"Anything that you really want to do is probably going to be the hardest thing to do." - James Aikman, Aikman Wildlife Adventure

We started this week off at Aikman Wildlife Adventure outside of Arcola. Nine years ago, last week, James Aikman and his family purchased the land that was once Rockome Gardens, with the mission of opening a wildlife park.

After 8 seasons in business, Aikman has learned a lot from both the business process and the animals. For example, did you know that it really isn't that easy to place a billboard along the interstate? Federal and state laws govern the placement of signs near interstates and highways, including the zoning of land as commercial if a billboard is to be erected near the right of way.

Also, marketing is a constant focus. "In a 30 mile radius, there are literally thousands [of people] who don't know about us."

What else has Aikman learned? "[We] probably wouldn't change as many things as quickly."

Early on, Aikman thought he would need to be constantly adding and changing features, but realizes now he can "pace out the projects more". Why? "We realize now that people love coming out here. For 97% [of visitors], we realize we don't have to change as much." They love the park with or without constant changes.

That doesn't mean Aikman isn't looking to the future. There are future plans to build an indoor playground, relocate the kangaroos and build them a dedicated winter home, more bed and breakfast rooms with wildlife views, and expansion plans for the Museum of Prehistoric Life, and the collectible toy displays.

"I'm someone who prepares for the worst and prays for the best," says Aikman.

How does a wildlife park prepare for the worst? By creating S.A.B.L.E., a 501C3 charitable organization to act a fundraising arm. S.A.B.L.E. holds auctions and helps raise funds to sponsor animals and their care, as well as promote conversation activities. According to their Facebook page, "This year alone, we have assisted in the care of over 230 animals!"

Today, CEO students also learned a little about:
- zoning
- pricing
- using social media influencers even in rural areas
- attracting foreign visitors
- USDA inspections and regulations

So, where do the animals come from? Aikman's animals, though representative of ecosystems from around the world, were all born in captivity in the United States; in fact, most come from the Midwest. Aikman's Wildlife Adventure intends to provide these animals, some seized by the government or rescued, with the best possible care in comfortable and safe living conditions.

"From the beginning, we chose quality of life over quantity of animals," Aikman says.

Love for the animals is evident in everything Aikman does. "The animals still probably mean the most to me," said Aikman explaining his favorite parts of his job. From Leopard, a boa constrictor favorite, to Tobias and the zebras who like to be handfed, unusual for zebras who have a reputation for being jerks - the animals are Aikman's "why".

"Everyone sees the dream life of [running a wildlife park], but [they] don't see when there's three feet of snow and the power goes out and I have to bring in kerosene heaters for the animals."

Aikman Wildlife Adventure
Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship

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