Wildlife Safari, which was founded by Frank Hart in 1972, is home to animals from Africa, Asia and the Americas. The park consists of drive-through animal habitats covering approximately six hundred acres, a petting zoo and a village with restrooms, a restaurant and gift shop. In addition, visitors can enjoy short elephant rides, shows and educational programs.
Conservation, Education and an Outstanding Cheetah Breeding Program
Hart developed the park as a means of helping conserve and protect the animals he saw on his many trips to Africa. The park became a nonprofit organization in 1980, and is now accredited by the American Zoo & Aquarium Association and overseen by the Safari Game Search Foundation.
Recognized as a medical and research facility, as well as an educational center for veterinary and biological sciences, Wildlife Safari is internationally known for its cheetah breeding program. Nearly 30 litters and 150 cubs have been born at the park since its opening. Through a partnership with the American Zoo and Aquarium’s (AZA) Species Survival Plan for cheetahs, cubs born at the park have populated zoos across the U.S.
Wildlife Viewing Information
Wildlife Safari is a photographer’s paradise, with endless opportunities for spectacular shots of lions, giraffes, rhinos and many other animals in habitats similar to their natural environments. Visitors are encouraged to stop and view the animals in every habitat except the bear area. In the spring it is possible to see new additions that were recently born at the park.
Because the animals roam freely throughout their habitats, no convertibles are allowed in the bear, lion or cheetah exhibits. Also, although the park is open year round, the bears do hibernate during the winter months. For safety reasons, pets are NOT allowed in the drive-through areas or the village. The park provides kennels at no additional charge.
The entrance fee includes two drives through the safari, taken at the visitor’s convenience during the day. The fee also includes entrance into the shows and the walk-through park where visitors can view and interact with many other smaller animals including reptiles, rodents, and primates. Elephant and train rides are other popular attractions, and the village also includes a restaurant and gift shop.
For additional fee, get up close and personal with elephants, giraffes, lions and help care for them. Feed the lions, take a cheetah for a walk, wash an elephant, or spend part of the day tagging along with a park ranger as he or she goes about daily duties.
Camp Programs for Kids
Wildlife Safari offers camp programs during Spring Break and the summer months. Camps last three days each and cover one of four different topics: Classification & Adaptation, Conservation, Animal Care, and Colors & Camouflage. There are two age groups available – 4-7 years and 7-12 years. Camps begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 12:15 or 3:15 p.m., depending on the age group. The park also offers day camps at different times throughout the year.
The park also participates in the TripKid program, a stamp and sticker program offered at over 160 attractions, zoos, and museums to help encourage youngsters to journal their travel experiences and participate in trip planning. To learn more about the TripKid program, visit www.tripkids.com. And for more information on camps, shows, or other activities at the Wild Safari park, contact them at 541-679-6761 or visit their website at http://www.wildlifesafari.net/.
RV Park & Camping
Wildlife Safari park offers an RV park and campground that is open March thru October. The campground has seven primitive sites and eight spaces with water and power. The cost is $10 for sites with hook-ups and $8 for sites without. Reservations are not needed. Portable toilets and a dump station are also available.
If you prefer to stay in town, both Winston Oregon and nearby Roseburg have a variety of lodging options as well as other activities and attractions. Winston is known for its wineries and Roseburg has several waterfalls nearby. For more information, visit Winston’s visitor site at http://www.winstonoregon.net or Roseburg’s at http://www.visitroseburg.com/index.html.