Snake Necking at Safari West Santa RosaART AND ENTERTAIN ME

By Emma Krasov, photography by Yuri Krasov

I’ve never handled a reticulated python before – or any other python for that matter. Not in real life, not in my dreams, not in my nightmares. They say there is a first time for everything. My first time hugging a beautiful snake (delivered from Sonoma County Reptile Rescue) happened during Twilight on the Serengeti, a benefit event for the Safari West Wildlife Foundation, located in Santa Rosa, California.

Snakes, lizards, turtles, porcupines, and ferrets were brought out to a lawn in front of a reception tent, and presented to the guests by the Safari West volunteers. Larger animals, like giraffes, antelopes, and lemurs stayed in their open air homes nearby, for anyone to observe and get enchanted by their beauty.
Privately owned by Nancy and Peter Lang, Safari West is a unique wildlife preserve, covering 400 acres and populated by an amazing array of African mammals and birds since 1989.

Avid travelers to Africa, and passionate advocates for endangered species, the Langs established their foundation with a double goal of helping animals and educating humans. Due to their outstanding achievements in both, Safari West became one of only six privately owned venues in North America to gain membership in the American Zoo and Aquarium Association. The mission of Safari West is “wildlife preservation through breeding, education, research and public interaction.”

Twilight on the Serengeti event, a major fundraiser for educational programs, included the annual awards bestowed upon the staff and volunteers by Director Nancy Lang.

It featured Master of Ceremonies Liam Mayclem of CBS 5 Eye on the Bay who showed some amazing skills as master auctioneer.

The fundraiser included Many guests were dressed to the occasion, like Nedy McCann and Kevin Myers.
Safari West Chef Devon Schafer and his culinary team prepared a feast of grilled chicken skewers, stuffed mushroom caps, homemade meatballs and chipotle chicken salad for appetizers, and a four-course dinner that included a salad with Mimosa vinaigrette, spicy gazpacho, tri-tip steak with red potatoes and purple cauliflower, and tiramisu.

Coppola wines and Lagunitas beers added cheers to the reception, and many other Wine Country establishments showed their support for the wildlife advocates.

Safari West provides ample opportunities for research, education and volunteering, offers workshops for school teachers, and public tours for families and groups.