Myrtle Beach Safari
Happy Fearless Friday!
I first want to say thank you to everyone who reads my blog posts. I really appreciate the support and welcome any comments or feedback. I hope everyone is doing well despite all the bs, From Covid to these fires, the racial injustice, a dumb ass president and this election. Its a lot and I truly hope everyone is taking care of themselves. Try meditation, a small vacay, or a massage and step away from the news and social media periodically.
Now, on to my new post!
About a month ago I visited “Doc” Antle’s Myrtle Beach Safari in South Carolina and I wanted to post about it to share my experience. Anyone who knows me, knows that I love animals so this was definitely on my bucket list. While it was a bit different because of Covid, I believe I was able to get a good feel for the environment, animals, and staff.
Overall, I’m glad I signed up for the experience and got a chance to met and touch the animals. Specifically, I reserved a spot for the Preservation Station Photo Encounter. I know there’s some controversy around the “Doc” Antle and Myrtle Beach Safari and the treatment/captivity of their animals due in part to the Netflix special Tiger King, but I have mix feelings about it. On one hand, I do feel animals deserve to be in their natural habitat, but on the other hand, let’s be honest, they’re not very safe due to the hunting and pouching, deforestation and other human activity. Over two thirds of the overall animal population throughout the world has been diminished due to human activity since 1970. Animals are a natural part of our world and deserve to have a safe place just as we do.
Myrtle Beach Safari seems to really care for the animals there and to be quite honest. People also argue that these animals are being exploited for money and denied the healthier option of living in their natural habitat. While I believe this is true to a certain extent, these animals did seem very happy and appear healthy. The young monkey in my picture was so happy guys. I mean he just smiled and played the whole time. I seriously wanted to take him home. And let’s be clear, it takes a lot of money to care for these animals. The price I paid ($100) to sit with them and take pictures doesn’t even pay for one days worth of food for tigers.
Also, just so you have an idea, there was a hostess walking around with a baby tiger in a sling as I imagine to help it get familiar with human contact. The staff there really seems to care for the animals and I can tell they spend a lot of time with them. The baby tiger I met was half sleep. I’m not sure if they intentionally bring them out during nap time or they give them something that makes them sleepy to ensure they’re less active. It definitely makes it easier for the pictures. If you take a look at their pictures on instagram or even mine, they are all great pictures. I thought for sure it would be more difficult but they have this down to a science. So if all you want is good pictures, you won’t be disappointed. I was even able to see “Doc” Antle come into the lounge while we were finishing up our session. I wasn’t able to talk to him or get a good impression of him however.
For our encounter, we were able to sit with three different animals. The white tiger is my favorite so being able to see and touch a cub was something I’ve always wanted to do. They have a wide range of animals there if you visit for the actual safari. From Eagles to elephants to cheetahs. I’m thinking about visiting again for a night safari. I would love to get up close with more of their animals. Overall, I recommend experiencing Myrtle Beach Safari yourself. Form an opinion afterwards. My experience was good and I would go again.
