Safari West Joins Sonoma County Tourism’s Signature Experiences, Offering Immersive, Locally Led Adventures

SANTA ROSA, CA, March 21, 2025 — Safari West is proud to announce its participation in Sonoma County’s Signature Experiences, a curated collection of immersive, behind-the-scenes offerings developed in collaboration with Sonoma County Tourism (SCT). These experiences provide visitors with unique, hands-on encounters that showcase the people, landscapes, and traditions that define Sonoma County beyond the vineyard.

While Sonoma County has long been known for its world-class wines, today’s travelers seek deeper, more meaningful connections with the places they visit. Sonoma County’s Signature Experiences respond to this demand by offering exclusive, small-group activities highlighting the region’s culinary innovation, outdoor adventure, environmental stewardship, and rich heritage.

The Sonoma County Signature Experiences program is a true collaboration between Sonoma County Tourism (SCT), its local partners, and Veneto Collaboratory. It is designed to create immersive, story-driven experiences that deepen visitor engagement. SCT provided strategic direction, local partners contributed their expertise and storytelling, and Veneto Collaboratory guided the experience design process, ensuring each offering authentically reflects Sonoma County’s diverse people, landscapes, and traditions. This partnership enriches the visitor experience while driving value for local businesses.

Animal Care & Enrichment Experience
Safari West, Santa Rosa
Go behind the scenes at Sonoma County’s premier wildlife preserve and create enrichment activities tailored to specific species, such as puzzle feeders or sensory toys. Then, observe as the animals explore and interact with your creations.

“Our experience is designed to connect visitors with Sonoma County’s natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and culture of care,” says Dr. Nancy Lang, Founder of Safari West. “Through hands-on animal enrichment and meaningful behind-the-scenes access, guests gain a deeper understanding of conservation, sustainability, and the region’s unique ecosystem. Rooted in education, empathy, and respect for all living things, this experience reflects Sonoma County’s welcoming spirit and reinforces that Wine Country truly is for everyone. I love that this experience reaches people from all walks of life—it’s a reminder that nature belongs to all of us.”

A GROWING DEMAND FOR HANDS-ON TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
Sonoma County’s Signature Experiences were developed as part of SCT’s Wine Country for All of Us initiative, reflecting a shift in travel preferences toward authentic, interactive, and educational experiences. Studies show that travelers are willing to invest more in unique, exclusive offerings that allow them to meaningfully engage with local culture, history, and nature.

“We already know that Sonoma County has a wealth of compelling stories that can help visitors connect more deeply with the destination,” said Claudia Vecchio, President and CEO of Sonoma County Tourism. “Through this initiative, our partners can be more intentional about sharing their own stories and offering immersive experiences that help create an authentic sense of place, which is so important to travelers right now.”

HOW TO BOOK
Reservations and more information for the Animal Care & Enrichment Experience are available at Safari West Animal Enrichment Experience. Due to limited availability and small-group settings, early booking is encouraged.

For more information on Sonoma County’s Signature Experiences, visit: https://www.sonomacounty.com/experiences/sonoma-county-signature-experiences/

ABOUT SAFARI WEST
Safari West proudly welcomes everyone—from all walks of life—because we believe wildlife, like wine, is for everyone. For over 30 years, our 400-acre preserve in the heart of Sonoma County has offered guests the chance to connect deeply with nature, conservation, and over 900 incredible animals. Through hands-on, educational experiences, we invite visitors to discover the wild beauty of Sonoma County in a new way. As part of the Signature Experiences collection, Safari West helps expand what Wine Country means—proving it’s not just a destination, but a place where wonder, curiosity, and community thrive together.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Aphrodite Caserta
Safari Westacaserta@safariwest.com
Cell: 707-575-5275
Office: 707-579-2551