Giraffe Ranch - Dade City - Part 2

It is such an unusual sight to see these stunning, graceful creatures walking around on the serene ranch.  Giraffes range in height from 14-19 feet.  Giraffes have seven vertebrae, just like humans.  They can fully extend their heads to reach the leaves on the tallest trees.  One way to differentiate males from females in the wild is by the ossicones (horns) on top of their head.  Females will have tufts of fur on the ossicones, while males do not, because they keep it worn off while fighting for dominance with other male giraffes.  Their beautiful markings are like finger prints and no two are alike.  However, researchers have found that giraffes in the same area will have similar markings.  Giraffes don’t like to be pet, but they do like to be fed.  Hold onto the branch tightly or they will pull it right out of your hands. 

Mothers give birth while standing up and visitors of the ranch were witnesses to this miraculous event on June 16, 2011. The baby was born while the mother was being fed by the visitors on a safari vehicle.  “That’s how comfortable the animals are here”, said Elena Sheppa, Salisbury’s wife.   The keepers generally do not interfere with birth.  They let nature take its course.  It is important for the baby to nurse shortly after birth. The male giraffe lifted up the baby with his ossicones (horns) to encourage the baby to nurse.     “We had never seen it before, and it was amazing to see and get it on video.”

The ranch is home to several species of camels, including Dromedary (1 hump), Bactrian (2 hump) and Tuli, which is a hybrid (a cross between a Bactrian and a Dromedary).  The camels were the greatest surprise.  When you think of camels, you may think of biting, spitting creatures with an attitude.  Camels don’t spit at all, but they may regurgitate on you if they are angry (kind of good news, bad news bit of information.)  The camels at Giraffe Ranch are so friendly, more dog-like than camel-like as they run up to greet you.  They enjoy a good back scratching.  Guests can pay an additional fee to ride the camels.  Dufus is one of the largest camels, so he usually gets picked last by hesitant riders.  We had the opportunity to meet another camel named Forest Hump.  He spotted the safari vehicle and ran up to greet us.  I had been distracted looking at the ostriches, when he gently nudged my back, as if to say “hey, pet me!”  We each took a turn petting the gentle giant. 

(Part 2 of 3)

*Previously published in LOLANews

Giraffe Ranch - Dade City - Part 1

Giraffe Ranch was years in the making before it opened to the public in 2008.  The ranch is not only home to giraffes, but a variety of exotic and domestic animals including rhinoceros, zebras, ostriches, tortoises and so much more.  When you arrive at the ranch, a feeling of peace, happiness and harmony with nature surround you on the 47 acre ranch.  The rolling hills and grass lands of Dade City are the perfect environment for the animals.  Large oak trees provide the much needed shade for the animals and visitors on the ranch. 

Lex Salisbury and his wife Elena Sheppa own Giraffe Ranch.  Salisbury has devoted his life to the care of animals.  His love of creatures big and small has led him to create a ranch where the animals have ample room to roam.  In addition to getting his Master degree in Environmental Science, he worked at zoos in Australia, the United Kingdom, spent 21 years at the Lowry Park Zoo, and went on many safaris in Africa, which increased his knowledge and led him to his own ranch.

Education is an important part of Giraffe Ranch.  If we want to continue to enjoy these beautiful creatures, we need to know how to live in harmony with them and help them thrive to avoid extinction.  As you embark on the tour, you will learn interesting information about the animals on the ranch,  Each area is gated to keep the animals safe.  In the small animals section you will see a variety of animals including  monkeys, lemurs, porcupines, tortoises, and even guinea pigs.  As you hear little known facts about these creatures, you may catch a glimpse of the long legged giraffe peering above the trees in the adjacent gated area.

(Part 1 of 3)

*Previously published in LOLANews

Sunset Beach - Tarpon Springs

From the causeway at Howard Park you can see Sunset Beach.   Whether you want to sit under a shady palm tree and read a good book or wade in the shallow warm gulf, Sunset Beach is the place for you.  Photographers will love the unobstructed view of the sunset as it melts into the horizon.  Picnic tables, bicycle racks, boat ramps and facilities are available.  Concerts are held on the first Thursday of each month at 7 pm. 

*Excerpt from article published in LOLANews