Everyone has some sort of “bucket list” or things to do before they die. I call mine the “Life List.” I unexpectedly got to check another rare thing off my list right here Virginia—just a little more than an hour away. I rode an African elephant!

You might think you need to be in Africa to have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but the Natural Bridge Zoo located on U.S. Route 11 off Interstate-81 between Exits 180-A and 175 in Natural Bridge, Va., offers weekend elephant rides on Saturday and Sunday at 12, 1:30, and 3:30 p.m.

To get into the Zoo the admission is $10, and then it’s a shockingly low price of just $5 to get the ride of your life on the back of an elephant. The zoo itself offers flamingos, gorillas, giraffes, camels, zebras, baby tigers, mountain lions, parrots, bears, llamas, crocodiles and much more.

The friendly, 24-year-old elephant is Asha. She weighs about 9,000 pounds, so double rides with your significant other or your two sort-of-nervous children are an easy feat for this immense animal. While experiencing the lumbering gait of an elephant’s walk you will definitely view the world differently from your lofty perspective. When petting Asha her skin is extremely tough, like hardened leather, and it is amazing to watch the movement of her muscles as she prods along.

You also have the opportunity to feed Asha, but make sure you have a big bag as she will vacuum it all out of your hands in an instant. In the zoo you can pet and feed most of the 25+ animals on display. You will be so enthralled by the array of unique animals that you’ll love a camel’s raspy kiss and be excited and grossed-out by giraffe slobber all at the same time. If you’re not into wet affection you can pet, hug, photograph, or gaze at many of the Natural Bridge Zoo’s residents.

This is a rare adventure that kid’s will love to experience—and you probably will, too. It is not only for the young, but also the young at heart.

Getting There: From the New River Valley, take I-81 North to Exit 175. Turn left onto U.S. 11 North and travel 3 miles. The Natural Bridge Zoo is located on the left side of U.S. 11.

Christine Pizzo is an intern for the New River Voice and a fan of riding elephants.