Yes, that's a real cub I'm holding. One of Fuji Safari's attractions is to have a photo taken with a baby lion. This very soft creature was very cooperative and seemed unnaturally tame. It makes me wonder...
We continue to discover many attractions within Mount Fuji's vicinity in the Shizuoka Prefecture. For a while now, Fuji Safari Park has been on my hot list of attractions to visit while in Japan. On Saturday, July 28, we planned a day trip with the Wakayama and Konsei families.
We always look forward to seeing the beautiful views of Mount Fuji.
We started the day off very early at 06:30 to meet with our group with hopes to surpass most of the Tomei Expressway traffic. It so happened many folks were thinking the same and so of course, we sat in infuriating gridlock traffic for a very long time. We arrived at our final destination at about 13:00.
To view the animals in the Safari Zone, you have only three options. A first option is to ride one of the several animal-shaped jungle tour buses, equipped with wire-netted windows. The second option is to have a private tour ranger take you through on a 4x4 Jeep painted with zebra stripes. And the third option is to drive your own vehicle at your own risk. We decided on the latter option so we could take as much time as we wanted. 
Under the special circumstances, we allowed Markus to sit on my lap for the ultimate view of the animals roaming freely and leisurely in their designated zones. Altogether, there are seven zones, each separated by high gated fences. During the ride, we tuned in on AM1620 and listened to the Safari Park Guide explaining about the behaviours of the animals.
Our first greeters as we entered the gates were the huge Kodiak bears.
Next, were the lions. Of course, Markus was more than excited to enter this zone.
The warning signs prohibiting you to open windows or to get out of your vehicle, were clearly marked in Japanese and English.
Sleepy Siberian tiger
Three resting rhinos basking in the hot sun.
Yakkity yak!
I don't remember exactly how long it took us to drive through the Safari Zone. It had to be about an hour.
Next on the agenda, we headed to the Fureai Zone. This area was more like a zoo, except you could pet and feed animals. Here we enjoyed the company of red and white kangaroos, meerkats, farm animals, and many more.
Here's a baby porcupine...kawaii ne (cute, eh)
Miyuki, Hirofumi and Junki marvelled at the armadillo
Mischievous squirrel monkey eagerly awaiting patrons to feed him monkey pellets.
Markus' first miniature horse-ride
After observing children ride the horses, Rodney and I were pretty surprised at Markus' own request to ride the horse. Markus was thrilled! I know I appeared more nervous than he was as I pulled the horse around the corral, constantly reminding Markus to hold on tight! (I guess I worry too much sometimes). He did such a great job. It was another proud mommy moment.
Markus rode a horse named "Rose"
"Neighhhh"
It was too cute hearing Markus doing his horse imitation throughout the ride!
Markus quickly became excited to ride the big horse, after seeing the older boys ride, but he didn't meet the age, nor height requirements for that activity. Maybe next time kiddo!
Young cowboy, Naoki taking a stroll with the big horse.
After the Fuji Safari trip we drove out to Gotenba Outlet Mall for some shopping. The long day finally ended the with a late dinner at Elias Big Boy.
The boys L-R - Junki, Naoki, Kazuki, Yusaku and Markus
For more photos from our Fuji Safari adventure, click here.
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