Rain forests, wildlife sanctuaries, National Parks, even a prison has provided my most memorable and vivid animal experiences while traveling.
All animal lovers know that our love and passion for all creatures big and small does not end when we leave our home. Travel offers us a chance to get to know, and learn even more, about the many species that we share the earth with—some of which would be impossible to see at home. And my family has been lucky enough to do just that. Whether planned or unplanned, none of these encounters disappointed.
So take a walk down my family’s animal memory lane to discover ten amazing travel experiences for animal lovers.
Read on…
1. The Rainforests of Costa Rica
has been a highlight among my travel animal experiences. And anyone who loves to see a diversity of animals in their natural habitat should visit this amazing country.
Costa Rica’s amazing ecosystem offers an insight into many of the world’s most incredible animals and birds. So when my hubby and I were about to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary, we chose to visit the land of Pura Vida — Beautiful Costa Rica. And it didn’t disappoint! Costa Rica is a place unlike anywhere we’ve ever visited, somewhere that offered an abundance of experiences that focused on two of our travel passions — love of nature and animals.
Read all about our Costa Rican journey in detail by clicking here:https://followmyyellowbrickroad.com/?page_id=1970
We chose to stay at the Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa which sits in a private nature reserve. Over 900 acres of land with a diversity of animals and birds, waterfalls and crystalline rivers was a true refreshment for the soul.
Some of the many birds found on the lodge’s property.
Whether we were exploring their many trails, or sitting on our balcony, we were immersed in all the rain forest offered. A vast variety of birds, the sights and sounds of howler monkeys, a “frog pond” to explore — this place had it all.
Through many discussions with locals and tour guides, we discovered how the Costa Rican government understands the importance of keeping the rain forests intact. They understand that their success is based on economics. It successfully paired its ban on deforestation with a partnership with farmers. PES pays farmers to conserve biodiversity, protect watersheds or capture carbon dioxide.
Some frogs and bugs we were introduced to!
Kudos to Costa Rica! Keep up your steadfast commitment to preserving the rain forests. Hoping more countries learn from you.
2. PROYECTO ASIS Wild Animal Rescue Center and Sloth Sanctuary–Costa Rica
was a highlight of our Costa Rican vacation. We spent an afternoon “volunteering” at the sanctuary.
These Capuchin monkeys were quite the characters and were not happy with my husband. Perhaps, his white beard made him look like one of them and they viewed him as a threat!
We strongly suggest checking this place out and if you can, support it in anyway. VIsit their site to find out more and to help out: https://institutoasis.com/
First, our experience started with a one on one tour of the facility. We learned about how many of the animals, including multiple monkey species, birds, coatis, alligators, ended up here.
Some were found injured, some were a result of poachers. And unfortunately some will never be able to go back to the wild because their own species will reject them. Others, like a jaguar, was off sight in the back of the sanctuary. No visitors for him. To ensure that his release back into the wild is a success, the least amount of human contact is the best rehabilitation.
3. Our National Parks…
is home to an incredibly diverse array of wildlife. And from my family’s very first visit to one — the Grand Canyon — the wildlife that lives and thrives in these parks is something to see. From a distance, of course! Read all about our Grand Canyon visit here:https://followmyyellowbrickroad.com/?page_id=735
Yellowstone National Park definitely leads the pack, so to speak, as it is host to the most wildlife of all the National parks. It is known as the American Serengeti because of its diverse abundance of wildlife and its sprawling landscape over 2.2 million acres. Believe me… this family will NEVER forget our first sighting of a bison herd in Yellowstone. Read more about our Yellowstone trip here: https://followmyyellowbrickroad.com/?page_id=2359
From tiny birds to bison to majestic bears, visiting any of our national treasures will give you the opportunity to get to know just a few of the amazing animals who call our parks “home.”
4. The Big Cat Rescue — Tampa, Florida…
is one of the largest accredited sanctuaries in the world dedicated to abused and abandoned big cats. My family visited this sanctuary over 5 years ago and were moved then and still talk about it now.
I proudly wear my T-Shirt we purchased here and are more than happy to engage with those who are interested when they see me wearing it.
The Big Cat Rescue takes in abandoned in big cats, including lions, tigers, cougars and more…, who have been abused, orphaned, or retired from performing acts.
“What sets Big Cat Rescue apart is that we are working to end the abuse at its root by ending the private possession and trade in exotic cats through legislation and education.”https://bigcatrescue.org/contact-bcr/
5. Cafe Chat L’Heureux (The Happy Cat Cafe) — Montreal, Canada..
was a pleasant respite from sight seeing in this beautiful city. It blends together two of my favorite things — food and cats!
You can enjoy a delicious snack, meal or drink while being among some beautiful felines. Their mission is beautiful and I encourage anyone visiting Montreal to come here.
6. Swimming with Dolphins — Hawaii
Before marriage and kids, me and my friends (airline and travel employees at the time) took a vacation to Hawaii.
We stayed at the beautiful Hilton Waikoloa Village which is where the very first Dolphin Quest is located. Back then, the chance to swim with dolphins was up to a lottery system. Don’t know if that’s still the case but I was one of the lucky ones to experience this.
I came away with not only amazing memories but a VCR tape (it was back in the early 90’s!) of my experience.
To learn more about Dolphin Quest, click here:https://dolphinquest.com/big-island-hawaii/about-dolphin-quest-hawaii/
7. The Surfing Goat Dairy — Maui, Hawaii
is a dairy farm located on the slopes of the Haleakala crater in Kula, Hawaii on the island of Maui. It produces more than two dozen goat cheeses from the cute goats who live on the farm.
The dairy offers different tours of their facility. And of course you can feed their lovely goats and sample and buy some of their delicious cheeses.
8. Gators and More — Florida
No visit to Florida is complete without seeing at least one alligator! And over the years, my family has seen these creatures throughout the Sunshine state in wildlife parks AND in the wild.
As a child, I remember visiting Gatorland on my first family road trip down South. So, of course, this Florida attraction was on my list of places to bring my kids one day.
Gatorland is a 110 – acre theme park and wildlife preserve. The park opened as a roadside attraction in 1949. It’s affordable and you and your family can view thousands of alligators and crocodiles. You can take in shows starring these creatures among other wildlife contained in the park.
Another potential alligator meeting occurred on an air boat ride in Florida. We came across this brave cow mother and her baby crossing alligator infested waters. Walk faster, please!
9. Sometimes the best encounters are UNPLANNED
And last but certainly, not least..
10. PEP, the Black Lab — THE EASTERN PENITENTIARY — Philadelphia
Ok. Pep is no longer with us but learning his story was quite interesting. According to folklore, Pep, the pet dog of the Gov. Pinchot of Pennsylvania was sentenced to Eastern State Penitentiary for life for supposedly killing the Governor’s wife’s cat.
“According to Annie Anderson, the historic site researcher at Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia — now a museum, “There was this sort of production of sentencing Pep, the cat-murdering dog, to the prison,” Pep got his own inmate number and there’s even a mugshot taken where he wears it around his neck.”https://www.npr.org/2015/08/04/424963629/why-pep-the-prison-dog-got-such-a-bum-rap
A few years after his arrival, the governor’s wife, Cornelia Pinchot, felt the need to clear the dog’s name in an interview with The New York Times. Cornelia “said that he had never killed her cat and that the family bred Labradors and he was just a gift to the prisoners to boost morale,” Annie Anderson says.
I just knew he couldn’t be guilty! I mean look at that face!