White Oak Conservation

My wonderful friend brought me here for a birthday surprise, so when I arrived, all I knew was that we were headed towards some beautiful stables and there were rhinos in the pastures around us. Throughout the day, the surprises kept coming. We started off the day on horseback and rode through the system of trails through the property, passing by exotic animal after the next. One of the rhinos had just recently given birth, so we were lucky enough to get to see a 4 week old baby rhino. Our two hilarious hosts, Billy and Shannon, were incredibly knowledgeable on each animal and great company along the ride. Around 12:30, they led us to a deck overlooking the St Mary's river where picnic baskets awaited. This trip was a birthday present, so they even wrote "Happy Birthday!" on a chalk board sign to place on our lunch table. When dealing with picnic food, it's hard to pull off sophistication. However, the chefs at White Oak did it! 11/10 would say it's the best sandwich they've ever eaten. After lunch, we hopped back on the horses and rode to see some more of the animals and then headed back to the stables after about an hour and a half where we got into a door-less safari van and headed towards another side of the property. After we went through a series of gates and turned the corner, it opened up to a pasture with 10-15 giraffes. I started crying, it was so beautiful. We stopped, and another woman with a truck full of sweet gum branches pulled up as well. I asked her what she was doing, to which she replied, "Bringing up stuff for y'all to feed them with!" More tears. It was unlike any experience I have ever had, feeding those gentle giants. This place is amazing, and since almost of the animals are endangered, you'll see things you won't likely see anywhere else. I wish I could give more stars. Also, Shannon takes pictures of you while you ride, so you can be completely immersed in the experience without worrying about having to take pictures of your own

Shannon and Billy were fantastic guides. Thought it was going to be a fun time but never thought we would have had the experience we had.... from riding horses around to see the animals, to petting a rhino and then feeding all of the giraffes and then continuing on to see more animals..... a true animal lover's ideal day. Can't wait to go back!

My wife, daughter, and I went on the horse back tour. This was an amazing experience. Billy and Shannon were great. Wonderful pictures and just a great tour of a special place. Lunch was so good. We were able to get vegan meals and they were delicious. We are looking forward to another visit.

We had a wonderful experience on our Safari from the Saddle! Billy and Shannon were friendly and knowledgeable. We got to see several amazing animals close up, and gained a great understanding of the work at White Oak for animal conservancy.

I was looking for something to surprise my wife with for our 33rd anniversary when I read about the Safari Saddle Tour at White Oak. It sounded like the perfect idea and I could not be happier with our experience. White Oak Plantation is a magical place and our guides Billy and Shannon were simply amazing. The tour is small just 4 guests which gives you a very personal experience. Billy and Shannon are very knowledgeable about the animals and the mission of White Oak. They both have a long history with White Oak and are happy to share their stories. We felt as though we spent the day with great life long friends. As part of the tour we were able to feed their giraffes and were fortunate enough to pet a white rhinoceros. I've been blessed with many wonderful experiences in my life but never imagined that I would one day have a giraffe eating from my hand or scratch a rhino behind his ear! The most magical place on earth doesn't have mouse ears it has Billy and Shannon!