Wildlife refuge
Take a photographic safari and view exotic animals close to home at the Amanda Blake Memorial Wildlife Refuge/ Part of SMUD's Rancho Seco Recreational Area, the refuge is now home to more than two dozen oryx, an endangered species of antelope from Africa.
These captive-bred animals were rescued by the Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) from the illegal underworld of the exotic animal trade. PAWS is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for captive wildlife and other exotic animals.
The refuge is named after Amanda Blake, the late actress ("Gunsmoke") and wildlife advocate.
The oryx are joined by giant eland, emu, ostrich and greater rhea on the 75-acre sanctuary. PAWS leases the property from SMUD for $1 per year.
The park is adjacent to the closed nuclear power plant, about 15 minutes east of Highway 99 on Twin Cities Road. Admission is $5 per vehicle ($4 for seniors).
For more information, call 916.732.4913 (Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) or 209.748.2318.