In life, we often find ourselves on unexpected journeys, wondering where our paths might take us and reflecting on the unexpected turns they have taken. This sentiment is vividly embodied in the lives of two extraordinary women, Prayeri Harrison and Ashton Powell, who have bravely taken on the mantle of running Out of Africa Wildlife Park, a sanctuary for animals facing life’s adversities.

This lovely lady is Prayeri, the heart and soul of Out of Africa, seen here with her 3 warthogs Hamilton (M), Petunia (F), and Poppy-tu (F). These little darlings hold a special place in Prayeri’s heart as they were a gift, as babies, from her late husband Dean.

Prayeri’s journey with Out of Africa began in 1988, alongside her husband Dean, when they established Out of Africa Wildlife Park. Their purpose was to give the animals fulfillment, the enrichment they needed, to giving them large habitats on land, not cages, and for the animals to be healthy and feel safe. Their commitment to animal welfare was unwavering, their dedication and ability to face challenges was strong, but their passion to fulfill the animal’s needs was even stronger. As more animals came in and the park grew, Prayeri and Dean’s son, Dean Jr. with his wife Ashton joined the family adventure. Together they worked on making the park the best it could be extending that passion and drive to its fullest, but when sickness took both Dean Jr. and Dean, Prayeri and Ashton were left with challenging decisions about the future of the park.

Prayeri is now running the park with her daughter-in-law Ashton, and despite the emotional and uncertainties, they encountered, the decision to carry on the legacy of their loved ones was crystal clear to them. Running a wildlife park is far from easy, but Prayeri and Ashton have embraced change, adapted, and grow stronger with every challenge, and even with moments of uncertainty about their path, their faith and belief in a greater plan propels them forward. In the end, life’s unexpected turns can sometimes lead to our most fulfilling journeys, and for these two women, the path they never anticipated has become a remarkable testament to their strength and love.

Today the park is a testament of Prayeri and Dean’s dream. They have brought in hundreds of animals in their time. They have rescued, taken in, and bought animals of all breads. Making the park is a place where families can come and enjoy the wonders of wildlife. Guest can learn the animal’s role, what they eat, how they get exercise, even the fun things they like to do, and you’re lucky you might be able to kiss a giraffe. Thirty-six years later and the park is still holding true to that promise made so many years ago and has giving the animals a place they can call home, and that’s amazing. So don’t forget to say “hi “to Prayeri, she’s probably the one greeting you at the gate.–