Sometimes in life, you come across a feel good story, when you hear the trials and obstacles…read moreovercome to be a success story, it warms your heart.
And although they are rare...but you as an outside observer can appreciate and connect with the underdog. And that's what I'd like to talk about beginning this intro to Lost Creek Safari...
I discovered it completely out of nowhere while passing through Stillwater, Oklahoma. I initially arrived in Stillwater to see Oklahoma State's football stadium. And when I stumbled upon Lost Creek Safari from Google Maps, I decided to stay an extra day and check out this animal rescue/sanctuary.
Stepping on the grounds, I was immediately introduced to Trevor, the owner, and he shared his background, talked about how this animal farm used to be in dire straits and the animals were suffering.
Trevor initially came to Stillwater, OK on a wrestling scholarship for school, but found his passion and ultimate destiny to help save this Lost Creek Safari.
Trevor dove head first into changing everything about the old farm and the poor conditions. Fast forward a few years later and although Trevor says there's still more goals to achieve, I could sense what tremendous pride he had in his accomplishments so far, despite all the risks and costs associated in this practically full time, 24/7 job. But the hard work and dividends appear to be paying off.
Here's what you can expect out of a visit to Lost Creek Safari...
According to Trevor's website lostcreeksafari.com, there are "baboons, mini zebu, deer, emus, monkeys, otters, anteaters, foxes, peacocks, llamas and lemurs"....just to name a few.
Price of entry is $11, and they have separate fees for feeding and interacting with whatever animals you may be interested in seeing.
But, for an extra $11 and a total of $22, you can have the entire package! This includes, according to their website..."admission, feed cup, parakeet stick, lemur feeding, water buffalo feeding, camel feeding, reptile barn entry, baby kangaroo/wallaby encounter, and baby goat encounter. This All-Inclusive Package is what I purchased and was well worth it.
Just strolling the grounds, I felt transported away to a better place. Everything is organized and well maintained. You could sense there was a tremendous amount of thought and effort put into accommodating guests.
I was instructed to start at the parakeet enclosure where the birds flew onto my hand and ate from a feeding stick I was holding.
Then...the remainder of the experience was simple by following along a paved pathway and meeting and greeting the residents here on the farm. Most of the animals can be fed, but some were off limits due to special diets.
The lemurs were exciting to feed.
The camel was wonderful saying hello to.
The water buffalo was friendly.
You pass by baby goats and enter their playpen to hang out with them.
Next was a charming adolescent deer who was very approachable.
Cows anxiously waited to say hello and be fed.
Ostriches optimistically eat from your hands if you don't mind a little pecking.
More goats and donkeys to say hi to before approaching the reptile enclosure. This is inside and you can hold a snake around you for picture taking. They have all sorts of different species like lizards, iguanas and snakes from different continents.
Before departing the reptile enclosure it was thrilling having the chance to hold a baby kangaroo wallaby. Born a few weeks ago, it was adorable.
Then, it was returning on the pathway back to the start.
I still had feed in my cup and gave the animals the remainder of my leftovers.
Back in the front entrance was a small gift shop. I was totally impressed with my time here and took home a t-shirt.
Finally, funny sort of how things came full circle.
Trevor returned to greet me goodbye and say farewell.
I told him how inspiring his story was. And, I just thanked him for revealing who he was and what motivates him to maintain a beautiful rescue sanctuary and giving back to so many animals.
In my opinion, someone like Trevor is called a hero. There's not many of them out there. If you ever doubt kindness or lose belief, then come visit Lost Creek Safari in Stillwater, Oklahoma. I think you'll find Trevor's farm a beacon of hope. If you put your heart and soul into something you're passionate about, you can make a positive impact in this world.
