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Lion Country Safari

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Lion Country Safari - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Westpalmbeach.com official guide to west palm beach, florida, lion country safari.

Lion Country Safari opened in 1967, in rural Palm Beach County just west of West Palm Beach. At the time it was the first drive through safari park in the United States and introduced a new concept to animal lovers, The Cageless Zoo .  Lion Country Safari was originally developed by a group of South African and British entrepreneurs who wanted to bring the experience of an African game park, then and now an expensive and time-consuming trip, to South Florida families who would otherwise not be able to experience an African safari.

After visiting the four-mile drive-through safari, explore the Safari World Amusement Park.

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Lion Country Safari – tickets, prices, timings, what to expect, FAQs

Lion Country Safari, located in West Palm Beach, is a leading tourism destination in Palm Beach County, providing a unique and affordable opportunity to explore the largest drive-through safari in Florida.

Lion Country Safari spans nearly 600 acres of natural area and is home to hundreds of animals.

It is believed to be the first cageless zoo in the country, introducing a new concept in zoology.

This article covers everything you must know before buying tickets for Lion Country Safari in Florida.

Table of contents

What to expect, where to book tickets, how online ticket works, lion country safari ticket prices, lion country safari tickets, how to reach, how long does the tour take, best time to go to visit, food and drinks at lion country safari , map of lion country safari, lion country safari camping, animals at lion country drive-through safari , rides, attractions, and encounters, faqs about lion country safari.

Come and witness ostriches, wildebeests, and impalas in their natural habitat, get up close to a pride of lions, or observe the endangered rhino on the Lion Country Safari.

Get ready to have a personal safari and learn about animal conservation! Enjoy pontoon and paddle boat rides, mini-golf, slides, and other fun attractions on-site.

Explore seven areas, each packed with creatures great and small, from the Serengeti Plains to Gorongosa Reserve and Hwange National Park.

The park has rides, a water play area, and a walk-through section. Kids will love it along with three feeding encounters, including the most giraffe feeding.

The park has also recreated the animals’ natural habitats down to the last detail. So, grab your khaki pants and binoculars; it’s time to go on a safari!

Tickets for the Lion Country Safari are available to be purchased at the ticket office or online in advance.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the attraction.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters.

When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.

Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, they may sell out during peak days. Booking online also helps avoid last-minute disappointment and delays.

Go to the Lion Country Safari booking page, select your preferred date, and the number of tickets, and buy the tickets right away.

After the purchase, you will receive the tickets via email.

You don’t need to carry printouts.

Show the smartphone tickets on the day of your visit and begin your tour.

Lion Country Safari tickets cost US$52 for all visitors aged 10 years and above.  

Tickets for children between three to nine years of age can be purchased for US$40. 

Infants up to two years of age can join for free.

The ticket provides access to various exciting attractions at Lion Country Safari.

You can enjoy the drive-thru safari experience along with admission to the Adventure Park.

The ticket also includes access to all the rides, including the Flying Elephant Ride and Rio Grand Train.

You can explore seven different areas, each featuring a variety of creatures from the Serengeti Plains to Gorongosa Reserve and Hwange National Park.

Moreover, you can have fun at the Safari Splash Sprayground Water Park, enjoy pontoon and paddle boat rides, and play mini-golf.

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (10+ years): US$52 Child Ticket (3 to 9 years): US$40 Infant Ticket (up to 2 years): Free

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Lion Country Safari spans over 600 acres in Loxahatchee, Palm Beach County, Florida.

Address : 2003 Lion Country Safari Rd, Loxahatchee, FL 33470, USA. Get Directions

You can reach the Lion Country Safari by both public and private transportation.

Take Bus Number 40 and get off at Southern BL at Lion Country Safari Rd , 2.3 miles (4 km) from the attraction. 

If you’re traveling by car, turn on Google Maps and get started!

You will find metered parking lots inside Lion Country Safari.

Lion Country Safari opens daily at 9.30 am and closes by 5.30 pm.

However, the last car admission to the attraction is at 4.30 pm. 

Visitors should plan for around 5 hours to enjoy Lion Country.

It takes around an hour and a half for the drive-through and around three and a half hours for the walk-through.

The best time to go for Lion Country Safari is as soon as it starts at 10 am.

In the early morning, it’s typically cooler, and the animals are usually more active.

The best season to visit Lion Country Safari is the rainy season. 

The animals are typically more active during this time of year because they enjoy the cooler, rainier weather. 

During adverse weather, including lightning alerts, rides, and some attractions are closed until it is safe to reopen.

Lion Country Safari has Café ROAR, a Cones ice cream shop, a Safari Food Truck, a Base Camp refreshment trailer, and a Safari Snacks outlet.

You can bring your favorite foods and dine in the outdoor picnic area near the Safari World walk-through park. 

On-site barbecues and alcohol are not permitted.

There are several picnic areas available around the walk-through park.

Tables are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Lion Country Safari also offers a pavilion that must be reserved ahead of time.

The Lion Country Safari spans over 600 acres, so download the map to plan your visit.

The map will help you identify enclosures and services such as restrooms, restaurants, picnic areas, medical facilities, locker rooms, and souvenir shops.

They are useful for families who want to see their favorite animals first instead of whatever is on the route.

Where else can you hear a lion’s roar in the morning and African music while you sleep?

Only at the 320-acre drive-through wild animal sanctuary and adventure park, part of the acclaimed Lion Country Safari KOA!

The well-known Lion Country Safari introduced a new full-service KOA campground to serve visitors looking for an outstanding wild animal experience in the safari region.

The campground offers RV sites with full hookups, rustic cabins that accommodate up to four people, and tent sites.

You will find out various exotic species from all over the world.

Las Pampas: Aldabra Tortoise, Alpaca, Brazilian Tapir, Greater Rhea, Marabou Stork

Ruaha National Park: Greater Kudu, Impala, Ostrich

Kalahari Bushveldt : Eastern Bongo, Gemsbok, Nile lechwe, Waterbuck, Wildebeest

Gir Forest: Asiatic Water Buffalo, Blackbuck, Lowland Nyala, Nilgai, Scimitar-horned Oryx

Gorongosa Reserve : African Lion

Serengeti Plains: Common Eland, Common Waterbuck, Watusi/ankole cattle, Wildebeest

Hwange National Park : Giraffe, Greater Kudu, Plains zebra, Southern white rhinoceros, White Handed Gibbon

Rides: Flying Elephant ride, Carousel, Rio Grande Train

Water park: Safari Splash Sprayground, Safari Water Slides, Safari Falls

Animal Encounters: Giraffe Feeding, Petting Zoo, Lorikeet Feeding

Other attractions: Gemstone Mining, Maze, Mini Golf, Fun Slide, Safari Queen Pontoon Boat, Paddle Boats

Here are a few questions visitors to the Lion Country Safari usually have.

Lion Country Safari tickets are US$52 for tourists aged 10 and above, while kids aged 3 to 9 years pay US$40.

There are two ways to experience Lion Country Safari: You can bring your own car or get a vehicle for rental for a fee from the main office of the attraction. 

Convertibles, motorcycles, or any open-air vehicles are strictly NOT allowed. Vehicles cannot have broken windows. Windows and sunroofs must always be closed while driving through the preserve.

Infants up to 3 years old are admitted free of charge at the Lion Country Safari.

There is no need to take the printout of your Lion Country Safari tickets. You can show tickets on your smartphone and walk in.

Lion Country offers animal feeding experiences for a minimal fee at the walk-through attraction Safari World. Giraffe Feeding Encounter, Lorikeet Feeding, and Petting Zoo are among them.

The wildlife facility is handicap accessible, with a few exclusions owing to architectural constraints. You will be in your vehicle or one of the rental vans in the drive-through section.

Yes. You will find a few rides inside the walk-through park, such as the Rio Grande Train ride, animal carousel, pontoon boat tour, and flying elephant ride.

The rides at Lion Country Safari are included with all entry tickets.

Smoking is permitted only in guest vehicles and in the main parking area of Safari World, a walk-through adventure park.

There are numerous picnic areas spread around the walk-through park. Tables are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. It also has a pavilion that may only be reserved in advance.

Guests can enjoy their own food in the outdoor picnic area located inside Safari World. Please note that alcohol and barbecues are not permitted.

Yes, it is best to buy tickets in advance to ensure availability and have a hassle-free experience.

Pets are not allowed on the tour because of safety reasons.

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This article was researched & written by

Devyani Bhattacharjee

Devyani Bhattacharjee enjoys traveling to new, exotic locations. She is always waiting to step out and explore the amazing historical structures, delectable cuisines, magnificent cultures, and gorgeous people worldwide. She believes in frugal travel - where she can have endless fun without spending too much money. Favourite Cities: Buenos Aires, Auckland, Montreal, Port Louis, St. Petersburg

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

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How to have a roaring good time at lion country safari near west palm beach.

Lion Country Safari, America’s first drive-through wildlife preserve, offers the rare chance to get up close with wild creatures.

- - Lion Country Safari

By Lauren Tjaden and Vanessa Caceres

Just west of Palm Beach , you’ll find Lion Country Safari , America’s first drive-through wildlife preserve. Open since 1967, it offers the rare chance to get up close with wild lions. But it offers a whole lot more, too—rides, attractions, animal encounters and other adventures.

Here’s your guide for how to enjoy Lion Country Safari...

Be part of the herd

There’s something about cages and bars. Or more to the point, the lack of them.

It feels good to watch zebras -- so close you can see their muzzles tremble as they munch grass – roaming in herds, just like they would in the wild. Or to spot the King of the Jungle, a lion, all eight feet of him, taking his version of a cat nap in the sun.

The thrill level changes, too. You’ll notice this when a rhino, stout as a tank, clatters across the road right in front of you. I guarantee goosebumps.

There are over 1,000 animals to see on your adventure as well as a water park, shopping, food and animal feeding.  Lion Country Safari strives to "be a leader in animal care, conservation and education to inspire people through connections with wildlife in a fun, family-friendly environment."

The Drive-Through-Safari is divided into seven sections, which houses more than 900 animals, kept in large fenced areas with about five miles of paved roadway running through it.

You drive your own car (or rent one nearby) through it, at your own pace, while listening to a recorded narration. Some of the animals, like giraffes, can come right up to your car. Others, like lions, arephysically  separated from the vehicles. (They used to roam freely with the cars; but lost the privilege in 2005, because of visitors who ignored warnings and opened their car doors.)

Take a walk on the wild side

Amusement Park rides, miniature golf, animal feeding opportunities, and even an animal theater: The Walk-Through-Safari boasts all of them and more. You can navigate the islands of Lake Shanalee on a paddleboat, where siamangs and spider monkeys dance in the trees; pan for gems and fossils at the Orange River Mining Company; or take the Safari Plunge down a twisted waterslide. You can get lost in the Safari Maze, let your toddlers have a toot on the Rio Grande Train, or tempt a giraffe to nibble a treat from your hand. A can’t-miss attraction is the Lory Bird Aviary. Spend the $2 to buy a cup of nectar, and you’ll be a big hit with the exotic birds, who will happily roost on your wrist for a sip.

Especially special

Private tours and encounters include guided tours of the Walking Safari and the Driving Safari, as well as the strange and cool ‘Giraffe Painting Encounter.’ It’s true: one of the long-necked-wonders, using a mouth-held brush, will paint a masterpiece for you.

Making a difference

Lion Country Safari is dedicated to conservation , locally and globally. They help folks become more responsible pet owners, are involved in wildlife rehabilitation, recycling education, and more. They also offer exciting opportunities for you to be one of the good guys: you can volunteer to take part in ChimpanZoo, an international program where you can contribute to the research of the Jane Goodall Institute.

Stay and play

You’ll think you’re in Africa when you fall asleep to the sounds of wild animals at the award-winning Lion Country Safari KOA Campground . It offers tent sites, RV sites and ‘kabins.’

When you go… Lion Country Safari 2003 Lion Country Safari Road Loxahatchee, FL 33470 (561) 793-1084

Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you plan your Lion Country Safari visit:

Bring your swim suit, water shoes, and sunscreen. Visitors don’t always know about the splash water play area and could show up unprepared otherwise.

Try to plan your visit for earlier or later in the day. That’s when the animals move around the most, Taffel-Cohen said. However, another good time to visit is when it’s raining—the animals love the chance to cool down, according to the folks at Lion Country.

Schedule your visit accordingly. The park recommends about five hours for your full visit, including the safari and amusement park.

Bring some cash. A few of the walk-through amusement park experiences cost a couple of bucks. Be ready to give your kids (or kids at heart) a few dollars so they can maximize their enjoyment there, Taffel-Cohen advised.

Consider camping with lions roaring in the background . Lion Country Safari has a KOA campground on site with full RV hookups, camping cabins, and tent sites.

No car? Don’t get left behind . Lion Country Safari will refer you to rental vehicles available nearby.

Work the hashtags . You’ll probably have your phone with you for pics, maybe even a fancy camera. You can share your pics and use the hashtag #lioncountrysafari.

Leave the pets at home! However, if for some reason Fido can’t stay behind, Lion Country has a kennel onsite for a small fee. Check with the park about specific rules regarding service animals.

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How great is Lion Country Safari? Zoo made this USA top 10 list for the seventh time!

The results are in and once again Palm Beach County's Lion Country Safari has been named one of the top 10 Safari Parks in the country.

Taking seventh place on the list (which was released March 13), this is the seventh year in a row that the park has been named to the USA Today's "10Best" Readers' Choice list.

Opened in 1967 and situated on 600 acres, Lion Country Safari is Florida's largest drive-through safari and is home to hundreds of animals roaming wide open, natural habitats in large herds, prides and troops.

The four-mile-long, drive-through safari is divided into seven different habitats.

More: Say hello to Kandoro and Kianga! Lion Country Safari welcomes first baby giraffes in 5 years

What animals are in Lion Country Safari?

Those areas include Las Pampas, Ruaha National Park, Kalahari Bushveldt, Gir Forest, Gorongosa Reserve, Serengeti Plains and Hwange National Park.

Some of the animals that guests see during their trek through the seven zones include aldabra tortoises, alpacas, Brazilian tapirs, greater kudus, impalas, ostriches, gemsbok, wildebeest, Asiatic water buffaloes, blackbucks, African lions, common elands, impalas, giraffes, zebras, southern white rhinoceros and many more.

The park features the largest herd of zebra on record in the western hemisphere, one of the largest herds of giraffe in the United States and a large herd of rhinos with a long history of breeding success.

More: A banner year for wild-animal babies: Lion Country Safari says 31 births show its formula is working

Lion Country Safari not just a drive-thru zoo — best things to do on foot at this Palm Beach County park

Though the drive-through safari is the star of the park, there are many other fun things to do. Some of these include:

Kids can hop on some rides: Who could resist a Flying Elephant Ride? Also check out the Carousel and the Rio Grande Train.

On a hot day, get wet: A waterpark with fun features for cooling off including the Safari Splash Sprayground, Safari Water Slides and Safari Falls.

Feed the giraffe : At the Giraffe Feeding encounter, guests can stand on a platform (the better to get on giraffe level) to hand feed these majestic animals and maybe even get some great pictures.

Feed the birds: Check out the Lorikeet Feeding where participants can give these beautiful, charismatic birds a couple treats.

Get on a boat: A trip on the Safari Queen Pontoon Boat tour on Lake Shannalee and closer view of some of the park's birds and primates.

Get lost? : The park has a Safari Maze.

Play a round: This safari park has a 16-hole miniature golf course.

The nation's other top safari parks:

Taking seventh place on the list, the park was bested by The Wilds in Cumberland, Ohio; Safari West in Santa Rosa, Calif.; San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, Calif.; Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose, Texas; Turpentine Creek Wildlife Center in Eureka Springs, Ark.; and, coming in at number one, Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park, in Ashland, Neb.

Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Lion Country Safari continuously strives to be a leader in animal care, conservation, and education to inspire people through connections with wildlife in a family-friendly environment.

Lion Country Safari

Where: 2003 Lion Country Safari Road, Loxahatchee

Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 365 days a year

Information: lioncountrysafari.com

Eddie Ritz is a journalist at  The Palm Beach Post , part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at  [email protected] . Help support our journalism.  Subscribe today .

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Welcome to Lion Country Safari

As we entered Lion Country Safari through the big gates, it felt as if we were entering Jurassic Park. You won’t find King Kong or Dinosaurs on this adventure, but you will get an up-close look at ostriches, zebras, wildebeests, rhinos, giraffes, and lions. Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee is a drive-through safari where animals roam where they want to and cross the road just steps in front of your car. Keep your eyes open because, on this safari, you will see over 1,000+ animals ranging from rhinos to giraffes, plus the world’s largest herd of captive zebras. Are you ready? Make sure you follow the rules and keep your hands and feet inside your vehicle. In fact, it’s a rule to keep those doors and windows closed.

This safari takes around 45 minutes to an hour and a half depending on how many times you stop to view the animals. There is an audio tour that you can stream as you go, so you’ll learn as much as possible about these incredible animals. You have to stop the tour and start again as you proceed into the next area of the park. Click Here for the Audio Tour Link:

As you drive slowly through the preserve, you go through the seven main naturalistic habitats of Africa, South America, and Asia. Through these lands, you will soon observe large herds of animals all from the air-conditioned comfort of your car. For the safety of the animals that live here, please drive slowly at about 5 miles per hour.

Grasslands cover about one-quarter of the earth’s landmass. In South America, they call this area Las Pampas. As we drove into the habitat, we saw a mammal that resembles a pig or a small rhino. This is indeed an odd-looking fellow. The Brazilian Tapir is native to the forests of South America. He was out enjoying his breakfast of vegetation and fruit.

The mission at Lion Country Safari is to “be a leader in animal care, conservation, and education, to inspire people through connections with wildlife in a fun, family-friendly environment.” 

Ruana National Park

Ruana National Park is an unspoiled African wilderness known for its variety of wildlife. Lion Country Safari has a recreation of the African wilderness with fascinating animals like the Impala, Water Buffalo, and the Ostrich.

The medium-sized antelope in this section are impala. These graceful animals are so adaptable that they can be found in grassland and light woodland habitats from southern Africa to the northern limits of East Africa.

Kalahari Bushveldt

The Kalahari Bushveldt is a dry plateau roughly 100,000 square miles in size located in southwest Africa.

The animals here will often walk right up to your car or cross the road in front of your vehicle. Consequently, it will give you a chance to get up close and personal with many animals. The ostrich you will see throughout several sections of the safari are easily recognizable and are the world’s largest flightless birds. While the ostriches may frequently begin to cross the road and forget why, please be patient as they’ll often resume their travel shortly. The ostriches are very curious and from time to time will frequently peck on windows and windshields.

The Gorongosa Reserve

The Gorongosa Reserve is one of Africa’s famous wildlife areas. This is the home of the African Lions. Lion Country Safari had to enclose its African lions in a tall chain-link fence to keep rule-breaking visitors from becoming lunch. Too many people were opening their car windows and occasionally even doors, making the threat to safety too great. Lions can sprint from a standing start and cover a hundred yards in a matter of seconds. As peaceful as they may look, they are incredibly powerful.

Lion Country Safari is home to 11 African lions. African lion populations have been severely diminished in the past 25 years, as a result of habitat loss, and poaching.

The Gir Forest is a well-known national park located in India. It is full of water buffalo, and antelopes. Gir Forest at Lion Country Safari is a great example of the incredible native wildlife also seen on safari.

I started to realize quickly that this is really the best way to see animals. Lion Country Safari is situated on nearly 600 acres, so there is plenty of room for these animals to graze and grow in their natural habitat. Areas in the park are tailored to fit the animal’s needs. The animals are well taken care of and they have acres of land to roam and call home. As a result, Lion Country is ranked as one of the 10 best wildlife parks in the nation.

We drove through the park late morning and many of the animals were eating. They spread food by the roads, so they are literally right next to your car as you pass by.

The Serengeti Plains

This preserve is named for one of the most famous east African wildlife areas. All of a sudden, we were stopped briefly by a herd of African Watusi which is one of the oldest breeds of cattle crossing the road. These are the “Cattle of Kings.”

It can get busy driving through the park but there are two lanes that will allow folks to go around if you want to stop and take pictures or observe.

Hwange National Park

The largest game reserve in western Zimbabwe is Hwange National Park.

This is my favorite area of the safari. It is home to the Rhinos, Chimpanzees, Giraffes, and the largest Zebra herd on record in the country. From time to time, the animals at Lion Country give birth to newborns which only adds to the population. Grass makes up the bulk of a zebra’s menu, but they do eat other types of foods including fruit, buds, roots, herbs, shoots, and shrubs.

The animals you will see here are some of Africa’s most interesting creatures, all roaming freely. The Rhinos and the Zebras share the same territory.

Lion Country Safari is also home to one of the largest herds of giraffes in North America.

Safari World Adventure Park

Once you have completed the drive-through safari, you can either exit the park or go to the walk-through Safari World Adventure Park. This is where you will find a nature walk, boat rides, a splash playground, a petting zoo, and a carousel which you can ride as much as you want for no extra charge.

Feed the Giraffes

One of the best animal encounters is feeding the giraffes. We bought some fresh lettuce greens for $5 so that we could feed these gentle animals. If you hold the leaves out to them, the giraffes will stick out their long tongue and eat the lettuce right out of your hand.

They also have premium animal experiences where you can enjoy a special giraffe or parrot painting experience. The animal artists will actually paint you a masterpiece to take home with you.

Petting Zoo

Get to know the goats and other animals in the petting zoo! In fact, you can purchase food to feed them, or go into the habitat to hang out with and pet them.

Paddleboats

Time to cool off with a boat ride. Paddleboats are a popular way to get out on the water. There is also a water safari boat ride that will take you around Monkey Island which is home to monkeys and chimpanzees. 

Safari Splash

If the boat tours don’t cool you off the Safari Splash Water Playground most certainly will. This is where you can play in water fountains, showers, sprinkles, and overflowing buckets of water.  It’s the perfect place to cool off from the hot Florida sun.

Picnic Areas

There are various picnic areas around the property where you can enjoy lunch. They will allow you to bring coolers into the park. They do have places for you to grab a bite and forage inside the park, but it was nice to have the option of bringing in our own lunch instead. No grilling allowed.

Tips for visiting Lion Country Safari

• If you are planning a trip to Lion Country Safari, know that the animals are most active in rainy weather and first thing in the morning.
• Make sure you follow the rules and keep those windows closed.
• Do you want to awaken to the sounds of Africa? You can hear lions roaring first thing in the morning within a five-mile radius at Lion Country Safari’s KOA campground which is right next door. The campground offers RV sites, tent sites, and cabin lodging.

Lion Country Safari is located at 2003 Lion Country Safari Road, off Southern Blvd in Loxahatchee, Florida.

Can’t Get Enough Animal Encounters?

If you can’t get enough animal encounters in Palm Beach County, check out these other attractions:

• The Busch Wildlife Sanctuary is dedicated to the protection and conservation of Florida’s wildlife. The mission: To rescue, rehabilitate, release, and educate!
• Visiting the Palm Beach Zoo is like walking into a lush tropical garden with pathways and exotic animals all around us.

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[…] but you will get an up-close look at ostriches, zebras, wildebeests, rhinos, giraffes, and lions. Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee is a drive-through safari where animals roam where they want to and cross the […]

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2024 Season

Open daily may 4 – september 15 & select dates september 18 – october 13.

We look forward to seeing you “On Safari!™”

Planning Your Visit

Getting started, hours of operation, what's included, game reserves, misumu bay wetplay, “african queen” boat cruise, “nature boy” scenic railway, children’s playground, pets’ corner, presentations, safari tour bus, more to see and do, things to know before you go, rules & policies, vehicle restrictions, accommodations, common questions, where do all of the animals go in the winter.

All of the birds and animals remain at the park during winter months.

What do the elephants do in the winter?

The majority of our herd of Asian elephants were born and raised at African Lion Safari®, and therefore are acclimatized to the Southern Ontario winter. They often go for walks, forage in the forests, and enjoy the snowmen built by our animal care staff for some additional enrichment! 

What happens to the lions and cheetah in the winter?

Our large cats including the lions and cheetah all grow thicker coats and are acclimatized to the Southern Ontario winters. They remain at the park in the winter and have access outdoors daily!

What kind of animals stay outside in the winter?

Much of the hoofed stock such as Bison, Elk, Deer and Barbary sheep are accustomed to cold weather and remain outside year round. As well, cold climate raptors such as the Bald eagle, Snowy owl and Ferruginous hawk enjoy the winter outdoors.

Do the animals stay outside in the winter?

Some animals and birds stay outside all year round, most of our animals access the outdoors daily, and all are housed in large heating facilities and aviaries throughout the property. 

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Watch CBS News

Lion sighted in Chad national park for first time in nearly 20 years

By Tre'Vaughn Howard

April 21, 2023 / 8:57 PM EDT / CBS News

An image was released Thursday of a female lion in Sena Oura National Park in the Central African nation of Chad, the first such image of a lion in the park in "nearly two decades," officials said.  

The image of "a beautiful lioness, in her prime and clearly in great health" was taken by a "remote camera" on Feb. 22, according to a news release from the nonprofit Wildlife Conservation Society. 

A lion had not been seen in the national park in nearly 20 years, officials said, adding that the International Union for Conservation of Nature considers  lions to be "technically extinct" in the Sena Oura area. 

As a whole, the IUCN classifies lions as "vulnerable" on its Red List of Threatened Species. 

The governments of Cameroon and Chad have shown a commitment to conservation which has helped provide protection for national parks, the WCS said, and in turn has allowed wildlife populations to start recovering after a period of organized poaching more than a decade ago.

Last month, endangered West African lion cubs were caught on video in Senegal . The sighting of the three cubs has given hope that the revered West African lion population could be revived.

• Endangered Species

Tre'Vaughn Howard is a social media producer and trending content writer for CBS News.

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