Nearly everyone has a bucket list these days, and although every persons is quite different, they also share some similarities. For example, most people long to sip margaritas on a tropical island. Another common item found on bucket lists is venturing on a safari. Believe it or not, you can cross that item off your list right here in the Old Line State. Yes, really. Read on to discover more about this little known and awesome activity in Maryland.

Located in Thurmont, you’ll find the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve & Zoo.

Facebook / Catoctin Wildlife Preserve & Zoo

This zoo features exhibits full of hundreds of animals from regions around the world.

Flickr / Henry T. McLin

What many people don’t know is that it also features wildlife safari rides. Kind of like Jurassic Park, but without dinosaurs and the getting eaten part.

Facebook / Catoctin Wildlife Preserve & Zoo

This gives guests an unusual and up close view of yaks…

Facebook / Catoctin Wildlife Preserve & Zoo

Close and cuddly encounters with camels…

Facebook / Catoctin Wildlife Preserve & Zoo

A face to face meeting with a sassy ostrich…

Facebook / Catoctin Wildlife Preserve & Zoo

And crossing paths with several more animals including bison, zebras, and antelope, among others.

Facebook / Catoctin Wildlife Preserve & Zoo

The ride is approximately one hour and you are free to feed and photograph the animals to your heart’s content.

Facebook / Catoctin Wildlife Preserve & Zoo

Take a look at this brief video, which shows a few more animals you’ll see along the way. Looks like a blast!

Facebook / Catoctin Wildlife Preserve & Zoo

Flickr / Henry T. McLin

For more information and to plan your trip, visit the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve & Zoo website here. You can also follow them on Facebook here.

Have you been to this little known place in Maryland? Did you go on the safari? Share your own experiences in the comments.

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