african safari toronto tickets

African Lion Safari: Ontario’s Wildest Safari Adventure

Great news for fans of African Lion Safari – they are open for the 2023 season and have lots of WILD fun in store for you and your family! We have the inside scoop on what you can expect when you visit this summer, updates on the new African Lion Safari ticket prices plus some tips and important info for visitors.

2023 Season highlights

African Lion Safari is Canada’s Original Safari Adventure. They maintain a collection of over 1,000 exotic birds and animals comprised of over 100 different species. What animal is your favourite? Will you giggle at the silly monkeys and lemurs or be entranced watching the long-legged giraffes stroll their habitat?

Drive Through Game Reserve – One of my earliest memories of African Lion Safari was when we saw cars driving through the game reserves getting oh-so-close to the animals roaming around. It was like nothing I had ever seen before! The drive-through is 9 km long and it takes you up close through 7 large Game Reserves featuring Nairobi Sanctuary, Simba Lion Country, Timbavati Lion Country, Wankie Bushland Trail, Rocky Ridge Veldt, Australasia and The Americas. You stay in your vehicle, driving at a very slow pace, and you get to witness animals roam their territory.

Take The “Nature Boy “Train – Hop on the train for a 15-minute ride through 16 hectares of animals and birds. A trip is included in your admission.

Climb Aboard The “African Queen” – Take a boat ride to enjoy a pleasant tour around Water Safari Lake. The informative captain will take you on a cruise around the islands and point out exotic primates including the White-handed gibbon, Ring-tailed lemur, Black-handed Spider monkeys and Robust Black Spider monkeys. Bird dwellers include the Marabou stork and the Pink-backed pelican. The tour is about 15 minutes and is included in your admission.

African Lion Safari’s Waterpark Splash Pad

The splash pad, Misumu Bay Wetplay, is more than just a splash pad at African Lion Safari! As a matter of fact, this may be the highlight of your visit! I have multiple friends who buy season passes strictly for this amazing waterpark. The waterpark is included in your admission and while you’re there cool down under the dumping bucket or slip down the water slides. Enjoy sprinklers and water shooters and fountains, too!

African Lion Safari Tickets 2023

How much is it to go to the Safari? This year, you can purchase your tickets in advance online or at the gate. Limited tickets will be available to buy at the gate, and they recommend pre-purchasing online to secure your spot. What’s more, you save a few dollars when you buy online. Click here to buy your African Lion Safari tickets.

We are always on the lookout for African Lion Safari discount codes for you, therefore watch this spot as this is where we will share them.

2023 ONLINE TICKET PRICES

2023 gate safari tickets, a season’s passport – is it worth it.

Season’s Passports are a great idea if you plan on visiting African Lion Safari 3 or more times. A Passport gives you unlimited visits for the season and if you love the looks of Misumu Bay Wetplay , it will be worth it to invest. Season Passport holders also receive 20% off food and non-alcoholic beverages at all on-site food service locations (this excludes vending carts). You also enjoy 20% off in the gift shops (excluding sales and batteries). Click here to buy your African Lion Safari Season Passport .

If we discover African Lion Safari coupons, coupon codes or deals, we will share them here!

Tips and FAQs

Yes, it is! You can see a detailed list of Accessible measures and specific park sections here.

Yes, they are. But please leave pets at home.

“African Lion Safari is pleased to participate in the Easter Seals Access 2 Card Program and offer both an individual with a disability and one support person, 25% off regular gate admission at the Ticketbooth.”

Yes, wagon rentals are available for $8 and wheelchairs are $5. Both rentals require a security deposit

VISA, MasterCard, Interac and cash are accepted at all locations throughout the park. 

Washrooms are available at Jungle Junction, Mombasa Market Restaurant, Misumu Bay Wetplay and at the end of Tusker Trail. 

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African Lion Safari in Ontario

African Lion Safari

Unlike the traditional zoo where visitors freely roam the grounds observing animals in cages, the African Lion Safari near Toronto , Ontario, is set up to allow visitors to drive at their own pace around multi-acre reserves in which the animals roam freely.

Open daily between May and October, the African Lion Safari also stages animal shows and workshops and has a splash pad and playground.

Though the African Lion Safari is more acceptable in terms of animal welfare than zoos and amusement parks like the atrocious Marineland in Niagara Falls , which has been criticized for its animal cruelty, the elephant shows and rides at the African Lion Safari do seem archaic and humiliating to the animals while offering no educational value for viewers.

Tips for Visiting

Dennis Jarvis / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0

• Driving your own vehicle around the animal reserves is at your own risk. Baboons have been known to jump on and scratch cars, pull at antennas or remove windshield wipers. Take the Safari Bus if you are concerned about your car being damaged.
• If you decide to drive your own vehicle, you have the option of a monkey-free route; monkeys tend to be the biggest car hazard.
• The park is less busy and not so hot if you arrive for the 10 am opening.
• As with most theme parks, food is generally unhealthy and overpriced. Pack a picnic lunch or at the least bring a snack and a water bottle.
• July and August can be very hot; be prepared with water, sunscreen, hats, and bring bathing suits for the kids to take advantage of the splash pad.
• Slightly rainy days are good days to visit, with fewer visitors and animals that are more active than on very hot, humid days.
• If you want to see some of the shows (Birds of Prey, Parrot, Elephants), find out their start times before you do anything else, and plan your activities around these times.

See the Animals

Derek Hatfield / Flickr / CC BY 2.0 

Animals wandering the African Lion Safari reserves include giraffes, zebras, rhinoceroses, ostriches, lions, cheetahs, baboons, and more.

Birds of prey, including eagles, hawks, owls, vultures, and falcons as well as parrots can be seen during demonstration and shows.

Gentle animals, such as baby goats, can be handled and pet at the Pets' Corner.

How Much Time to Spend at the Safari

African Lion Safari 

Visitors should plan on spending at least three hours at the African Lion Safari. The drive through the animal reserves takes between an hour and two hours, but the other amenities will keep you at the park for longer. Many people arrive for the 10 am opening and stay the whole day.

Getting There

Google Maps

Located in a rural part of Cambridge, Ontario, the African Lion Safari is about an hour from Toronto and 1.5 hours from Niagara Falls. Note that depending on your source, the location may be given as - not Cambridge - but Hamilton or Flamborough.

The route is marked clearly with blue Ontario attraction signage.

While You're in the Area

Little Louie's Burger Joint & Soupery

• Where to eat:  Enjoy delicious Mexican food in a casual atmosphere at Latinoamerica Unida. Slightly more sophisticated than a food truck, Little Louie's Burger Joint & Soupery serves up delish fast food.
• Where to stay: Several hotels are in the vicinity of the African Lion Safari - mostly mid-range. Homewood Suites by Hilton is particularly convenient for families as each guest room has at least one bedroom plus full kitchen and double sofa sleeper. If you're looking for something a little swankier, Langdon Hall is a Relais & Chateaux property in the area.
• Other attractions: A lot of green space, farmland, and conservation areas surround the African Lion Safari. Some charming towns within 20-minutes travel include Elora and Fergus - famous for 19th-century architecture and a preserved mill - and St. Jacobs Country - popular with tourists because of the hiking trails, strong Mennonite presence, and artistic offerings.
• The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada is a less touristy, quieter way to observe animals roaming freely, namely, donkeys who have been rescued from abuse and/or neglect.

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African Lion Safari Canada’s Original Safari Adventure

African lion safari, canada’s original safari adventure, about african lion safari.

African Lion Safari® is a drive through Wildlife Park dedicated to the conservation of declining wildlife species. It is home to over 1,000 exotic birds and animals that roam freely throughout seven distinct drive through Game Reserves.

The park is comprised of over 750 acres, 250 of which provide animals with large areas of bush, grasslands or forest in which they can interact naturally with other animals. In several Game Reserves, mixed species roam and interact as they would in the wild. 25 to 30 acres has been developed for walk through areas and exhibits and the balance of the property is comprised of farm, bush and other habitat, including 40 areas of provincially significant wetland which we maintain and monitor.

African Lion Safari® is extremely proud of the international reputation it has earned for excellence in the care, management and breeding of many endangered species, both birds and animals. Our dedicated staff play an integral part in the success of African Lion Safari’s conservation and breeding initiatives. They bring their unique skills, years of experience and commitment to ensure our animals receive the best care possible.

African Lion Safari® consults worldwide and supports in-situ projects such as species reintroduction for the Eastern Loggerhead shrike, Burrowing owl, Ferruginous hawk, and Barn owl. Our animal management staff travel worldwide to provide training and support to help improve conservation, management and welfare of many species, including elephants.

Our efforts in providing technical training in elephant husbandry and welfare, data collection, community relations and conservation education have met with good success.

The park has enjoyed over 50 successful years as one of Ontario’s premier tourist destinations.  African Lion Safari® strives to ensure that all guests have an enjoyable and educational day “On Safari! ™” as well as an opportunity to gain a better appreciation of the animals in our care.

DRIVE THROUGH GAME RESERVES

Get closer than you ever imagined to majestic birds and animals from around the world as you drive along 9 kilometres of trail, through 7 large Game Reserves featuring Nairobi Sanctuary, Simba Lion Country, Timbavati Lion Country, Wankie Bushland Trail, Rocky Ridge Veldt, Australasia and The Americas.

You will enter an environment that is home to over 1,000 birds and animals, many of which are classified as endangered or threatened species. The park is situated on 750 acres in which animals roam freely while you are “caged” in your vehicle. The Safari Trail enables you to go “On Safari! TM ” and see prides of lions, herds of zebra and giraffe, white rhino, ostrich, watusi, bison and many other exotic species.

Travel through the Game Reserves in your own vehicle* or hop aboard our Safari Tour Bus for an additional fee.

*Vehicles will be inspected upon arrival at the park and at the entrance of the Game Reserves. See  park policies  for vehicle requirements.

Admission to African Lion Safari Includes:

Driving through large Game Reserves in your own vehicle . (Alternate transportation, Safari Tour Bus , available for an additional charge)

Leisurely cruise aboard the “African Queen” Boat .

Journey on the “Nature Boy” scenic railway .

Exciting and Educational Bird and Animal Presentations

Pets’ Corner – Come FACE TO FACE with a variety of animals and birds.

Misumu Bay Wet Play – Misumu Bay Wet Play Interactive water adventure for children. Seasonal. weather permitting. Height Restrictions Apply.

Children’s Playgrounds – Children can “˜monkey around’ in Safari Venture and Toddlers’ Playground.

Height Restrictions Apply.

Toddlers’ Playground is not monitored by African Lion Safari staff.

NOTE : Parking is included in your admission to the park. You have access to your car all day.

1386 Cooper Rd, Cambridge, ON N1R 5S2

• (519) 623-2620 or 1-800-461-9453
• http://www.lionsafari.com

( African Lion Safari Canada’s Original Safari Adventure )

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African Lion Safari

For a family-friendly adventure like no other in Ontario embark on a driving tour through wild game reserves at African Lion Safari. With seven different wildlife themes, discover habitats and animals from across the African continent, the Australian Outback and even the high plains of North America.

From the safety of your vehicle, weave through different ecosystems and explore over 300 hectares with animals roaming free, including some species that are threatened or endangered. Spot lions, zebras, giraffes, white rhinos, ostrich, watusi, kangaroos, bison and more. After your “safari,” discover more about the park’s conservation efforts, breeding programs and research teams.

Just outside Cambridge, off Highway 8, African Lion Safari is only 35 km north of Hamilton.

For up-to-date information and details about African Lion Safari, we recommend visiting their website . For more information about the park and other places of interest to explore nearby, keep scrolling to see what Destination Ontario recommends.

Photo credit: African Lion Safari

More about African Lion Safari

African Lion Safari combines entertainment and the joy if witnessing nature with wildlife conservation education, particularly for species classified as threatened or endangered.

While you ooh and ahh on your tour of the themed game reserves, experts work behind the scenes to research and conduct breeding programs to increase populations. African Lion Safari staff travel globally to provide extra care to animals in the wild. Since opening its doors in 1969, African Lion Safari has successfully bred 50 different threatened and endangered species.

The park provides features large swaths of bushland, grasslands and forest, with a vast amount of space for animals to roam and behave as if they were in the wild.

If you tour in your own vehicle, you’ll receive a quick inspection to ensure everyone’s safety. However, if you’d rather not drive, opt for the Safari Tour Bus. And don’t forget to bring binoculars – this is a safari!

9 km of driving routes lead through the Nairobi Sanctuary, Simba Lion Country, Timbavati Lion Country, Wankie Bushland Trail, Rocky Ridge Veldt, Australasia and The Americas. Over 1,000 animals and birds live in the open grasslands, shaded forests or the expansive marshy wetlands.

While making your way through the park reserves, listen to an audio tour recorded by experts. You’ll learn all about the animals in each, how to identify them, any special features and what they like to eat and do. The park also provides a general welcome tour and more information about their conservation programs, including the Cheetah Conservation Centre.

Combine your African Lion Safari adventure with other attractions in the area. Just south of the park is the Westfield Heritage Centre , which features more than 30 historical buildings across 204 hectares. Tour the museum with costumed interpreters. The museum’s property is an official conservation area with several walking trails through its meadows and woodlands.

North of African Lion Safari, Valens Lake Conservation Area is a great spot for outdoor pursuits like hiking, boating, camping and fishing, as well as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter. The 300+ hectares are managed by the Hamilton Conservation Authority , the region’s largest environmental organization that protects critical natural areas. Other popular nature preserves in the area include Dundas Valley Conservation Area and Christie Lake Conservation Area .

Head to the quaint town of Cambridge nearby for restaurants, cafes and boutiques. Set on the Grand River, enjoy a stroll through Mill Race Park which overlooks the river and features remains from an old mill. Visit the McDougall Cottage , a heritage site from the mid-19th century and the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge for musical and theatre performances.

Last updated:  August 18, 2023

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African Lion Safari Wildlife Park

By family fun toronto | april 19, 2022.

Visiting the African Lion Safari in Hamilton is a unique experience that combines both entertainment and education. This environmentally conscience wildlife park offers a variety of experiences. These include a drive through among the the animals, walk through exhibits, boat cruise, walking trails and more. Get closer than you ever imagined to these amazing animals!

In addition, there is a pets corner, waterpark and children’s playgrounds that make this spot a great day trip option for families during the summer months!

African Lion Safari

When: 2022 Season – May 7–October 10 Time: May 7–June 24 Monday–Friday 9:00am–4:00pm, Saturday–Sunday 9:00am–5:00pm; June 25–September 5 Daily 9:00am – 5:00pm; September 6–October 10 Daily 9:00am–4:00pm Where: 1386 Cooper Road, Hamilton Website : www.lionsafari.com

Looking for more Family Fun Major Attractions in Toronto? Check them out here !

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TORONTO via 401 Follow 401 West (London) to exit 299, Highway 6 SOUTH, which is just past Milton. Go SOUTH on Highway 6 for 14 km and turn RIGHT on Safari Road. Follow Safari Road for about 16 km and you will see us on your right. We are approximately one hour away.   TORONTO via Q.E.W Follow the Q.E.W. West and then follow Hwy 403 West towards Hamilton. Take Highway 6 NORTH towards Guelph. Go NORTH on Highway 6 for 11 km and turn LEFT on Safari Road. Follow Safari Road for 16 km and you will see us on your right. We are approximately one hour away. LONDON, WINDSOR, DETROIT Take the 401 East and then take exit 268A. Follow Regional Road 97 East to Highway 8 and turn RIGHT on Highway 8 and follow the signs. We are approximately one and one half hours from London and three and one half hours from Detroit. (It's a nice drive though.) BUFFALO, NIAGARA FALLS, EAST HAMILTON First take the Q.E.W. NORTH and/or EAST towards Hamilton and then take Highway 403 WEST towards Hamilton. Take Highway 6 NORTH towards Guelph and go NORTH for 11km and then turn LEFT on Safari Road. Follow Safari Road for 16 km and you will see us on your right. We are approximately one hour and twenty minutes away. GUELPH, MOUNT FOREST, OWEN SOUND Take the old Highway 6 SOUTH towards Hamilton and cross over the 401. From the 401 to Safari Road is 14km, turn RIGHT on Safari Road and after 16km you will see us on your right.

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African Lion Safari

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

• Mon - Fri 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Sat - Sun 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• (15.93 km) Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa
• (12.33 km) Homewood Suites by Hilton Cambridge-Waterloo, Ontario
• (14.09 km) Best Western Plus Cambridge Hotel
• (14.22 km) Hilton Garden Inn Kitchener
• (14.03 km) Cambridge Hotel and Conference Centre
• (0.23 km) African Lion Safari
• (12.12 km) Abigail's Tea House
• (10.91 km) Amici
• (13.39 km) Grain Of Salt
• (11.08 km) Cambridge Mill
• (11.11 km) Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge
• (3.93 km) Westfield Heritage Village
• (10.80 km) Reid Chocolates
• (2.04 km) SOSA Gliding Club
• (14.13 km) Donkey Sanctuary of Canada

What To Expect On A Canadian "Lion African Safari" In Ontario

About 62 miles outside of Toronto sits the African Lion Safari zoo, ready to give visitors an authentic safari experience without ever leaving Canada.

To say that international travel has been complicated during the pandemic would be the understatement of the century. Almost everyone wants to go on a Safari and see Africa's many wild animals - lions, and tigers, and bears (joking about the latter two). But instead of traveling on an expensive trip over to Africa to see these remarkable animals one can go on an African safari north - in Canada. The African Lion Safari is a zoo with large reserves where guests drive their cars all around the enclosures. In addition to African animals, they have animals from around the world.

About the African Lion Safari

Flying to Africa, paying for the safari, paying for the park fees (that can be in the thousands of dollars) is incredibly expensive. But one can see most of the best of the animals on a self-drive safari from the comfort of one's own car at the African Lion Safari near Toronto in Canada.

• Open: Canada Is Now Open To Fully Vaccinated Americans

The African Lion Safari park is a family-owned safari park about 62 miles west of Toronto ( see here for a weekend itinerary for Toronto ). They have seven-game reserves that are open for guests to tour and have many of the world's key animals. So this is a kind of reverse zoo, where guests are encaged in their cars (one can not leave one's car) and the animals are free to roam about the reserve.

• Size: Around 300 Hectares or 740 Acres

Related:  Things To Do In Africa (Other Than Go On Safari)

When visiting, guests drive around the park in their own vehicles into the enclosures where the animals roam freely or they can go around in the park's tour buses if they prefer. There are also walking sections where one can see exotic birds and various primates - one can also walk up close to their herd of Asian elephants.

The park also has gift shops and plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained. There are shows by the experienced animal handlers with their elephants and rides for the children. There is of course plenty of dining options onsite. There are bus tours of the reserves for those not confident with driving amongst the animals or afraid that the animals may damage their cars (e.g. giraffes can put their heads through the open windows and baboons climb onto the cars).

Reserves Of The Lion African Safari

Nairobi sanctuary .

• Type Of Reserve: Large And Grassy Field
• Animals: Llama, European White Stork, Watusi Cattle, East African Crowned Crane, Egyptian Goose

Cheeta Breeding Center

• Type: Several Enclosures Where The Cheetahs Live Together or Separately
• Animals: Cheetahs

Simba Lion Country

• Type of Reserve: Large And Grassy Field With A Notable Rock Structure For The Lions to Rest On
• Animals: African Lions

Timbavati Lion Country

• Type Of Reserve: Grassy With A Rock Structure
• Animals: White Lions
• Special Tour: From 109.00 Canadian Dollars Or $86 USD

For those wanting to get up really close and personal with the lions, there is the special "Wake Up the Wild" tour. This is a privately guided tour with a Game Warden to see the pride of lions at the most active time of day as they enjoy and devour their morning meal. Afterward, the tour takes the guests to within a meter of the rhinos, zebras, and ostriches. Guests are given the opportunity to hand feed the giraffes. The dates for this tour are from July 24 to September (exact dates may vary by year).

Wankie Bushland Trail

• Animals: Olives Baboons, Bongo, Malaysian Tapirs, Miniature Zebu
• Caution: Baboons Are Likely To Climb Onto One's Car And Go For A Ride

Rocky Ridge Veldt

• Type Of Reserve: Grassy With Shelters And Shape Protection And Pile of Rocks For Animals To Shelter and Climb On
• Animals: Addax, White Rhinoceros, Ostrich, Grant's Zebra, Rothschild's Giraffe, Wildebeest, Eland, Barbary Sheep, Scimitar-Horned Oryx
• Caution: If The Windows Are Open, The Giraffes May Stick Their Heads Inside The Car Looking For a Treat

Australasia Reserve

• Type of Reserve: Mix of Trees, Grasses, And Ponds
• Animals: Tibetan Yak, Nilgai, Indian Rhino, Sicilian Donkey, Himalayan Tahr, Red Kangaroo, Western Grey Kangaroo, Red-necked Wallaby (Separated Are Also Sichuan Takin and Turkmenian Markhor
• Misnomer: Most Of These Animals Are From Asia and Not From Australasia

North American Reserve

• Type Of Reserve: Large Grassy Fields
• Animals: North American Elk, Spotted Fallow Deer, Markhor, And American Bison

Related:  20 Stunning Sights That Can Only Be Seen In An African Safari

Visiting The African Lion Safari Park

Cost of Admission (Online) - Plus Taxes and Fees

• Adult:  $36.95 Canadian, $29 USD
• Children: $24.95 Canadian Dollars, $20 USD

Cost of Admission (At The Gate) - Plus Taxes and Fees

• Adult: $39.95 Canadian Dollars, $32 USD
• Children:  $27.95 Canadian Dollars, $22 USD
• Open Daily: From May 2 To September 27 (Exact dates May Vary By Year)

African Lion Safari

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

Hamilton Halton Brant

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African Lion Safari

Go “On Safari!™” and get CLOSER than you ever imagined to over 1,000 exotic birds and animals that roam free in large Game Reserves! See lions, giraffe, rhino, and many more animals from around the world! “Trek” along 9 km of safari trail in your own vehicle or aboard a guided, air-conditioned Safari Tour Bus. Enjoy a full day of family fun!

2023 Season: Open Daily May 6 – September 4 and select dates from September 5 – October 8.

Your adventure starts at lionsafari.com

1386 Cooper Road, Hamilton, ON, N1R 5S2

1-519-623-2620 1-800-461-WILD (9453) Send Email

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'EXTREME WOKENESS': Bill Maher calls Canada 'a cautionary tale' for America

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OTTAWA — A proposed road trip for senators to visit the elephants at the African Lion Safari near Hamilton was rejected Thursday as some members of the Senate legal affairs committee called it a waste of taxpayers money.

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Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study Back to video

But Conservative Senate leader Don Plett said it is only right that senators see for themselves how the elephants are treated at African Lion Safari before voting on a bill that could put the zoo out of business.

The trip, which committee chair Sen. Mobina Jaffer said would cost at least $50,000, was proposed by some Conservative senators as the committee studies Bill S-15. The bill would prohibit new captivity and breeding of elephants and great apes except in cases of conservation, science or animal welfare.

There are more than 30 great apes — chimpanzees, orangutans and gorillas — in Canadian zoos, and 23 elephants. All but six of the elephants are at African Lion Safari.

“The majority of the testimony around the elephants has been that they are social animals,” Plett said during the committee discussion.

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“So why don’t we see whether they are happy and ask them whether they are happy? Apparently, they can talk to us, according to what we heard today. So why don’t we go and ask them if they’re happy?”

Plett said he has visited the zoo many times, the elephants are treated well and he is “offended” that senators are refusing to go.

“When I go and look at the massive, massive building that they have, that’s an open building that these elephants can walk in and out of at their pleasure,” he said.

“They are not in a cage, they are not fenced in there when they have 300 acres to roam around in wooded areas and I see them picking apples off the trees.”

Sen. Marty Klyne, who sits with the Progressive Senators Group, said such a trip would trigger a “massive lobbying effort” by the African Lion Safari, which could hide any mistreatment during a visit.

“I don’t agree with using $50,000 in taxpayer money to get a one-sided view of elephant captivity in Canada at a for-profit business,” Klyne said in a statement to The Canadian Press.

“The costs would be even more prohibitive for visiting a place for comparison, such as an elephant sanctuary in the U.S., where these elephants should be moved, or their natural habitat, where elephants belong.”

Eight senators from the progressive group and the Independent Senators Group voted against taking the trip, while three Conservatives — including Plett — voted in favour.

The committee has heard multiple opinions on the impact of zoo captivity on elephants and great apes.

African Lion Safari general manager Trish Garth told the committee on April 11 that her zoo has a “proven track record” for having one of the most successful conservation programs for Asian elephants in North America.

The proposed legislation “would fundamentally inhibit African Lion Safari’s research and conservation work for the Asian elephant,” Garth said.

“The intent of this bill is to end the breeding of certain legislated species. This would essentially phase out elephants in Canada.”

She said the bill leaves it up to the minister to decide which conservation efforts get a licence.

Both organizations that set standards for and accredit zoos in Canada said the bill is unnecessary because elephants and great apes are already protected by federal law as endangered species.

“We disagree that human care of great apes and elephants is inherently cruel,” said Daniel Ashe, president of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

He said zoos provide a critical education component to connect humans with nature, so they can develop an understanding for, and empathize with, animals.

Serge Lussier, commissioner of accreditation at Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums said accredited members of his organization should be exempted from the bill.

Keith Lindsay, a wildlife ecologist with nearly half a century of experience with elephants and the impacts of captivity, told the committee that most conservation work on elephants at zoos is not done to benefit animals in the wild, but to benefit and study animals also in captivity.

He also said there is “no credible evidence” that visitors to zoos become more empathetic to elephants after seeing them in captivity.

He said there are negative health impacts on elephants, even at zoos like African Lion Safari where they aren’t held in small pens but are allowed to wander larger areas.

“Even the largest zoo compounds are a tiny fraction of the normal home range of Asian and African elephants,” Lindsay said.

He said many in larger compounds are restricted in the winter when it is too cold for them, causing psychological stress and physical damage.

Plett — who said he has relatives who were born in South America _ doesn’t buy that argument.

“Somebody born in South America, and they lived there until adulthood and come to Winnipeg, they find it pretty cold,” he said.

“But when they are born in Winnipeg they don’t find it that cold. Well, an animal is exactly the same thing. There’s no such a thing as an animal doesn’t belong in a certain climate.”

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Senators reject $50K field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study

By The Canadian Press

Posted April 19, 2024 1:19 pm.

Last Updated April 19, 2024 1:35 pm.

The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo’s elephant exhibit.

The committee is studying a government bill that would prohibit new captivity and breeding of elephants and great apes without a license that shows it is for conservation, science or the animal’s welfare.

Conservative Sen. Don Plett says the bill would have the biggest impact on the African Lion Safari, a drive-through zoo northwest of Hamilton which is home to 17 elephants.

He says it is offensive that senators don’t want to take the time to visit in person before passing a bill that could kill a family-owned business.

Sen. Marty Klyne from the Progressive Senators Group, says he doesn’t agree with spending $50,000 of taxpayer money to get a one-sided view of elephant captivity, and that the cost would be even higher to also visit an elephant sanctuary for comparison.

Klyne says the science on the impact of captivity on elephants is clear and the bill must pass.

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