North of Jacksonville an unassuming left turn leaves the asphalt and civilization behind. Smooth dirt roads cut through saw palmetto and slash pines sifting the Florida sunshine. A one lane wooden bridge crosses Little St. Mary’s River to White Oak Conservation. Songbirds call for attention, but our focus is on the zebras standing 50 yards away.

Exotic animals attract visitors to White Oak, but this is no zoo. Don’t expect plastic rocks and animals corralled on tiny dirt islands in a painted concrete jungle. The setting here is natural Florida. Rhinos roam open pastures, cheetahs have a grassy racetrack and giraffe wander amongst pines and palms.