Destination Photography WildlifeDecember 8, 2018

Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch

By David Halgrimson

By Megan P Galope

If you’ve ever driven the stretch of I-10 between Phoenix and Tucson, you’ve undoubtedly passed the Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch. Most people don’t stop to see what it’s all about. I think they’re missing out.

Entrance to the Ranch

I’ve stopped a few times over the years, and each time it seems to have grown. For a small fee, you can hand feed numerous animals. It’s also a great place to practice your photography!

Currently, the ranch hosts miniature donkeys, fallow deer, parakeets, Boer goats, ostriches (of course!), St. Croix sheep, Nigerian dwarf goats, bunnies, Pekin ducks, rainbow lorikeets, stingrays, and diving ducks.

The donkeys are excited to be fed
First up are the miniature donkeys
The parakeets are a newer addition
The fallow deer are gentle enough to hand feed if you like
Of course they have ostriches
Be careful of these guys—they can bite!
Some sheep were a bit pushier than others
They also like to eat!
You can even hand feed the ducks. It feels a bit weird, but doesn’t hurt
The lorikeets are very friendly. Especially if you have food
They’re so colorful!
The stingrays are the newest addition. You can hand feed them, too!

I found it a bit difficult to photograph the animals while feeding them myself, so I would recommend bringing a friend to assist. Plus, I’m all for introducing new people to the ranch. It’s a great way to break up the long drive between Phoenix and Tucson!

Megan Galope is a Volunteer Photo Guide with Arizona Highways PhotoScapes

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