KENANSVILLE, Fla. — Millions of wildebeest taking part in Africa’s famous Great Migration have created some of the most dramatic wildlife scenes on Earth.

Central Floridians don’t have to travel thousands of miles to Africa, however, to get a closer look at one of these unmistakable animals.

Wildebeest are among the exotic species visitors can encounter while traveling through Wild Florida Adventure Park’s Drive-Thru Safari Park in Kenansville.

Also known as gnus, wildebeest are large African antelope with powerful shoulders, curved horns and a distinctive appearance that seems to borrow a little from several different animals.

In the wild, wildebeest are grazing animals and highly social, often gathering in large herds.

They’re particularly famous for the Great Migration of East Africa, during which enormous numbers of wildebeest — accompanied by zebras and other animals — move in search of fresh grazing and water.

At Wild Florida, seeing wildebeest is part of a safari experience much closer to home.

Families travel a four-mile route through 170 acres in their own vehicle, encountering some of the more than 150 exotic and native animals that call the safari home.

Giraffes may tower above the landscape, zebras show off their unmistakable stripes and bison demonstrate just how large North America’s biggest land mammal can be.

Then visitors can park the car and keep exploring.

Wild Florida’s Gator Park offers another collection of native and exotic wildlife, while an airboat adventure takes guests into the Headwaters of the Florida Everglades.

Africa may be an ocean away, but a taste of safari adventure is waiting right here in Central Florida.

Wild Florida Adventure Park is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is closed Sundays. Reservations can be made Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wild Florida is located at 3301 Lake Cypress Road, Kenansville, FL 34739.

For reservations or additional information, call 407-957-3135 or toll-free at 866-532-7167, or email info@wildfl.com.

Guests can also book an airboat adventure through Wild Florida’s website.

Take a drive on the wild side and discover the wildebeest at Wild Florida’s Drive-Thru Safari Park.