Exotic Ranch welcomes babies

By DAVID MORRIS

Cove Leader-Press

The Topsey Exotic Ranch and Drive-Thru Safari is located about 10 miles outside of Copperas Cove and offers up-close encounters of over 50 different animals, some that can be fed right from the safety of a vehicle. The ranch includes over a threemile drive of the habitat of these wild animals along with a picnic area, petting zoo, gift shop and snack bar. The exotic ranch has extended the hours for the spring, opening at 9 a.m. and closing the gates at 6 p.m. “We’re extremely proud that our breeding programs are successful and feel profoundly blessed that we are able to increase the populations of so many threatened species from around the world,” Stephanie Gibson. “It comes as an added bonus that we are able to share the fruits of our successes with Central Texas. It never becomes tiresome watching the newborn babies become acquainted with life around the ranch.” N ew babies added to the herds of the exotic ranch include: a pair of waterbucks a baby addax, several aoudads. The ranch welcomed its first baby squirrel monkey during the winter and now have four babies in the monkey house. “My father opened the ranch in 19 8 8 because he liked animals,” said owner Gary Friedel. “He thought it would be a unique experience for all of the families and kids out here.” He said the only other areas people could find a similar experience is in San Antonio or Glen Rose. “My family has been in business for a long time,” Harrington said. “We just love people and animals. Y ou can really interact with the ani- mals and it’s very educational for the children.” Edda Harrington said the experience teaches children about wild animals and the respect individuals should have for them. She said when children learn that respect early in life it will transfer over into their adult life. “We have people who came here when they were little and now they bring their children. It so exciting to see that love of animals stay with them and we love to have them here,” said Harrington.