The park is home to a huge range of biodiversity that makes for a superbly rewarding experience. There is no dearth to quality at all. The Osa Peninsula was described as “the most biologically intense place on earth” by the National Geographic.

In addition to the national park, Corcovado is also home to some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches. It is possible to pitch a tent right at the beach and enjoy an entire night of oceanfront tranquility.

Flora and Fauna . . .

The Corcovado National park provides its visitors with a range of wildlife that Costa Rica is famous for. The park has close to hundred amphibian and reptilian species and is inclusive of translucent glass frogs, crocodiles and more.

There are a hundred and thirty nine mammal species. This makes up almost ten per cent of the total species of mammals in the entire North and South Americas. This is inclusive of squirrel monkeys, tapirs, big cats, bats, jaguars and others. There are close to four hundred species of birds. Out of these, twenty birds are endemic to the Corcovado region itself. The park is also home to the biggest number of scarlet macaws in the whole of Central America.

Accessing the Corcovado National Park . . .

Drake Bay and Puerto Jimenez located on the eastern coast of Osa Peninsula are close to the main points of entry at Corcovado National park, the San pedrillo and La Leona. The headquarters of the park are the Estacion Sirena, the largest ranger station.

Also . . .

It is possible to arrange night time hikes through the Corcovado National Park at the Puerto Jimenez.

Corcovado National Park Admission:

US $ 8.

Size . . .

Corcovado National Park extends for two hundred and sixty three sq mi.

The Sea of Cortez in the Baja California area is one of the most heavenly areas on earth, and we voyaged right deep into the area. We departed from La Paz and headed right north to the often neglected, but extremely rewarding Midriff Islands.

Our trip had a number of highlights, but the one I will always remember was being surrounded by about thirty Sperm Whales. We could actually listen to the noises these whales were making to communicate using the hydrophones on board. As these whales swam close to the ship, we eavesdropped using the hydrophones.

Also, that day was when I learned that sperm whales are an odd looking species of whales, with a cranial bump, an offset blowhole, and wrinkly skin. The largest was a twenty meter long male, its head making up more than a third of its length. The males made a noise similar to a metal door banging hard. These whales are capable of diving more than twelve hundred meters. This is deeper than any other Cetaceans.

We also came across groups of Common Dolphins, and Pilot Whales. The dolphins seemed to be the personification of ecstasy, spinning and leaping like excited poodles, and riding over our bow wave. We were also rewarded with sea turtles, sharks and rays as well.

Isla Rasa was home to thousands of Elegant Terns and Heerman’s Gulls. The island of Isla Rasa is the ultimate destination if you are a bird lover, because 95 per cent of the bird population in the world breeds on the tiny island, and has a huge amount to take in. peregrine falcons patrol the cliff edges, Ospreys build nests here and thousands of other birds fly here and there.

Nevada’s unique range of species provides a rewarding experience for visitors. There are some extremely venomous snakes, which have their home in southern Nevada. There are species such as mountain lion, kit fox, brush rabbit, raccoon, beaver, antelope, elk, bighorn sheep, mule deer and a huge number of other species. There are a huge number of bird species as well, there are species such as northern flicker, golden eagle, American crow and more.

It is in the spring that most venomous snakes come into the open. It is important to take care while hiking in the wilderness. In the winter, raptors are in abundance, this includes eagles, hawks and more. Moopa Valey is home to some of the great settings to view birds. You can rent binoculars and other scopes here. Waterfowl is also found here in huge numbers.

Hunting is one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the wide open spaces of Nevada. The artificial wildlife environment is what attracts so many species here. There are unwanted predators that get attracted as well, so it is good to be on your guard.

About PrideRock:

According to anyone and everyone who’s visited PrideRock or been part of their voluntary activities, the place is a safe haven for Big Cats who may have been abandoned, abused or confiscated. The big cats rescue operations conducted by the family of PrideRock is a commendable job in itself. Most of these animals were no longer being cared for by their previous owners; and this could have been the case for a number of reasons. Regardless of the reasons, they’ve been taken under the wings of the PrideRock family now. The Refuge is currently being operated by Gary and Carol Holliman, and they’re currently housing about 12 tigers, 7 lions, 8 wolf dogs, 8 cougars and a herd of their own familial dogs.

The Mission:

As Gary Holliman puts it, Big Cats were never meant to be pets. The endeavor of domesticating this magnificent animal will often end tragically either for the cat or the owner.

The mission of PrideRock is to prevent any sort of cruelty being meted out to the animals. The Wildlife Refuge created by this couple is said to be home for the Big Cats rescue animals and this could well be their home for the rest of their lives.

The refuge focuses on creating specie-specific enclosures where the residents can have enriching and recreational activities for the animals involved. Each animal here will be given veterinary care, diet and nutrition, as per its individual needs. PrideRock takes this entire experience a step further by allowing for summer internships where people can realize their dreams of wanting to educate themselves about these beautiful creatures and they would learn how to properly care for them.

As Carol Holliman says, it gives people an opportunity to become one with nature, and this helps them better understand what it is that they need to do once they go back home from this internship as well.

Big Thicket National Preserve:

Big Thicket National Preserve is an apt playground for a visitor to view the beautiful and diverse Texas wildlife. This National Preserve is known to cover almost 100,000 acres and was the first of its types in the United States of America. This NP is home to a diverse group of animals and plants which would play host to a lot of nature enthusiasts annually.

Padre Island National Seashore:

Padre Island National Seashore is known to stretch from Corpus Christi South to the Port Mansfield Cut. This stretch provides you with one of the most remote seashores you will ever find in the world. It goes without saying that this stretch is also home to some exotic varieties of Texas wildlife in the form of marine life.

Big Bend National Park:

The Big Bend National Park now holds the status of being an International Biosphere Reserve. It is said to offer a variety of recreational activities that can be done outdoors, but kept within a primitive setting. Mountain biking, hiking, boating, camping, nature watching and fishing – you name it and you can have it. All of this can be done at Big Bend.

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge:

This wildlife refuge is famous around the world as being home to the whooping cranes. These birds spend their winter days here at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge; which is also home to a lot of other bird species (amounting to 390 species, as per reports of the officials there). You’d also be able to witness Texas wildlife in all its beauty in the form of bobcats, deer, alligators, javelinas and more.

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge:

The Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is said to be located deep inside the Southern part of Texas. This refuge gives visitors a chance to have an opportunity to view a lot of bird and animal life which may not really be found elsewhere in the United States. The location of this wildlife refuge along the border of Texas; and the unique climate that it provides the region with is said to be enticing to both, wildlife and its lovers. LANWR is said to be an apt place to witness migration in full swing, as bird lovers flock here to watch the birds do what they do best. Throughout the year, you’ll see bird lovers trying to find the endangered ocelot here.

Take your time out and enjoy all of these antics – the white rhinos, lions, zebras, African elephants, chimps, and giraffe – and this would mean you might even witness a number of other creatures that could fascinate any wildlife enthusiast’s soul. If you visit the Lion Country Safari grounds during the feeding time, which is at around 10:30 am, it would bring you to inches of the wild animal of your choice.

Your adventure will not stop right there. Post your drive which describes ‘leisure’, you could park your car and drop in at the Safari World. The walk through entertainment area is shrouded with trees. This experience might actually bring out the kid in you; as you witness the Animal Theatre presentations or visit the petting zoo. Take a hike with the nature walk or opt for the boat tour. The animal themed carousels and the amusement rides are also quite a hit.

In Rewind Mode:

Lion Country Safari was conceptualized and developed by a group of British and South African entrepreneurs who wished to combine the experience of an African game park and that of a family Safari. When the Safari first opened in the year 1967, dozens of lions could be found roaming around without a care in the world. This was located at the rural Western Palm Beach County, Florida.

This turned out to be the first cageless drive through that was created in America, and it helped revolutionize the philosophies of wildlife management and zoo policies.  Ever since its inception, it has continued to be a leader when it comes to educating people about wildlife and the conservation; and has provided for a natural environment when it comes to endangered species, where they can live and procreate. The safari officials have seen a lot of success in the case of breeding within the African Elephants, giraffes and the rhinoceros.

In order to encourage repeat visitors and get in some new ones, they reduced the number of lions and began working on getting more species involved.

Safari World was added later and this happened in the year 1983.

Information For The Enthusiasts:

Lion Country Safari is open every day of the year, come rain or sunshine. The timings are 10 am to 5:30 pm. The last car will be admitted at around 4:30; but it would be suggested that you set aside at least 3 – 4 hours to enjoy this wildlife extravaganza.

The eastern and western shores of Maryland end up in an embrace with the Chesapeake Bay and the number of rivers there ends up making for one of the longest waterfronts that any of the states in the United States of America can boast of.

Though Maryland may seem popular for its national monuments and historic parks; it does have its fair share of wildlife watching to do.

• Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge The Delmarva Peninsula is home to a lot of wildlife refuge areas and is thus protected land. It is home for the migrating waterfowl and similar wildlife. Blackwater is the largest of these refuges. During the peak of the migration season, you’ll see a number of ducks, mute swan and tundra here.  The snow geese also make the occasional appearance. The herons are perennially present and share the space with osprey and Canada geese.  If you sight the bald eagle here, then you’re one of those lucky ones to catch a glimpse of this bird. If you explore some more, you might even catch a sneak peek of the Delmarva fox squirrel; which is now endangered.

• Butterfly Watching at the Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge The trees here play host to these colorful creatures. As these butterflies make their ways to the Southern part of America, they’ll stop over at the Eastern Neck during fall every year. If you’re a fan of the tundra swan, you might catch them here during their resting period. The website of this refuge is active and will give you up-to-date information about various species and their arrivals at the refuge and their migrating patterns.

• Whale and Dolphin Watching on the Mid-Atlantic The area near Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware, which lies on the Atlantic coast of Maryland, is a great spot for dolphin and whale watching. The Great Dune at Cape makes for the perfect vantage point to watch these large creatures of the sea. Bring along your binoculars when you come here. For those who want to choose luxury and whale watching, you might want to sign up for one of the whale and dolphin watching cruises that are available. For the slightly more adventurous (and fit, if I may say) people, there is an option open – they could opt for kayaking with the dolphins.

It took years after that, however, for governments and nations around the world to understand the need for wildlife management.

The American Wildlife Regulations were set in place by around the early 1600s. The continent, however, saw a rapid decline in the number of animal species by the time around half of the 19th century had passed it by.

Many private organizations came forward in the 20th century and volunteered to take up the responsibility of wildlife conservation and they made international efforts to manage the natural resources at hand.

The Wildlife Experience is one such endeavor that looks at contributing to the entire platform of global conservation.

THE WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE MUSEUM –

The museum is located around 10 miles south of Denver and lies at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Peoria Street.

The entire Wildlife Experience museum experience is one of educational coupling up with entertainment. Visitors get a chance to connect with wildlife and their habitats; and all this is done in an interactive, fun environment.

There is what can only be called a unique blend of facilities – right from natural history to community educational programs and events; fine art to interactive exhibits and a large format film.

This museum that has a tag line that states ‘More Than a Museum’ stays true to its tag. The Museum presents people with an opportunity to learn about the various ecosystems and the wildlife of the world. All this can be done in an environment that supports and encourages discovery. Visitors are engulfed in fun and entertainment while they’re at the museum.

THE MISSION –

The Wildlife Experience Museum wishes to instill respect for wildlife and habitat amongst people. It takes the efforts to create an environment where in the generations to come will also be well equipped with information about interactive and educational experiences.

THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES –

There are a number of methods that can be used to learn about wildlife while here at the museum. The most popular of them all is when large format films are screened at what is called the Extreme Screen Theater. School tours happen here on a regular basis; and the children can also indulge in ‘Meet the Artist’ programs which make for an increase in their need for interaction and their ability to better understand the exhibits that they see around them.

GLOBEOLOGY –

The Globeology, which opened in the year 2009, has turned into the cornerstone of the mission that the museum always had. The 25,000 square foot exhibition is permanent in nature and aims at scientifically accurate ‘touches’ with nature.

While Lincoln Park persists to progress into one of the few finest zoos all over the worldwide, the one element, which will by no means modify is the admission policy of the park: Lincoln Park Zoo situates as one of the few last free of charge major cultural institutions that are found in the United States as well as the merely one that is left in Chicago. This Zoo is open for all 365 days of a year.

Also observing the entire of the magnificent animals, the Lincoln Park Zoo traits its SBC Endangered Species Carousel ride, swan boat rides, paddle boat and the LPZOO Express train ride, also the 4-D Virtual Safari simulator as well as a Safari Audio Tour. Make a note of that a small fee is applicable for each one of these special attractions. In addition this Zoo offers a diversity of dining options as well as two huge gift shops.

Lincoln Park Zoo – Location:

2200 N. Cannon Dr.

Chicago, IL 60614

Lincoln Park Zoo – Working Hours:

Months of April and May – morning 10 am to 5 pm in the evening

Memorial Day and Labor Day – morning 10 am to 5 pm in the evening (6 pm in the evening on the weekends)

Months of September and October – morning 10 am – 5 pm in the evening

Months of November to March – morning 10 am – 4:30 pm in the evening

Lincoln Park Zoo – Admission Fees:

The admission to Lincoln Park Zoo is free of cost

Lincoln Park Zoo – Parking facilities:

Onsite parking is available outside the park in close proximity and is charged on per hour basis.

Geography:

Big Bend National Park has three distinct geographical features, namely, desert, mountain, and river. Emory Peak is the highest point at 2,387 metres.

Climate:

Big Bend experiences extreme climatic conditions. Late spring and summer days are hot and dry. Winters are generally mild with occasional sub-freezing temperature. The varying altitude causes a wide differentiation in the weather. May-June are the hottest months while July-October is the rainy season.

Flora:

The park is home to variety of cactus and other plant types (over 1,200 species). Common cactus types found in the park include prickly pear, claret cup and pitaya. Several flowering plants like desert marigold, desert willow, rock

nettle, lechuguilla and bluebonnets are found. Juniper, ponderosa pines, piñon pine, douglas fir, Texas madrone, quaking aspen, the unique Chisos Oak trees are also found.

Fauna:

Big Bend is home to about 75 types of mammal and 56 reptile species. The park area is mostly inhabited by nocturnal animals. Cougar or mountain lion, jackrabbit, kangaroo rat, roadrunner, raccoon, javelin, rock squirrel, black bear and coyote are spotted here.

Avifauna:

More than 450 species of birds are found here. Tufted Flycatcher and Colima Warbler are common sights. Migratory birds are also located.

Activities:

• Hiking (Chimneys Trail, Marufo Vega trail, Outer Mountain Loop trail, Santa Elena Canyon, Grapevine Hills, Mule Ears and many other notable locations)

• River tour of Rio Grande
• Birdwatching
• Swimming
• Stargazing

Best time to visit:

Mid-November to early January

Reaching Bend National Park:

• By air:
  El Paso airport is the closest. Del Rio International Airport is about 385 km from the park. Midland International Airport, San Angelo Regional Airport are also there.
• By road:
  Two entrances to the park accessible by US-385 south from Marathon, TX-118 south from Alpine, Ranch Road 170 east from Presidio.

Fees/Permits:

A seven-day pass can be procured by paying the entrance pass.

Getting around:

By car (on routes TX-118 and US-385), bicycle, foot or horse.

Attractions:

• North Entrance to Panther Junction
• West Entrance to Panther Junction
• Chisos Basin Road

• Panther Junction to Rio Grande Village
• Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
• Castolon Visitor Center
• Panther Junction Visitor Center
• Persimmon Gap Visitor Center
• River tour in Rio Grande (Boquillas Canyon, Mariscal Canyon,  Santa Elena Canyon)

Accommodation:

• Camping at developed sites or in the back country (limited to 14 consecutive days). Prior booking is essential. Chisos Basin Campground, Cottonwood Campground, Rio Grande Village Campground are some of the camping sites.
• Chisos Mountains Lodge

• The Stillwell Store (outside of the park)
• Lodging option is available in the nearby Study Butte-Terlingua area