By Joanne Lehman
At Rolling Ridge Ranch, animals of all kinds coexist peacefully and humans interact with them daily. Between April 18 and Oct. 18 last year, 45,000 visitors rolled through the 80-acre ranch and enjoyed personal encounters with animals that are native to many parts of the world.
Orin Mast is one of two sons of John Mast, who started the ranch in 1996 after seeing a similar park in another state. Orin and his brother, Reuben, operate the ranch with the help of approximately 12-15 part-time employees during visitor season.
On busy days at the ranch, they will have up to 10 wagons traveling though the park. Each wagon carries a group of adults and children eager to catch a glimpse of the animals that roam freely and frequently wander up to the wagons to peek at the humans.
During the winter months, the main job for the owners is to feed the animals. In visitor season, there is plenty of assistance with feeding chores.
“Growing up we had a lot of bantams, rabbits, and pheasants, and from there we went on to getting other different animals,” said Orin Mast. He said he likes to observe the deer, elk and other antlered animals from day to day year round. Besides feeding the animals, he makes sure there is natural shelter and spaces for nurturing babies.
Orin Mast said that with 500 to 600 head of animals at the park, there is always something interesting to see. Different species give birth at different times of the year, and many of the animals on the ranch are the second and third generation born to park residents.
Visitors to Rolling Ridge Ranch ride on canopied horse-drawn wagons across the hills on a winding path that includes both woods and pasturelands. The driver of the wagon points out the animals by name and tells about them. Each wagon carries a bucket of the special feed rations that meet the needs of the park’s animal residents. Some park visitors opt to purchase additional buckets of feed so everyone on board can meet and greet the animals that will venture near to eat out of their hands. Orin Mast said the best time for feeding and seeing the animals is early in the day. If visitors prefer, they can safari through the park in their own vehicles (with windows closed) to see the animals.
Rolling Ridge Ranch Animal Park also welcomes many school field trips each year. Often students have already completed a science or social studies unit and the trip is a memorable reminder of all they’ve learned from the books.
Field trip groups range from preschool to high school. Everyone has fun riding in the wagons and learning about the habits and natural habitats of an assortment of animals from around the world-all living together on the ranch. Some of the more interesting animals to see are the aoudad sheep, white elk, and eland. The guide stops at different points along the way so the children can feed the Grant’s zebra, water buffalo and sika deer.
School groups and family groups always enjoy the big petting zoo, where everyone can be up close with friendly creatures such as the miniature donkey, baby calves, sheep, rabbits and goats. It’s not every day that you can walk up to camels, kangaroos, spider monkeys, an African crested porcupine, a ring-tail lemur, and other animals you’ve only seen in pictures.
Orin Mast said, for him, it is also interesting to meet the people who come to the ranch from all over the United States and around the world. He is especially excited when, as last year, in one day there are visitors from seven different countries. He also likes it when visitors return often and bring friends. “I want people to feel part of it-to be part of the family,” he said.
The park offers special group rates for larger groups and field trips. Reservations should be made as early as possible in order to get the selected time. Plan to spend some time in the park’s gift shop and picnic area at the conclusion of each visit.
When the park is open, wagon rides are offered Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. They are open on July 4 and Labor Day, but closed on Sunday and on Ascension Day, an Amish holiday.
Rolling Ridge is located at 3961 County Road 168, between Berlin and Walnut Creek. Look for signs on main routes near Berlin. For reservations, prices or other information, call 330-893-3777 or e-mail info@visitrollingridge.com. Their Web site includes a virtual tour. See more at www.visitrollingridge.com.
