Oatland Island

I have to be honest and say that I really do hate to use the term "ZOO," even though they use this term themselves. It is almost like making a point of reference rather than a true statement. So let me start again with a more appropriate introduction.

Now that feels better, and quite frankly more realistically describes this facility. It is Located just outside of Savannah, and features more than 50 indigenous Georgia animals. There are two miles of natural trails that wind through maritime forest, salt marsh, and freshwater wetlands, that let you experience these Native Animals in natural surroundings.

The following are some photos of this facility that I hope you will enjoy, and give you some feel of this beautiful natural setting.

You begin your experience by driving down a long beautiful drive toward the actual grounds entrance. As you can see it could not be more beautiful in the spring as all the azalea bushes burst into bloom.

This was originally a research facility many years ago, so it came with some beautiful buildings that remain today as part of the Education Center. This Center provides more than forty programs to students ranging from an hour-long barn animal program for kindergarten students to programs where older students study endangered species, organism classification, participate in team building activities and camp overnight.

It's time to hit the trail and view some of the local residents. This photo of the plains Bison looks a little fuzzy. Sorry but it is the best I could do through the safety fencing.

A face only a "Mom" could love. Well maybe, but these are magnificent animals that display "herd Animal" characteristics. When a female is giving birth, usually one of the other females will take charge of "organizing" the event. She will act like a midwife, and have other females gathered around to keep away any curious males, as well as any would be predators during the birthing of the calf. Amazingly these calves will be born, up and taking their first step in less than fifteen minutes! Within a half an hour they will be capable of beginning to move with the heard.

Next one of my favorites, the Gray, or Timber Wolf, Canus lupus. Once roaming the entire United States these majestic animals have suffered the "bad rap" syndrome and have virtually disappeared except in the most northern central states and into Canada. this is a "family of dominate Male and Female with three of their offspring and one lone male. I say lone because he has been relegated by the group to the bottom of the "pecking order."

It is a rare treat to catch the Black Bear out of his den. You have to either catch him at the right time of day, or well catch him at the right time of day! That would be meal time or snack time. We are lucky today as it is snack time. You will never guess what the snack for today is?

It's not the leaves on the ground but his snack is green. See it yet?

Its Broccoli!! He ate every last little piece he could see, or sniff!

Did I mention the grounds were beautifully natural? This pond looks empty at first

glance, but closer examination will reveil not only fish, and turtles but..........

This Barred Owl and below the Barn Owls each sitting in their nesting box awaiting the darkness of night time to go and hunt for food. Those blurry edges are the bars of containment I had to shoot these pictures through and at long range.

Having now past the habitats of the Birds of Prey we move down the trail and over to the Wetlands Aviary. The Brown Pelicans are busy looking for food in the marsh pool in the habitat enclosure

Here many of the plants used to beautify the grounds are cultivated, and then transplanted to various appropriate locations all around the Education Center.