Summer has begun!
School is out and the sun is shining here at the Ranch. Our babies are growing, everything is in bloom and we are enjoying the flux in our clientele - we have many more out of country and out of state guests coming to visit us on their summer vacations. The heat is a welcome change for the majority of our wildlife species who originate from tropical climates. They thrive in the summer sun!
Buffalo Swimming with Willow
Chloe and Willow love getting in the water to beat the heat! Riding Willow as she swims is a truly unique experience - yet another that is only found here at Oak Meadow Ranch! Baby Moon is big enough now that he is receptive to coaching for swims a well! All of our programs here are based on free will - our wildlife are never forced to participate. Swimming with Willow is a joyful and voluntary experience we hope to share with you soon!
Junior Conservation Camp
We ran our day camp for kids 3 weeks this summer with fabulous reviews! The kids loved the one-on-one time with the animals, the fresh outdoors and learning about conservation, including home-grown solutions like planting pollinators and animal husbandry. While we've wrapped it up for the summer, keep your eye out for registration for next year!
And we're building a new Clubhouse and Pool!
Across the street at the RV Resort we are adding more amenities to the Oak Meadow Ranch experience! A clubhouse with a saloon and games room, and a new pool with beach entry, waterfall, lounge ledge and hot tub as well as a pool house and gym! Whether you're staying a short time with us to enjoy one of the wonderful animal experiences at the Ranch, or staying a while for the peaceful setting, the RV Resort is ready to accommodate you!
Have you stayed with Puzzles and Jigsaw?
Stay in one of our Cattle Baron suites with our Giraffe to experience the ultimate sleepover! Feed them crunchy carrots and lettuce leaf treats from the comfort of your room, and feel transported to Africa from our peaceful corner of Texas!
Conservation Work
Last month, Chloe and Andrew were in Costa Rica working with the Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center where they were volunteering, helping rehabilitate injured animals, building enrichment for habitats, and even got to partake in a release of a rehabilitated spider monkey. This rewarding work is truly the heart of Oak Meadow Ranch and we are so grateful to be able to contribute in meaningful ways to programs that do so much for wildlife worldwide.
Next up - Madagascar! In just a few short weeks Kristin, Eduardo and Hannah will be working with scientists studying Lemurs in the wilds of Nosy Be. Stay tuned for their adventures!
Cheetah Airbnb's are coming along...
The Airbnb suites have roofs and the siding is going up! We are so excited to start the rough in for plumbing and electrical. We love seeing projects coming together!
A recent guest left us this incredible review:
I have participated in A LOT of animal experiences. In addition to working for several facilities that offered them, I also work in conservation and education. The animal experiences at Oak Meadow Ranch were unlike any other. They far surpassed any animal experience I’ve ever had. The entire evening was amazing, from the ambience and service at dinner to each animal encounter. The groups were small and personal, the owners and animal keepers were knowledgeable, kind, and funny. We weren’t rushed through any experience and got to spend a lot of time with each of the animals. With all of that being said, the thing that impressed me the most, was the behavior of the animals. I appreciate the fact that Oak Meadow Ranch uses choice based interactions with their animals, and the animals were not stressed in the least, which definitely is not the case with other facilities. There is a difference between positive reinforcement and choice based interactions. In a lot of other facilities, animals are rewarded for completing something that makes them uncomfortable. The engagement and behavior from the animals at Oak Meadow Ranch came from genuine interest, not pressure. This can only be accomplished with complete trust from the animals and is a testament to the care and relationships that are built from the staff at Oak Meadow Ranch. It is clear from the way the animals behaved that they are comfortable and curious, not coerced. Thanks for an unforgettable evening!
-Jessica H
And of course...
We want to thank you - our guests for supporting us here at Oak Meadow Ranch. Your patronage truly keeps our program running and gives us the ability to care for our wonderful wildlife, our fantastic staff and contribute to conservation programs worldwide. YOU make that possible! See y'all next time at the Ranch.