You know the old saying, “It’s a jungle out there”? Few people can make the claim with more validity than the Langs, founders and owners of Safari West, a 400-acre African wildlife preserve and tent camp located on Santa Rosa’s northern border.
Safari West isn’t a zoo or a theme park. It’s home to more than 400 different species of exotic animals (many of which are endangered or extinct in the wild). The Langs work together to educate the public about the creatures in their care and also to ensure the animals’ survival. What’s more, Nancy and Peter live on the grounds—so every day’s an adventure.
A former zoo curator, Nancy is an avid traveler and a strong proponent of education (Safari West welcomes more than 10,000 school children every year). Peter was raised around exotic wildlife, thanks to his film and television director father Otto Lang, whose credits include “Daktari,” “Flipper” and “Sea Hunt,” among others.
Today, Peter enjoys off-road auto racing (he participates in all the current circuits), deep sea fishing and is an accomplished wood sculptor.
Are you more of a rule breaker or rule keeper? Why?
Peter: I’m happy to work around the rules. Rules are made to be changed. If all rules were followed to the letter, nothing would be accomplished.
Nancy: I’m definitely a rule follower. I like structure.
Have you ever had a premonition that actually came true?
Peter: I’m not a dreamer. I’m a doer.
Nancy: Not a premonition, but I think about and visualize situations. This helps me make them a reality. I work through some problems using this technique.
If there were no animals in our world (aside from people), what would we be missing?
Peter: Who would want to live in that world?
Nancy: I agree wholeheartedly.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
Peter: I would want all children to be taken care of medically and given the best possible education.
Nancy: I wish we could all understand one another better than we do.
If you had one extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it?
Peter: Hands down, I’d be fishing.
Nancy: I’d spend my extra hour reading a fantastic book—better yet, I’d teach someone to read.
What advice can you give to help people conquer fear?
Peter: Fear is a waste of time. It must be replaced with solid motivation and vision.
Nancy: Fear immobilizes you. You must picture the steps necessary to change the situation causing the fear.
What do you think happens after you die?
Peter: You’re gone—and hopefully you had a good productive life.
Nancy: I believe in the afterlife.
What does your car look like on the inside?
Peter: Which one? My race car has five-point seat belts and bucket seats.
Nancy: My car is neat as a pin and very comfortable. I always carry two bottles of water. The interior is cream and forest green.
What does your office look like?
Peter: Custom built. I designed it with lots of wood and pieces I sculpted. [Note: The Langs are pictured holding one of Peter’s kudu sculptures.]
Nancy: Mine’s warm and a skylight makes it very cozy. I share an office with four others. My desk is either piled up or very neat, depending on the workload.
What food do you hate?
Peter: Health food.
Nancy: Okra
What’s your greatest extravagance?
Peter: I love to read about three hours a day.
Nancy: Chocolate
What is the most important thing your mother taught you? Your father?
Peter: My father taught me a love of wildlife.
Nancy: My mother taught me to appreciate my education. My father gave me a love of the outdoors.
If your spouse could change one thing about you, what would it be?
Peter: She would slow me down.
Nancy: He would want me to see things the way he does. In many ways, we approach business very differently.
