This macaw is part of the ‘Ancients Among Us’ show.

VALDOSTA – Wild Adventures is one of the most iconic features of Valdosta. Known for its rides, the park also has attracted visitors to its animals and shows.

Some of the shows feature animals.

Here’s a look at Wild Adventures’ shows.

Animal Friends

For visitors with an interest in learning facts about specific animals in the park, animal keepers are present at designated times during the day at the Critter Kitchen, squirrel monkey enclosure and meerkat exhibit.

Spider monkeys are a big draw as one monkey recently gave birth and another is at full term with delivery expected any day, according to the park. Guests can watch the current mother run throughout the enclosure with the baby clinging to her back, where it will stay for a few weeks.

To hear the keepers discuss the animals, one might think they are discussing their children. Each keeper has formed a close-knit relationship with the animals and love sharing vital information about their lives.

Tigers of India

One of the longest running shows within the park, it showcases the beautiful animals that live within the park. With trainers Mike Inks and Andy Spoylar, guests are treated to a show of tigers. All tigers involved in the show come from the Marcan Tiger Preserve in Ponce de Leon, Fla.

While many may think of a circus-style show upon hearing it involves tigers, it is far from it. These tigers are not forced to do outrageous tricks. As with every animal in the park, the tigers are treated with the utmost respect and perform natural tiger behaviors throughout the show, according to the park.

While Spoylar is inside the enclosure with the tigers, Inks gives guests information about the tigers, including in-depth discussions about their behaviors and fur colors. Two of the tigers are white, one is a color morph with a golden type of fur and the others are the typical Bengal coloring.

Throughout the performance, the tigers lounge around, receive treats and play with toys much in the same way an everyday house cat would.

A stand is set up, providing guests with the opportunity to buy photos of the tigers and plush tiger toys. Proceeds from these sales go back to benefit the Marcan Tiger Preserve, according to the park.

Ancients Among Us

One of the newest shows within the park is a fascinating journey into the world of dinosaurs.

The stage is framed by a full-scale art decoration, made by members of the Wild Adventures team, of a dinosaur skeleton. This show, performed by Mike Inks and Micha Leon, shares information about prehistoric times while also using animals of today to showcase traits inherited from the dinosaurs. To demonstrate the definition of the word “dinosaur,” which means terrible lizard, an iguana is brought out for guests to see its scaly nature and claws.

However, as the show explained, birds have become the newfound closest link to dinosaurs. The rest of the show presents birds while explaining unique traits of each that dinosaurs may have also exhibited. Pigeons were released to show their ability to always find their nests while a macaw demonstrated a mimicking ability.

Regina the emu makes her appearance throughout the show as it was formerly thought emus were one of the closest linked animals to prehistoric creatures.

However, as Inks closed out the show, he presented what he called the closest link to a Tyrannosaurus Rex. As tension rose to see the creature, he presented a chicken, thus informing everyone in the audience that recent studies have shown, the average chicken is the closest relative to this prehistoric giant.

Swamp Tales

Another new show hosted by Inks and Leon showcases reptiles and sheds light on issues currently happening in the wild.

A Sulcata tortoise, cane toad and Burmese python were shown to the crowd along with explanations of each creature and their impact on the local environment.

One major issue explained was Burmese pythons. Native to Southeast Asia, they are becoming part of the Florida Everglades due partially to people owning them as pets and not being prepared for their length which can reach 20 feet.

The highlight of the show was an alligator which is native to this area. Leon handled the alligator throughout the show, sitting on its back and enabling the audience to see the teeth and underbelly of the creature.

All of these animals, as in every other show, are treated with caution and respect to maintain the natural personality of the animals without causing stress.

Y’all Tube

One show that doesn’t involve animals yet is fun for the whole family is Y’all Tube.

This show mixes science with fun as a “redneck” character wows the audience with simple science projects. The heavily interactive show allows children to not only see the fun, but to get in on it as well, from dropping Mentos into soda to playing with air guns.

Daily Events

Not to be forgotten are the daily events that take place in the park that prove everyday can be a party. From the drum line to the Fun Squad to the children’s parade, there is no shortage of festivities throughout the park for both kids and parents to enjoy.

Also included are attractions such as the butterfly garden, aviary and petting zoo that allow children an up close look at some gentle creatures.

Wild Adventures is currently open daily for the summer. Weekday hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekend hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, visit www.wildadventures.com.