Yellow River Game Ranch

Our adventure this weekend was the Yellow River Game Ranch.  It was a lot of fun; Zuri enjoyed it so much more than the zoo because she was able to get up close and personal with the animals.  The Yellow River Game Ranch is designed so that you can come in and feed the animals--they even let you bring your own food in (although they do check to make sure you don't have anything that would harm or make the animals sick)!  They have animals just wandering around, and some in cages or pens.  Kind of like a farm, but the animals are a little more exotic than a typical farm.  They had the usual chickens, goats, sheep, turkeys, donkeys, pigs, rabbits, etc.  They also had bears, cougars, buffalo, foxes, coyotes, deer, and more (some of the exotic animals we were not allowed to feed).  The deer were allowed to roam free, and it was quite the experience to walk out the door and have a deer greet you.  Zuri was in heaven--until the sheep got a little greedy and nipped her fingers a bit trying to get the food from her.  It took a little coaxing to get her to feed the animals again after that, but after the bunnies she was right back at it.  We were a little surprised that she had no problem with the deer but was afraid to pet the bunnies.  Go figure.

You can't tell by the picture, but the bear is actually on top of a high scaffolding.  He played king of the mountain because he wouldn't let the other bears up there with him.  This is a Georgia black bear.  I was really impressed with the amount of space the animals were given.  Attached to this "main" pen, are several tunnels and other cages in which the bears can roam at will.  Similar features were with the cougar, lynx, raccoons, and many other animals.  The cougar also had a "ball" in which to chase and play with.

Another feature about the park that I thought was interesting--and fun-- is that they had these signs:

Yellow River Game Ranch is also home to Georgia's own General Lee--the groundhog they use for groundhog's day.  Apparently, General Lee had a doctorate (yep) from a couple universities.  His house is in the background.  That must be one smart groundhog.

After the Yellow River Game Ranch, we had authentic southern barbecue at Spiced Right (so yummy) and then we took a visit through the Hindu temple--I am not even going to try to spell or pronounce the name--you can see for yourself.

The detail they put into the temple is absolutely amazing.  As beautiful and detailed as the outside is, the inside is even more so.  Pictures are only allowed within a certain distance to the temple, but J was able to get a closer view with his fancy schmancy camera.  Unfortunately, pictures are not allowed inside, but wow!

J wants to go back to get more pictures another day--I will post updated pictures when he does!  Zuri loved being inside--not because of the detail or the beauty, but because when she talked, her voice echoed. Little turkey.