It started with a Nubian ibex. Not something you’d see everyday in Ohio considering they’re a desert-dwelling goat species from the mountainous regions of Israel. But local veterinarian Dr. Trent Reynolds loves animals and, before he knew it, the ibex wasn’t alone and he had a nice little zoo sitting off US-68, just west of Rushsylvania.
As part of Logan County Tourism Week, En Gedi Ridge Zoo invited the community onto their grounds for a “safari tour” at only $10 a person on the afternoon of Friday, Aug. 8. And 94 people took them up on that offer.
Before they even made it to the barn and corral areas, though, guests were introduced to a couple of sugar gliders and a one-year-old severe macaw named Pickles. They then met several camels, zebras, llamas, alpacas, emus, a zebu and a kangaroo.
Though the animals come from all over, Reynolds admits he likes the African hoof stock the best. But it was the ibex, which originates in the En Gedi region of Israel, that led to the zoo’s name.
“David hid from Saul in the En Gedi,” Reynolds explained, referring to the account from I Samuel 23 in the Bible. “And this is our oasis. Our hideaway.”
Though the zoo doesn’t have regular hours at this time, those interested in visiting can schedule a private tour through their website engediridgezoo.com for $20 per person. This includes a chance to feed and pet the animals.
