Day of Discovery brings crowds to animal park

WINSTON, Ore. -- Special needs people of all ages had free range at the Wildlife Safari on Monday.

The Day of Discovery started over two decades ago as a partnership between the park and the Winston-Dillard Lions Club.

Today, it's a free adventure for hundreds of kids and the young at heart to see animals, displays, and more up close and personal.

Organizers say it's a fun activity for those who may not be able to get out too often. "A lot of people think about Wildlife Safari as being that place that's really kid friendly, and really good for kids, and it really is," said Dan Van Slyke. "But there's folks in our community that are shut-ins, some of the handicapped that really don't get a chance to get out."

So, Van Slyke says the Day of Discovery offers them an opportunity to get out and see something new.

There was a cheetah keeper talk, an animal show, free train rides and more.

Keepers also walked around and let people pet the exotic animals, and those in attendance got to drive through the park, too.