drive thru safari knoxville

Directions to Briarwood Ranch Safari Park

The Park is open daily but may close due to inclement weather. Call 865-919-5072 on rainy days!

Briarwood Ranch Safari Park is located just outside Morristown TN, which is about forty-five minutes from Knoxville. We are easy to locate with your GPS: 255 Briar Thicket Rd, Bybee, TN 37713.

Hours: The Park is OPEN 10 AM – 4 PM Daily (Weather Permitting). Note: the last tour starts one hour before close.

How To Find Us

• Take TN-66, North to I-40
• Turn Right onto the I-40 East entry ramp
• Go 14 mi. to I-81 North, exit 421
• Go 14 mi. to TN-160, exit 12 to Lowland/Morristown (one of several Morristown exits)
• Turn right at Enka Highway
• The Park entrance, 255 Briar Thicket Road is on the left.
• The barn on the right houses our Store and Rest rooms.

Reserve your Wildlife Encounter!

All tours & encounters require reservations!

Looking for a guided safari getaway?

Visit southland safari in clarksburg, tn..

Experience the wonders of the wild right here in Clarksburg, TN, conveniently located halfway between Memphis and Nashville, just seven miles from I-40. At Southland Safari, we’re dedicated to providing you with the experience of a lifetime.

Book your next destination with us! Choose from:

• Luxurious Cabin Getaways : Escape to one of our cozy cabins and immerse yourself in nature while enjoying modern comforts.
• Guided Safari Tours : Hop aboard our safari truck or jeep for an educational and thrilling journey through our safari grounds. Encounter animals from Africa, Asia, and Australia while learning from our knowledgeable guides.
• Up-Close Encounters : Get up close and personal with our exotic animals including kangaroos, sloths, giraffes, and fennec foxes.

Let us help plan your adventure! Choose “book now” to view all packages or give us a call! We require reservations!

Adventure Awaits At This Drive-Thru Safari Park In Tennessee

Meghan Kraft

Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.

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Wait, a safari park in Tennessee?! We’re not kidding, folks. The Tennessee Safari Park is one of the most incredible experiences in the south, something that seems unbelievable but really just checks “safari” off of your bucket list for a whole lot less than a plane ticket. Bring the kids and your own car for the trek, and don’t forget to bring cash! You don’t want to miss out on feeding these incredible animals. Check out this neat opportunity!

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Explore Bybee, TN

Briarwood ranch safari park.

Our safari features animals from around the world. On your scenic, four-mile safari through beautiful hills and pasture lands, you will experience animals from six continents. Take plenty of time to study their behavior from the safety of your own car. Be sure to bring your camera. You may want to ride on tractor pulled wagons or enjoy a lazy afternoon in our petting zoo.

255 Briar Thicket Rd. Bybee , TN 37713

For the most up-to-date hours and information, please contact Briarwood Ranch Safari Park directly.

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Visiting the Tennessee Safari Park in Alamo, TN

I’ve always enjoyed visiting zoos, but I’ve never been to a drive-thru zoo before. This is a totally different experience than your typical zoo. The Tennessee Safari Park in Alamo lets you get up close to the animals, feed them, and even pet some of them, without ever having to get out of your own car. Here are some tips for visiting this super fun drive-thru zoo!

The zoo is about 30 minutes away from Jackson, TN. You can find directions here . This zoo was much bigger than I expected it to be. It took us about an hour and a half to drive through it for a few reasons:

• The speed limit is very slow so that you don’t hurt the animals.
• We came to a complete stop several times just to feed the animals.
• Probably hundreds of animals live here on these acres of land, so it takes time to see them all.

Even though it took a while to drive through, we weren’t bored at all. There are many kinds of animals here, including zebras, camels, ostriches, deer, llamas, and more!

The animals are used to people. They aren’t shy, and they will walk right up to your car window to get a snack from you. Sometimes they will even stick their head into the car if you let them!

You will definitely want to buy a food bucket for each person in the car. Make sure you hold on to your food buckets tightly, because the animals may try to snatch them from you! And don’t let the first few animals eat all your food. There are plenty of animals through the whole drive that will want some food from you!

I loved getting to see the animals up close. At most zoos, the animals are at a distance and aren’t interested in people at all. Here the animals want to walk right up to you (or at least the food you’re giving them), and getting to pet and feed them was such a cool experience! Also, some of them are really soft!

After the drive-thru section of the zoo, we visited the walk-thru section. This part of the zoo houses the smaller animals, such as several kinds of monkeys and lemurs. There are plenty of exotic birds here too, including the peacocks that roam free.

I enjoyed being able to walk into the aviary, where dozens of parakeets live.

If you don’t like birds, I wouldn’t advise going inside the aviary.  Though it is a neat experience to see the flock of birds flying right over your head and walking around your feet. You can buy food outside the aviary for the birds, and the parakeets will be much more friendly to you. They aren’t mean, but they won’t find you very interesting unless you bring food.

One giraffe lives in the walk-thru zoo. You can get pretty close and feed it, but you have to give it carrots instead of the animal food that the other animals eat. The giraffe was one of my favorite parts of the zoo!

If you’re a zoo fan, this is definitely a place you’ll want to check out. It exceeded my expectations and provided us with a great weekend activity!

Know of any other fun drive-thru zoos? Tell me in the comments so I can check them out!

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Drive Thru Zoo - Circle G Ranch: Wild Animal Park & Camel Safari

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• Circle G Ranch: Wild Animal Park & Camel Safari

I visited with a 7 year old boy and a 4 month old boy the seven year old loved it. There were lots... read more

We took our group of 7, including our 2 children in wheelchairs on the safari ride. The dirt road... read more

Drive Thru Zoo

This is a great drive thru zoo but definitely don't drive your new or most precious car! These animals practically crawl in the vehicle with you to get to the food. I am afraid of what they would do if you didn't purchase the food pellets before driving through.

This time my daughter & 16 year old grandson came with us & they loved it. It wasn't very busy so we had the wagon to ourselves. Raymond was our driver again & he knows a lot about the animals & the best way to feed them. After the ride we met the most adorable chickens called silkies & they sat on our shoulders to pose for a picture. We then cuddled baby pigs & my grandson had his first ever camel ride. The staff are so friendly & helpful which makes it a very pleasant way to spend a few hours. Hope we can come back next year. Suggest that you don't wear your best clothes if you want to feed the animals as they can be a bit slobbery (especially Maisie the cow).

Never done something like this before and we all LOVED IT! My oldest two are boys, 15 & 12, they had zero interest unlike my 10yr old daughter. Within minutes they were screaming, laughing and enjoying every bit of the drive through the park like her and I. That was insanely fun and next time we're in the area, we're getting even MORE containers of food for the animals, it was a blast!

We were looking for something to do during Fall Break....I'm so glad we decided to visit The Circle G Ranch! The animals are VERY friendly & will stick their head into your vehicle for treats. You may drive your own vehicle or rent the one Ford Explorer available there. The rentable vehicle is first come, first serve and is $15 additional. A large open-sided truck can take large groups through as well. I believe there is a minimum of seven people for the truck. Although this attraction is open rain or shine, but I would recommend going on a dry day. The safari trail is gravel, rocky and very rough in spots, but most any vehicle will be able to traverse it. Be advised that some horned animals may tap your car with their horns looking for treats! We experienced a few taps; fortunately no damage and the animals were not aggressive. The kids in our group (ages 10-16) LOVED this adventure. A petting zoo is available and this was another highlight. You'll see baby piglets, camels, goats, chickens, Guina fowl, peacocks, potbelly pigs, bunnies and others. We came away with fantastic up-close photos, memories & laughs galore. Wear appropriate clothing, take an old towel and hand sanitizer.

The Circle G ranch is fun for the family, but it is a bit costly especially for young children. THey are making a killing and supposedly it is to take care of the animals...not so sure about that! The owner, Ms. Safari...is SO RUDE!! She accused me of cursing at her, when fact I was just saying that the place is a ripe off and she confronted me...WOW not a way to win customers to come back. I have been there several times and not sure when I will ever return and will not recommend, too bad for them I work in the tourist industry and am asked for recommendations for unique attractions, they will NOT get anymore recommendations for the Chamber of Commerce! As for the Groupon read the fine print but too back you don't see that until you buy it!

My wife and I took our toddler daughter to Circle G. We all thoroughly enjoyed the trip! When we first pulled up to the ranch on a rural residential road, I had my doubts. However, those doubts quickly went away. Pot-bellied pigs wandered up to our car before we had even paid our admission. Once we crossed into the actual animal area, it was almost non-stop action and laughter. Make sure you buy the feed at the admission booth--and I would recommend getting three trays (maybe more if you have more than one child). The animals really do come right up to your vehicle. We had a cow literally drooling in the window. The alpacas and the llamas were particularly persistent and almost seemed to stalk our vehicle--but all in good fun. All of the animals were very friendly. The petting zoo was a great way to end the trip. You can see pigs, chickens, goats, camels, and other animals up-close in the barn. One of the owners went out of his way to let our daughter (and me and my wife) interact with a camel. Our daughter got to feed the camel two carrots and it was the highlight of her day. The only time our daughter got unhappy when we told her we had to leave. Just a note… This is NOT the big city zoo. Don’t expect the elaborate habitats that you might see there. What you get is an up-close look at some exotic and not-so-exotic animals living in the woods of East Tennessee. The animals are well-cared for--and certainly well-fed by the patrons! There are all sorts of cheesy and touristy things to do in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area. The Circle G is a nice departure from roadside amusement parks, shows, dining, and shopping. Be prepared to laugh and have a good time!

NO outside animals allowed NO exceptions.

What to Expect / FAQs

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Living conditions at Tennessee drive-through safari raise red flags

By: lonnie lee hood - august 3, 2020 5:30 am.

Tennessee Animal Safari. (Photo: Matt Bastin)

On any given day at the Tennessee Safari Park i n Alamo, visitors in vehicles line the gravel driveway for several hundred yards, snaking past the entrance, down the road, and doubling back again to finally enter the park.

Once inside the park visitors can drive through 5.5 miles of safari trail and feed a variety of exotic animals from their vehicles, visit the gift shop, ride a camel, participate in the petting zoo or grab a snack. At each turn, however, are red flags that animal rights experts and activists agree should at least raise questions about the park and its practices.

The Conley family has owned their property and home in West Tennessee since 1858, and the park opened for business in 2007. It is not accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, a nonprofit that promotes conservation and animal welfare. Multiple animal experts told Tennessee Lookout a lack of AZA accreditation was problematic, including Phil Colclough, director of animal care at Zoo Knoxville. 

“The benchmark for any zoological organization is accreditation through AZA,” Colclough said. “If they don’t meet that standard—that’s not to say there aren’t good zoos outside that—but that’s the benchmark I’ve worked with my whole career.”

Colclough said it was unlikely other drive-through parks where visitors feed animals are AZA accredited. While the AZA could not be reached for comment, a similar drive-through park in Huntsville, AL, is also not AZA accredited. Other Tenneseee locations approved by the AZA are the Nashville Zoo, Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga Zoo and Zoo Knoxville.

The Tennessee Safari Park had serious compliance issues listed on USDA inspection reports, including six in 2016. That report listed a ferret in need of grooming services, expired medicine in the drug cabinet, unsafe and uncomfortable living conditions for rabbits, a loose wallaby, a lack of fresh, clean water and bug infestations in some animals’ living areas.

In 2017, a USDA report stated the issues had been resolved and a new veterinarian hired for the park, but a recent trip to the zoo suggested many of these problems are still occurring. On July 18, the Lookout photographed multiple empty water and feed troughs throughout the park as well as a muddy drainage ditch emptying into the pasture near animals. The temperature was above 90 degrees Fahrenheit and animals were gathered in groups under small metal sheds for shade or under sparse tree coverage.

Bison were observed panting heavily and almost all the animals were in a large, pastured area with seemingly little enrichment. The park does have some tree trunks, dirt and rock piles and at least one bamboo grove which seemed to provide enrichment and terrain variety. In the open drive-through area, the Lookout observed three employees. Dozens of vehicles with feed buckets purchased at the gate fed animals unsupervised and unattended.

Additionally, a deer was photographed licking what appeared to be an open wound and tt least one barbed wire fence was broken and one employee was observed tossing an empty Gatorade bottle from his ATV inside the pasture near multiple species. 

Debbie Metzler, Associate Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement at PETA, reviewed footage and photographs taken at the park with her team. Metzler and her team said the drainage pipe emptying into the animal enclosure was both a trip hazard and seemed too dirty for drinking. While other plastic bins of water were located throughout the park, the Lookout could not observe how much water was inside. 

The PETA team said it was concerning that three empty water troughs were photographed in the park, including in a kookaburra enclosure and the larger pasture area containing bison, ostriches, deer and other animals.

“Animals should have access to water at all times, especially during the summer months,” Metzler said.

Metzler also said the USDA has been less aggressive and reliable in recent years due to administration changes, and that it was not uncommon for issues to go unreported. Metlzer said in 2017, the USDA’s website was “blacked out” and that multiple organizations filed lawsuits to get inspection reports back online. Since then, Metzler said the search function hasn’t been as robust, and other changes in reporting make violations seem less serious than they are.

“They’ve adapted a new tactic they call ‘Teachable Moments.’ Previous violations aren’t allowed to be a teachable moment,” Metzler said. “How is no water a teachable moment? They should not have to be taught, they should be things the exhibitor is aware of. If they’re not providing that they need to be held accountable.”

Metzler a lso said unsupervised feeding can be harmful. At the Safari Park, visitors feed  bison, ostriches, giraffes, zebras and deer the same pellet food despite individual dietary needs. While the park’s website said animals receive more nutritional food before and after the park closes, Metzler said there’s no way to know what, and how much, the animals consume during visitor feedings.

“If those feedings aren’t closely monitored, how do they know how much the animals are getting? What’s to prevent people from giving them something harmful?” Metzler said.

Metzler said the kind of care and attention each animal needs is hard to give in a park this size. A previous USDA report listed 830 regulated animals, which does not include unregulated species like ponies or ostriches. Metzler said even that number makes it easier to miss an open wound and harder to monitor feeding practices, but park owner Jon Conley said in an email statement there are more than 2,000 animals at the park.

Multiple individuals have recorded and posted videos of animals that bite, possibly because the interactions aren’t closely monitored. On July 6, a young man was gored by a bison, requiring stitches and causing what may be permanent disfigurement. The young man’s family posted about the attack on Facebook, which happened during a feeding, and the plastic surgery required afterwards. The family was not available for comment, but Conley confirmed the incident in an email statement to Tennessee Lookout.

If you have to put up a sign warning somebody of an activity that you're sanctioning, maybe the activity shouldn't be happening.

– Phil Colclaugh, Knoxville Zoo

Other visitors have posted negative reviews about animal living conditions and ostrich bites . On the park’s website, an entire FAQ question is dedicated to debunking the idea that ostriches bite, despite video evidence. Metlzer also said ostriches are notoriously aggressive animals. 

Jon Conley, who helped open the park in 2007, responded to the Lookout’s inquiries about living conditions and safety at the park in an email statement. Beginning with the question about a wounded animal, Conley inferred the Lookout was asking about an injured bison, and described a 16-year old female that rubs sores or open wounds onto herself by scratching. While the Lookout was in fact referring to an injured deer, Conley said the female bison and her calf had been moved from exhibition out of public view. Conley also said there were no empty water troughs on the park.

“We have no empty water troughs anywhere in the park. If you have a photo of an empty or low water trough, that was being used to medicate a particular animal,” Conley said.

Conley said the drainage pipe observed is used to wash cups at a small sink, and that it does not extend into an animal enclosure, despite photo evidence of it emptying into the pasture.

Conley said that empty feed troughs were a sign park employees were doing their jobs, as they do not want to overfeed animals or waste food. Conley said these troughs are also used to medicate animals. He said he is an expert in his field and would provide more enrichment for animals if he thought they required it. 

When asked about the sale of exotic species, Conley said the information is private and declined to share how much profit the park makes on animal sales. The park’s website states it provides exotic species for conservation efforts “all over the world,” and Conley said a “local AZA zoo” has acquired animals from the park. Because some of the species at the park are not regulated by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency , no records of animal transfers or sales were available for reference. 

“ Due to the terrorist-like behavior by many of these radical animal rights groups we do not share this information and we purposefully keep most of our transactions private,” Conley said. “[We’ve] been requested to supply breeding groups of African animals for [a] new exhibit, which we respectfully declined.”

Conley said profitability is important and intentionally chose not to join the “country club” AZA. Conley said he is instead a member of the Zoological Association of America. The president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States wrote that the ZAA worked to weaken the Endangered Species Act and advocates for private ownership of exotic, dangerous species. The post stated that ZAA accredits facilities that don’t meet the AZA’s strict standards. 

While the Lookout was not able to obtain tax documents showing exact income, Conley said the park hosts thousands of visitors per day. Adult admission to the park is $16. If 2,500 adult visitors went through the park it would generate $40,000 in revenue in a day.

“Unlike city zoos with their hands out for governmental taxation, grants and donations  we knew long term these practices are not sustainable and begging people and businesses for donations or loans are not the right answers,” Conley said.

On the bison that attacked the young man on site, Conley said it was unfortunate but maintained the family’s story “doesn’t add up,” and said the vehicle was too small for a bison to fit its head inside the window.

“The only logical conclusion is the man in question stuck [his] body outside the window, [fed] and or petted the bison,” Conley said. “We have a video that will clearly show everyone and the jury that the park nor the animal was at fault. Once our attorneys give us the go ahead we will be happy to release the video on social media. This will clear this misconception and slander over our animals and our park.”

The park has multiple signs in various areas warning visitors that animals bite and that bison can cause damage to vehicles. The park’s site also states no outside animals are allowed on the premises—including service animals—as this may agitate an attack or end in pets being harmed. Metzler said if animals are aggressive, it’s best not to allow the public near.

“I would not recommend it,” Metzler said. “Obviously animal welfare is our top priority, but hand in hand with that is public safety. The animal suffers because they’re blamed for doing what’s natural to them.”

Colclough agreed and said the activity should be limited if animals are aggressive.

“If you have to put a sign up warning somebody of an activity that you’re sanctioning, maybe the activity shouldn’t be happening,” Colclough said.

Conley said in his email statement he would post the transcript on social media to prevent the Lookout from piecing his words together to fit “an agenda.” However, the Lookout was able to find some areas Colclough said the park was not out of line, including camel rides. He said camels are domesticated animals and that riding them isn’t inherently bad provided their living conditions are satisfactory.”

Not every practice at the park is inherently bad or abusive, but living conditions and other red flags raised concerns customers should be aware of before visiting. As so many park signs read, visitors agree to pay, explore and feed at their own risk.

Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our website. AP and Getty images may not be republished. Please see our republishing guidelines for use of any other photos and graphics.

Lonnie Lee Hood

Lonnie Lee Hood is a queer Nashville-based writer covering justice, LGBTQ issues and more. They are an amateur roller-skater and live with their hedgehog, Noodle, and three-legged cat, Tom. They are writing a debut novel and have published poetry and sci-fi/fantasy short stories.

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The Knoxville

Guide to zoo knoxville.

Zoo Knoxville is one of the premiere zoological experiences in the southeast committed to sharing 'wildly fun' experiences that educate and inspire. By visiting Zoo Knoxville, you are supporting the Zoo’s mission to save wildlife and wild places. The Zoo features acres of creative habitats for animal lovers of all ages to explore. Check out a few of the highlights you don’t want to miss when you visit Zoo Knoxville!

Amphibian & Reptile Conservation Campus

Clayton otter creek.

Clayton Otter Creek opened in Spring 2022 and is home to three energetic otters: Clayton, Pascal, and Reed. Guests can get up close with these adorable animals by visiting their underwater exhibit located front and center in the entry plaza. These otters play an important role as advocates for their species, emphasizing how critical clean water is for otter habitats. They are encouraging Zoo visitors to help prevent micro-plastics from polluting our local waterways by bringing reusable water bottles that can be refilled in bottle stations throughout the Zoo or purchasing water in aluminum bottles. 

Boyd Family Asian Trek

Located just off the entrance plaza to the east is the award winning Asian Trek. This 5 acre exhibit, complete with indoor tiger viewing as well as canopy views, was voted one of USA Today ’ s top 10 best exhibits in the country. Malayan tigers can be seen lounging among temple ruins or taking a dip in a deep pool. Asian Trek also includes a tree house that allows guests to see Georgie, the white-handed gibbon, swinging amongst the tree tops.

In 2021, Zoo Knoxville opened the Clayton Family Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Campus (ARC), one of the top animal conservation facilities in the U.S. and the largest project in Zoo Knoxville’s history to date. The ARC gives visitors the opportunity to view some of the most endangered species of animals in the world. 

Winner of Keep Knoxville Beautiful’s Orchid Award for New Architecture, the design of the building is made to give the impression of reptiles themselves with features such as a blue exterior wall that shimmers and changes colors like the scales of a reptile. The ARC has welcomed exciting new species such as Cuban crocodiles, a king cobra, and a free ranging sloth! The ARC also includes a greenhouse that allows guests to enter and watch herpetologists at work, educational elements focusing on core STEM concepts, and outdoor wetlands that serve as an ecological study habitat where children can collect specimens and take them back to an Adventure Lab to study.  

Soaring Eagle

Soaring Eagle Zipline

Soaring Eagle is an exhilarating flight experience and an exciting way to see the zoo from an eagles-eye view. This tandem zip ride pulls guests backwards to the top of the ravine. After taking in the view at 65 feet above the treetops, they are released to glide back to the landing pad at over 100 feet.

Clayton Safari Splash

Clayton Safari Splash is a 5,000 square-foot safari-themed water play area that is included with general Zoo admission. Located next to Grasslands Africa!, the splash pad includes play areas designed for all ages. With life-sized giraffes that spout water, water hoops and loops, team sprays that use cooperative play to send water several stories in the air and colorful giant flowers, it ’ s the ideal spot to cool off.

After Hours

Boo at the Zoo

Now through September 22nd, After Hours from 5 PM – 8 PM each Thursday are perfect family friendly “ sundowner evenings” at the Zoo. Each week features a food truck and craft beers, wine, and specialty drinks. These evenings are free for members or with a general admission ticket (food and beverages an additional purchase).

Boo! At the Zoo

Knoxville ’ s favorite Halloween tradition! It ’ s a not-too-scary celebration featuring trick-or treating through the Zoo, dramatic lighting, giant inflatables and the Monster Mash dance party. Additional activities include the Scary-Go-Round and the BOO! Choo Train. Visit booknoxville.com for updates on dates, times and special character experiences.

Experience a magical night at the Zoo with glowing silk lanterns of exotic animals. Journey through an enchanted forest of trees wrapped in lights and twinkling stars to experience an unforgettable holiday tradition. Festive food and drinks are part of the fun, too!

Zoo Knoxville is committed to helping guests of all ages and abilities enjoy the ‘ wildly fun ’ experience of interacting with and viewing animals from around the world. We are a KultureCity Certified Sensory Inclusive Venue. Sensory Bags are available at the front ticket booth. Quiet Zones are located at the Barn Loft and African painted dog viewing area, and Headphone Zones are located at Kid ’ s Cove, Wee Play Adventure, and Safari Splash.

Georgie the Gibbon

Cuban Crocodile

Joe the Sloth

Frequently asked questions, what time does the zoo open and close.

Open 9am - 5pm daily. Closing time will change to 4pm on September 6th.

Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Last admissions one hour before the Zoo closes each day.

What is the price of admission?

Zoo Knoxville Members FREE Adults $24.95 Children ages 3-12 $19.95 Seniors ages 65+ $19.95 College Student Ticket $19.95 (with current student ID and front gate purchase) Children 2 and under FREE

Where do I park?

Parking is available in the Zoo ’ s upper and lower lots. Parking is $5.00. Zoo Knoxville members park for free.

Are there dining options at Zoo Knoxville?

Yes! On-site restaurants include: The Beastro, Safari Smokehouse, Al’s Cantina, Tennessee Dogs, and The Graze food truck.

How does my visit impact conservation?

When you purchase a ticket to visit Zoo Knoxville you support conservation both locally and globally. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Zoo Knoxville is part of the largest conservation movement on the planet. Zoo Knoxville and other AZA partners maintain a healthy, genetically diverse population in zoos to ensure animals are not lost to extinction when wild populations are in peril. Also, proceeds from every ticket and membership sold goes to hardworking conservation organizations in the field. To learn more about conservation at Zoo Knoxville visit https://zooknoxville.org/about/conservation/ .

Scarlett Rockhold

Scarlett Rockhold is the Communications Manager for Zoo Knoxville, a nonprofit committed to sharing wildly fun experiences that educate and inspire. As the Zoo’s storyteller, it is her role to highlight the important conservation work taking place at the Zoo. You can follow along at  www.zooknoxville.org  as well as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @zooknoxville. 

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SAFARI WILD ANIMAL PARK, located 65 miles from BARTLETT, TN

• Service Areas
• Bartlett, TN

We invite families from Bartlett, TN and its surroundings to come and spend a lovely day at Safari Wild Animal Park, Mississippi's premier Safari Park. It is just a short drive south of Memphis on interstate 55; it's also better, larger and closer than our competition and quite less drive time, meaning less gas expense and more family time. At Safari Wild you will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with animals, interact, feed, and photograph them. We invite you to spend a relaxing day in nature, take beautiful photos with wild animals that will offer you an once-in-a-lifetime, unforgettable experience.

Safari Drive and Walk Through near Bartlett, TN

Our Safari Park is a zoo-like drive-in tourist attraction where visitors can drive their own vehicles and observe freely roaming animals in their natural environment. Safari Wild Animal Park features a stunning 466 Acre authentic African Drive-Through and Walk-Through Safari Park. You can travel through our 6.5-mile drive and experience hundreds of our amazing animals : ostriches, zebras, camels, giraffes, aoudads, buffalos and many more! Our Walk Through Safari features different exotic animal; you can see the world from a different perspective on the back of a friendly camel and come close and personal with our stunning giraffes or lorikeets while feeding them from your own hand.

Meet our amazing animals

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." - Anatole France

Animals are creatures that bring us so much happiness every single day. They are loving, compassionate and a friend to all people. Moreover, spending time in the presence of animals has been found to lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, and release chemicals that trigger relaxation. Animals show us many positive ways to live and love our lives. In various cultures, they have been used as metaphors and examples to teach us positive values, behaviors and aspirations. For example, in Arab cultures the camel symbolises patience, tolerance and endurance. The giraffe symbolizes grace, peace and farsightedness.

We offer you the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the most amazing animals, get on the back of a lovely camel, hand feed a gorgeous giraffe and the curious lorikeets, but also spend time with our baby animals in the petting zoo. At Safari Wild the animals are respected, and well-cared for by people who are dedicated to providing the best possible conditions for them – us. You have to come and meet our remarkable animals, and learn more about them!

Whether you're a Bartlett, TN resident or just visiting the area, our wildlife Safari Park will give everyone in your family the opportunity to explore the African wildlife in a relaxing way. We invite you to come and enjoy a lovely Safari experience with our wonderful animals. Contact us for more details on our Safari Animal Park.

Safari Wild 1549 Rooks Rd, Como, MS 38619

Sunset Science

Have you ever wondered what happens after everyone leaves the zoo? Just because our guests and staff leave for the night, doesn’t mean things are any less wild. Stay late to explore the zoo and become a scientist for the evening. Learn about ecosystems and adaptations through engaging hands-on activities, games and more! Every night is a little different and we never know what we’ll encounter. Register for one of our public program dates or get your own group together and request a private program. 

Sunset Science Program Themes

• Excellent Ecosystems   Dive into the ecosystems at the zoo and explore hands-on ways humans can support biodiversity.
• Powerful Pollinators   Bees, bears and butterflies, oh my! Learn ways the zoo’s animals play an important role in plant pollination and the diversity of ecosystems.
• The Unlovables?   Get up close and personal with some of the most misunderstood animals, and experience ways you can help these animals right in your own backyard!

Private Sunset Science Program

Get a group together and schedule your own private Sunset Science Program. Great for scouts, schools, clubs and church groups.

• By reservation only, minimum three weeks in advance.
• 6:00pm – 8:00pm or 7:00pm – 9:00pm
• $14 per person
• $50 deposit required within two weeks of confirmation and full payment is due two weeks before the program.
• Minimum group size 10 people. Maximum size 50 people.

Request a Program  

Public Sunset Science Programs

• Advance registration required
• Participants will be walking around much of the zoo and sometimes over uneven surfaces. Everyone must stay with the group throughout the program.
• This is a non-smoking program.
• 7:00pm – 9:00pm
• $14 per person (No discounts for Annual Passholders)
• Friday, May 24th: The Unlovables?
• Saturday, June 22nd: Powerful Pollinators
• Friday, July 12th: Excellent Ecosystems

Contact [email protected]  for more information.