We go on trips to see new places, learn about the culture of countries and meet new acquaintances. What if these acquaintances become animals? You will take selfies with a monkey, walk with an alpaca, feed pandas and run to the sea with turtles.
We bring to your attention 6 places where animals can be found not in cages and enclosures, but in their natural habitat.
Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, Kangaroo Island, Australia
High cliffs, dense thickets, sand dunes… But the landscape is not so important here. The main thing on this island is its inhabitants: koalas dozing on eucalyptus trees, pelicans hovering over the surface of the water, fur seals and seals sunbathing on the beach and, of course, many kangaroos. It’s not for nothing that the island is named after them.
Once upon a time it was part of mainland Australia, but now it is an independent island with its own unique flora and fauna. At the beginning of the 20th century, rare animals began to be brought here to preserve their species.
The island is large and we recommend allowing a few days for your visit. Moreover, you can relax on its territory: there are hotels, restaurants and beaches with golden sand.
There are several parks and reserves here, and you should definitely visit at least the Wildlife Park: hold a wombat or koala, watch funny penguins being fed, and, of course, shake a kangaroo’s paw.
Price: from 28$ for entrance to the park.
Website: kangarooislandwildlifepark.com
Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Yes, there are many places in the world where you can see turtles up close and even swim with them. But where can you see how little turtles are born and crawl towards the ocean? Of course, in Mexico!
Not far from the city of Todos Santos there is a “Turtle camp” – a turtle rescue camp. Here little turtles are born, cared for, and then released into the sea. Tourists can not only look at this touching picture, but can also take part by releasing the babies.
Usually the season lasts from December 1 to March 31.
Cost: volunteering is free
Site: todostortugueros.org
Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai, Thailand
At first, elephants were forced to work equally with humans. Then they began to entertain people: perform in the circus, draw pictures with their trunks, give massages, stand on balls and dance. I don’t want to look at this, really?
We offer a different picture: in Chiang Mai Nature Park you will see the life of elephants as it should be according to the laws of nature. Measured, happy, without a canvas with paints and people on my back. They are cared for, helped and raised, fed and bathed, and walked with by the trunk like old friends. By the way, visitors may also have this opportunity. You’ll get a massage somewhere else, you’re in Thailand.
Cost: there are several programs: for the day, for the weekend, with feeding and bathing the elephants. Cost from $80.
Website: elephantnaturepark.org
Punta Tombo, Chubut, Argentina
Penguins are the cutest birds, aren’t they? I’d like to visit them and see how they spend their days? Come to Argentina!
In the reserve you can observe penguins and their activities, and also watch how they are fed and cared for. Here is a unique species of Magellanic penguin, which the workers will tell you about.
You can also see other fauna in the park: elephant seals, hares, ostriches, dolphins and whales.
It is better to come to the reserve for at least one day. The nearest city, Puerto Madryn, is approximately 170 kilometers away.
Price: from 17$ for entry.
Site: puntatombo.com
Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya
Photo: @thesafaricollection/@gypsea_lust/Instagram.com
Leslie and Betty Melville bought an abandoned mansion, renovated it and acquired a couple of Rothschild giraffes. Who would have known that years later a large offspring would appear, they would turn their estate into a boutique hotel, and the park into a nursery.
Visitors don’t just get to see giraffes (after all, you don’t have to go to Kenya to do that), but also to feed or pet. Just imagine: at breakfast, the most arrogant giraffes peer into the windows to beg for something tasty! They don’t bite, unlike the price for staying at a hotel, but, you see, such impressions are worth it.
Rate:from $600 per night per person.
Site: thesafaricollection.com
Monkey Forest, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
This forest is a real kingdom of monkeys. They are here at every step: big and very small, wise elders sitting at a distance, and impatient young ones. You can walk through the green thickets all day long and be happy: one monkey is ready to climb on your shoulder for a banana, another snatches a bottle and selflessly drinks water, a third is looking for fleas from a neighbor with a serious look, a fourth will take a selfie with you.
In general, visiting our ancestors will not be boring.
Price: from 5$ for entry.
Site: monkeyforestubud.com
To rent a hotel room, use the travel planning service OneTwoTrip.
