Lets Go On a Hidden Valley Adventure
Lets Go On a Hidden Valley Adventure
Where the Deer and the Antelope (and Watusis, Bison and Camels) Play
Some days you just want to get out of town. For those of you who missed seeing the herd of buffalo who resided on Horn Hill Road in Ellicottville for many years but are now gone, you can still find a few dozen on Route 242 toward Machias along with an equal number of elk. It’s a crap shoot when you can see them, and when you do, it’s at a distance. Fact: There are around 15,000 completely wild and free American bison (in the U.S.) aka ‘buffalo’, with 5,000 of them living in Yellowstone National Park. Before Europeans began hunting them, their numbers hovered around 30-60 million. There are also around 530,000 buffalo on protected land in private herds. Herbivores, they are the biggest mammals in North America, weighing up to a few tons and standing about 6 feet tall. But don’t be fooled by their heft, they can run at around 35mph!
At Hidden Valley Animal Adventure Park - less than an hour away - you can come ALMOST nose to nose with bison, elk (white ones, too!) and creatures (400 representing 40 species) you have only read about in National Geographic, like nilgai and eland. Better than a zoo, you can either drive your own vehicle on a designated road through the park (better chance for nose-to-nose adventure) or grab a tour bus and get up close and personal (through the open sides) with an ogling ostrich, gregarious, giggling goats, coy camels, bodacious bison, zany zebra, alluring alpacas (look for the new white baby), graceful gazelles, wandering watusis (I have to admit I did not see them sliding to the left and then to the right doing the watusi dance, but they were pretty amazing to watch), Judah, the 15 year-old tortoise no larger than a soccer ball, miniature horses, and donkeys and emus, oh my! By the way, emus are the second largest bird only to the ostrich and are said to be one of the oldest species of birds on this planet. And check this out - the male does the incubation and nurtures the babies. Probably still not as extreme an ordeal as the male Emperor penguin which stands for nine weeks with the egg on its feet in brutal cold and snow and care for it until momma returns… but no penguins at the Park.
It is so obvious that this is a family affair with every animal treated as an extension of the Hans Boxler family. Hans, a farmer and animal lover, and his wife, Rose, opened the gates to this dream adventure in 2010, now being carried on by the Boxler clan after his passing seven years ago. With so many animals to feed, medicate, vaccinate, and otherwise care for, (including hand feeding the babies if moms won’t) they are all bright-eyed, curious, and eager to interact with their visitors. In winter, some are moved into winter housing and since so many of these animals are from warm climates, they are moved into heated barns. Manager and Hans’ daughter, Barbara Dominesey, tells me that, although many animals are appropriately tagged, some have their own personal name and their own story. You will meet their oldest family member, Randy, the camel, and a one-horned longhorn steer named ‘Lefty’ or ‘Miles,’ depending which tour guide you have. When called, these animals will generally come running if they are not already at the road waiting for the tourist bus to stop so people can feed them from the cups of feed purchased with their ticket. Imagine reaching out, ready to pour feed into their huge gaping mouths, huge tongues out and ready. They know the drill.
The little guys in the small animal area also know the drill. Once you marvel at the stunning peacocks in full feather and are astonished at their harsh, loud calls, go through the gates and be immediately greeted by goats of many colors, tongues hanging out, even nuzzling your pockets or bags. Here, you will find the donkeys. Further in, prepare to discover the pure delight of watching teeny, nimble, baby goats romping and springing up the hilly terrain onto boulders or the picnic table – listen carefully and you’ll hear more ooos and ahhs than you hear at a baby judging contest. Keep your cameras ready! TikTok has nothing on the cuteness overload in this place! Afterward, board the bus and start your big animal adventure. (The buses, at this point, can accommodate one wheelchair each.) An hour later, disembark at the lodge so you can use the facilities to wash your hands, buy a souvenir and food for the Koi fish at the Trading Post and get something to eat. Although patio tables are reserved for paying customers, you are welcome to bring a blanket and spread a picnic out on the lawn around the pond, if you desire. Marvel at the graceful swans and feed the Koi while you are there.
The summer season has begun! Hidden Valley Animal Adventure is open daily except Wednesdays (open on July 5th) through Labor Day. Hours are 10:30am-5:00pm. After Labor Day, they will open Saturdays and Sundays through October (also open on Columbus Day), rain or shine. Tours go out regardless of weather, unless thunderstorms are imminent.
The Lodge (200 capacity) hosts catered banquets and events for corporate team building, company picnics, parties, holiday celebrations and weddings. It’s also a great venue for chamber meetings or special community occasions. Book soon! You don’t want to miss out on your 2023 or 2024 event in this amazing space… bring a busload! Watch their website for upcoming events this season featuring Nashville music performers on stage in the Lodge.
Tickets to Hidden Valley Animal Adventure are available online or can be purchased onsite. Go to www.HiddenValleyAdventure.com or call 585-535-4100. The park is located at 2887 Royce Road, Varysburg, NY 14167. Tell them Carol at EllicottvilleNOW sent you!