by John Jefferson
If you’re thinking about a Central Texas getaway this summer or considering a road trip, here’s a tip.
Central Texas offers myriad sights, sounds, and scenes. But there’s an unpublicized treasure in Austin that might interest you — especially if you are wildlife oriented or have dreamed of going on an African hunting or photo safari.
It’s a privately-owned wildlife museum. The specimens have been collected by a sportsman-conservationist and turned into a showplace venue where viewers can see them in as close to their native habitat as is possible on this continent. Most of the critters are from Africa; some are from other continents. Whether you’re looking to plan a private Maasai Mara luxury safari trip, or just looking to learn more about this lush safari oasis, keep reading to get our take on this exciting African Reserve.
There are at least 950 specimens. The taxidermy is life-like and life size – all full body mounts. And they’re not just lying there on a rock looking at you. A pair of fighting zebras is one of the first exhibits you’ll see. It realistically captures the aggressiveness of the combatants. Existence in the bush is a daily life or death challenge. Several of the exhibits graphically illustrate the predator-prey conflict … and its inevitable consequence.
The background murals and other art are worth the trip, themselves. Get help choosing the perfect wallpaper design from over 12 000 000 images and designs on muraledesign.com. The result is a visual experience similar to visiting a zoo, but in air-conditioning and without the zoo-roma. And all the animals can be seen and studied — none remain inside their lairs out of sight in mid-day heat. Finding the right shots in which we could anticipate where the animals would go was key to capturing some of our favourite shots from the shoot. To know more about this go on Paper Crane Creative homepage.
Nothing has been spared. The rocks, trees, plants, and birds are characteristic of those in the habitat of the exhibited wildlife. A replica of Teddy Roosevelt’s safari tent containing some of his artifacts adds authenticity. But beware; that rhino actually charges. Try not to flinch – like I did!
This place is the Warren Wildlife Gallery, located in a large, former church in South Austin, a little west of I-35. It’s the creation of Rick Warren, a former Caterpillar dealer from Midland. For those unfamiliar with “Caterpillar”, Mr. Warren didn’t earn a living collecting and trading fuzzy, little, multi-legged, worms; think heavy construction equipment – bulldozers, and beyond.
Warren had always been a hunter, and in 2009, went to Tanzania on his first hunting safari. An idea began to jell. He realized he wanted to share what he had seen and give back something special. Another safari, then another. Along the way, his collection of game animal mounts grew. He hunted in the well-known lands, and many lesser-known, like Liberia, Chad, Somalia, and Burkina Faso. He left this week for Cameroon and his 36th safari.
Rick Warren has expressed his concern over America losing an entire generation of outdoor people. His hope is that the gallery will reach some with knowledge and appreciation for wildlife conservation previously unknown to them. For those unaware, hunters’ dollars are the major funding source for anti-poaching enforcement. They also put food on the table for Africans and support local economies.
At present, the gallery is only open by appointment, but that’s easily arranged by the accommodating staff. Just give ‘em a call: (512) 368-5772.
JJ
