park does allow feeding but it's recommend that visitors throw the pallets onto the ground, however, many people have fed the animals straight out of their hands. Each car gets one free bag of animal pellets. Do not feed the animals unauthorized foods.

The Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is 400 acres and home to over 500 animals representing 40 species from all around the world. The majority of these animals roam free throughout the 400 acres, just like a real safari. You'll be able to see, and smell, them up close and personal instead of through gates and plexiglasses like at the zoo.

Animals

Some of the animals you'll see are buffalo, ostriches, emus, zebras, gazelles, various species of deers and llamas, just to name a few. Some of the more friendlier, or at least less timid, animals will come up to your car either out of curiosity or they know you have food. My favorite animals there were probably the mountain goats and deers, they're so friendly. Some of them do have horns so don't think you can tease one and get away without a goat head shaped dent on the side of your car. Another interesting animal to feed are the ostriches. They look huge on TV but in person they're so much bigger. They're not the least bit shy either. When I was there I was able to feed them out of my car but they were so aggressive with the food that I just stuck the entire bag out my window and let them have at it.

Some of the other animals that are there are giraffes and rhinoceros but they're kept in a separate enclosure, probably for safety reasons.

Petting Zoo, Birds and Primates

The Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch also has a petting zoo as well as a birds and primates area. The birds and primates are kept close to the front of the park and they each have their own cages, much like what you see at the zoo. You won't be able to touch these animals but the barrier is close to their cages that you'll be able to get some good, clear pictures. The petting zoo is really just en enclosed area where all the goats are kept. They'll eat the pallets but from my experience the babies aren't too interested in them, they seem to want the bag that the pellets in much more. I caught one trying to eat my silk scarf.

The Safari Camp Grill and Gift Shop

You won't have to go far or pack your own lunch for a trip to the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch because they have their own restaurant too. The Safari Camp Grill has salads, pizza, hot dogs, nachos, hamburgers, sandwiches and chicken. The price is affordable so you'll be able to feed your family without emptying your wallet. No park is complete without a gift shop and there's one not far from the Safari Camp Grill.

If you'd like more information on the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, their mission, prices and park hours please check out their website at http://www.wildliferanchtexas.com/.