Northern California wildlife preserve protects giraffes, zebras and antelope at B Bryan Preserve in Point Arena, California
- Cookie & Keller
- Jul 8, 2014
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 10
Giraffes enjoy lunch at the B Bryan Preserve, a haven for endangered African animals near Point Arena, California |
Cookie feeds the giraffes, a thrill! |
STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS
PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER
"The Carpe Diem Kids"
You might not expect a northern California wildlife preserve along the rugged coastline.
But B Bryan Preserve has been actively committed to the breeding and preservation of African hoof stock for over a decade. Located Point Arena, California, the preserve's animals range from critically endangered to endangered and include various species of zebra, giraffe, and antelope.
It's owner Frank Mello explains it is "definitely not a zoo, but a private preserve housing majestic African animals in our large open fields."
THOUSANDS of miles from Africa, Frank and his wife Judy, an animal-cherishing northern California couple, are doing their best to preserve endangered critters continents away.
In a climate and terrain similar to the creatures' native habitat, B Bryan Preserve is a haven for animals that are likely on their literal last legs in Africa.
It takes a tall barn to provide comfortable lodging for giraffes. |
The enterprise's founding couple is committed to the breeding and conservation of African hoof stock. Frank Mello and his wife, Judy, are lifelong wildlife enthusiasts from opposite corners of the United States. Frank, a Northern California native, met Judy in the corporate world in her native Mississippi.
.Frank knows every animal by name on the B Bryan Preserve. |
Back story of northern California wildlife preserve
WHILE JUDY was tending to the cottages the couple rents to boost income for the wildlife endeavor, we toured the place with Frank as our guide. He began with this melancholy greeting: "If you haven't been to Africa, I urge you to go. Some of the animals you see today will not exist there for much longer."
Zebras contribute their exotic look to northern California's Point Arena. |
JUDY HAS traveled to several parts of Africa, experiencing the beauty with increasing concern. In my own trips, I've been made painfully aware of the diminishing numbers of giraffes, zebras, elephants, rhinos, lions, tigers and more. Alarm at the continent's continuing devastation of wildlife is the couple's motivation. Frank's love of the creatures of Africa stems from his deep affection for wildlife and love of beauty along the California coast. He conveys his concern about diminishing numbers on several disturbing charts which he shares before the tour, as guests gather in a large storage barn.
FRANK prepares eager tourists for what they will see -- a working farm where several species are loved and protected. The couple raise, breed and study various kinds of antelope -- roan, sable and greater kudu antelope as well as Grevy’s and Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra and the Rothschild’s Giraffe.
It's a fascinating, up-close look at critters, with only a few wildlife lovers exploring the 100-acre complex at a time, riding in the back of a land rover or driving your own vehicle, exiting the van at various stops to view the critters close-up. Frank provides gruff but enlightening commentary, taking visitors through the history of the endeavor, stressing the importance of wildlife conservation. |
B Bryan Preserve charts the decline of several endangered African species. |
* 10 a.m.: a Self-Guided Car Safari* where you drive your own vehicle
* 10 a.m.: a Private VIP Tour for up to 8 people
3:30 p.m.: a Guided Tour in Land Rovers
Overnight accommodations are available in one of eco-friendly, nicely appointed cottages. Visit the website for more information or to book: bbryanpreserve.com
A walk into the gardens of B Bryan Preserve leads to an enlightening time. |
Frank's northern California roots called in 2004 and the couple purchased a 100 acre ranch, moving 11 animals to Point Arena in verdant Mendocino County. A few are from San Diego's famous wildlife park. Since then, they've added endangered Grevy’s and Hartmann’s Mountain zebra, plus Rothschild’s Giraffe to the welcoming acres of their preserve.
THE COUPLE is devout in their preaching: wildlife habitats around the world continue to decline. Many species are on the verge of extinction, forced from their native habitat by over population and poaching. Degradation of grazing land, the swelling population of humans and hunger leading to poaching are the enemies of these beautiful creatures. "Add to that massive political and social unrest, the presence of AK 47s in the hands of rebels and the animal world is in crisis," Frank said.
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