Nebraska’s Lee G Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari

More than 69 American Elk roam across the "Elk Prairie" at the park. — More than 69 American Elk roam across the “Elk Prairie” at the park.

On a recent fall like day we took a ride through the nearby Nebraska’s Lee G Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari.

Second largest of the deer family, exceeded only by moose, Elk once ranged through Canada, the United States (except Florida) and northern Mexico. They were first called "wapiti," a Shawnee Indian term meaning "white rump." — Second largest of the deer family, exceeded only by moose, Elk once ranged through Canada, the United States (except Florida) and northern Mexico. They were first called “wapiti,” a Shawnee Indian term meaning “white rump.”

As our big RAM 3500 dually truck, with mirrors extended to their widest towing position, pulled to the park admission drive-up window the women behind the window did a hesitant sweep of the truck with her eyes and then indicating the mirrors asked, “My that’s a wide one, those fold in don’t they?” I assured her they would fold in somewhat if there was a need. However, it was from my glancing in the those same mirrors as we were pulling away that I saw her and a friend looking out the window with a clearly implied conclusion on their faces, “That’s so wide, I hope they make it.”

One of the 19 American White Pelicans, most of which are rehabilitated, non-releasable birds due to wing injuries restricting their flight. Six of the pelicans arrived from Jackson Zoo, the holding institute for the birds affected by the recent oil spill and were deemed non-releasable by the United States Fish & Wildlife Service.

Rest assured we did make it and there was only one spot where I felt it was a little tight but still the mirrors remained out. Even in the towing position they are only a few inches wider then the dually wheels and fenders that follow.

White swans busy doing a little personal cleaning. — White swans busy with a little personal grooming.

We enjoy the slow and scenic ride even though the road was very rough in places. The animals of the conservation park appeared to be well cared for with natural habitat to roam. Best of all no feeding is allowed and therefore most have retained a part of their “wildness” remaining at a distance from transiting vehicles. No sad begging animals here.

American Bison are commonly mistaken for buffalo, but the two have different physical characteristics, habitats, temperaments and life spans.

Maggie was allowed to go along and for most of the visit she moved from one side of the truck to the other, often hanging her head out the window to get a better look at these strange (to her) creatures. However, she never barked once.

American Bison are the largest terrestrial and heaviest land animals in North America. Bison, known for living in the Great Plains, were hunted close to extinction during the 19th and 20th centuries. But, have since recovered in population and are no longer listed as endangered.

There were also wolves and Bald Eagles at the park which we didn’t get to observe.

One of the 24 Sandhill Cranes that call the park home. It's estimated there are 650,000 Sandhill Cranes in the wild and the good news is that number is increasing. — One of the 24 Sandhill Cranes that call the park home. It’s estimated there are 650,000 Sandhill Cranes in the wild and the good news is that number is increasing. (photo by Bonnie Moore)

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Monte Stevens

9 years ago

I’m impressed at how green every thing is, Brooks. I noticed the elk have already lost their velvet while they are still in velvet here. I’m a fan of places that still try and support an area for wildlife.

Sounds like the truck’s not designed for parallel parking. :-)

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Earl

Reply to Monte Stevens

It’s very green here, Monte. We notice the change as we worked our way eastward to the Omaha area. As to the truck, you’ve got to be thinking ahead a couple of moves so as not to get into someplace you can hardly get out of — it’s become the new normal now so I hardly think about it.

Paul Maxim

Like Monte, I’m a big fan of places that support wildlife, especially in a “natural habitat” environment. It’s probably why I’m so fond of places like Yellowstone, Zion, and Bosque del Apache (a New Mexico wildlife sanctuary famous for Sandhill Cranes and Snow Geese). To see Bison in fairly large numbers is just fascinating. As is seeing large Elk populations. Don’t see much of that here in NY!

Reply to Paul Maxim

Paul, I always love seeing wildlife and think it’s great there are places such as this that can care for those who are displaced or injured and can’t return to the wild. The larger mammals, American Bison and ElK, are among my favorites.

Mark

What a great place, and some beautiful shots Earl. I’ll bet Maggie had a lot of fun with all the different smells of these new dogs.

Reply to Mark

Thanks, Mark. Yeah, Maggie had a great time watching all the “strange dogs.” She slept all the way back to the RV Park after the safari drive. Of course I’m pretty sure she doesn’t know she’s really a dog. :-)

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