Take a safari at Rolling Ridge Ranch
By Victoria Frank
Nestled quietly among the hills of Holmes County, Rolling Ridge Ranch gives tourists the opportunity to take a safari in Ohio. Located on County Road 168 in Millersburg, colorful, exotic-themed signs clearly point the way to the park, which features a variety of animals from all over the world and a chance to meet them up close and personal. Founded in 1996 by John Mast, the family-run business boasts approximately 600 animals to date, with new species arriving annually on their 80 acres of grassland.
The current owner and operator, Orin Mast, explained that the ranch had humble beginnings, featuring about 200 animals originally, but has grown tremendously in the past 13 years. Growing up, the Mast family had exotic animals as pets, and today, that love for the animal kingdom has expanded into a full-fledged business.
Altogether, Rolling Ridge Ranch offers approximately 80 different species, from zebras, camels, and emu to pot-bellied pigs, monkeys, and African-crested porcupines. Other animals include alligators, skunks, kangaroos, yak, buffalo, and even animals specific to the African continent such as aoudad, oryx, and eland, the world’s largest antelope. Mast said the animals do just fine in the Ohio weather, as summers are warm enough to provide them a natural habitat.
The Masts allow the animals to reproduce naturally, but also acquire new species through buying and trading methods. Mast brings in six to 12 new animals annually to appease those loyal visitors who come several times a year, every single year.
With so many repeat visitors, Mast said it is important to really get to know the tourists that enjoy his business so much. “We treat people like they’re part of the family.” he said. “You’re not just a number here.”
If everyone who visits the ranch becomes part of the Mast family, then that family has certainly grown quite large over the years. Last season, Rolling Ridge Ranch entertained more than 51,000 people from all over the world throughout the summer.
Mast advises people to bring their cameras, as the ranch provides wagon rides that venture throughout the park and last about an hour, allowing visitors to view and feed the animals personally. A tour guide accompanies everyone on the wagon ride as well, providing fun facts about each type of animal. Driving a personal car through the park is also an option, however, feeding is not permitted if you opt for this method.
Mast admitted, “There’s a lot more action on the wagon.”
A walk-through area is also available to view animals more closely, while the petting zoo is one of the most popular attractions, as children and adults alike can handle animals, such as ducklings and small rabbits, themselves.
“Most people don’t get a chance to be among animals firsthand,” Mast said. “It’s a hands-on experience here.”
The ranch can run 11 wagon rides daily, making them fully prepared for the busy summer season. They are open from mid-April to mid-October, Monday through Saturday, including the 4th of July and Labor Day. Hours of operation are normally from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but may change according to the season. The winter is the ranch’s off-season, where maintenance and upkeep often take place. Feeding and keeping the animals warm, as well as developing new hands-on activities and attractions becomes the main priority.
Rolling Ridge Ranch also offers a gift shop full of souvenirs and plush animals, as well as food for the petting zoo. They charge by individual rates, as well as discounted group rates. Naturally, the ranch loves to accommodate field trips, picnics, birthday parties, and family gatherings, and a sheltered picnic area with plenty of tables is available for use. Reservations are preferred for large groups of individuals.
Mast admitted that his job is truly his life, and his favorite aspect seems to be the happiness that the ranch creates. “I enjoy animals, of course, but probably seeing people enjoy themselves and leave with a smile on their face is the best part,” he explained.
For more information, admission costs, and to take a virtual tour of the park, check out the Web site at www.visitrollingridge.com.
