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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.

Popular attractions in Maimi

# Miami Seaquarium # Miami Zoo # Jungle Island # Everglades National Park # Millionaire’s Row Cruise # Graffiti Museum # Thriller Miami # Museum of Illusions # Miami Duck Tour # Sawgrass Recreation Park # Flamingo Gardens # Skyviews Miami # Superblue Miami # Jungle Queen # Lion Country Safari # Wynwood Walls

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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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Lion Country Safari

Top ways to experience Lion Country Safari and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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

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Lion Country Safari

West Palm Beach

The first cageless drive-through safari in the country, this incredible animal park puts you in the cage (ie your car) as 900 creatures roam freely, staring at you . Equal parts conservation area and safari, the park's 500 acres are home to bison, zebra, white rhinos, chimpanzees and, of course, lions. You tour in your car (unless it's a convertible, in which case short-term rentals are available), driving slowly, hoping the animals approach the vehicle.

The best time to go is when it rains, because the animals are more active when it's cool. The park is 20 miles west of downtown West Palm.

2003 Lion Country Safari Rd

Get In Touch

561-793-1084

https://www.lioncountrysafari.com

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YESTER LION COUNTRY SAFARI (CALIFORNIA) HOURS:

Open every day of the year, rain or shine, at 9 a.m. until:

      Summer — June 1 to Labor Day — 6:00 p.m.       Fall — Day after Labor Day to October 31 — 5:00 p.m.       Winter — November 1 to March 31 — 3:30 p.m.       Spring — April 1 to May 31 — 5:00 p.m.

Prices and operating hours subject to change without notice.

According to the brochure, “Go Wild! Drive thru Lion Country Safari African Wildlife Preserve.”

You don’t have to go to Africa for this African Safari. It’s only a 20-minute drive from Yesterland. Lion Country Safari is 40 miles from Downtown Los Angeles or 64 miles from Downtown San Diego, according to the brochure. Just head down the San Diego Freeway to the Moulton Parkway off-ramp. Your safari awaits you right on the Irvine Ranch in Orange County, California.

You’ll be greeted by a sign that reads, “No Trespassing. Violators Will Be Eaten! Lion Country Safari.”

Drive up to a ticket window. Adults are $3.25; children five through eleven are $1.50; four and under are free. There is no charge for parking.

If you’re driving a convertible, you won’t be allowed to drive it through the safari. (They don’t really want the lions to eat you.) Park your convertible at the Hertz Hut and rent an air-conditioned sedan or safari-type vehicle at nominal charge.

Did you bring your pets with you? According to the brochure, “Domestic animals are not permitted in automobiles touring the preserve. First-rate accommodations are provided for them, free, at the Kal Kan Kennel Club.”

A ranger watches from a tower to make sure everything is okay.

You’ll see more than just lions at California’s Lion Country Safari. You can drive your Impala among the antelope. The cheetahs can outrun your Cougar—you have a speed limit, but they don’t. Giraffes will tower over your Pinto. Curious ostriches might peck at your Falcon.

Experience an authentic safari in your family car.

The animals have the right-of-way. Given the size of the elephants and rhinoceroses, nobody should debate this rule.

Camels and zebras and gnus, oh my!

The zebras are glad that they’re separated from the lions by fences. Park guests are glad that the fences are hidden in ditches so that it feels like driving through an African savanna, not through a series of fenced enclosures.

Keep your windows rolled up!

Over 400 animals call Lion Country Safari “home.”

The stars of the show

The highlight of your safari is being surrounded by lions. The only thing between you and the ferocious beasts is your car window. A lion might even jump on the hood of your car—but, more likely, the well-fed lions will all be on the ground taking it easy.

If a 500-pound adult lion dents the hood of your car, how will you explain it to your insurance company?

“Jambo!”

When you finish your drive-through tour of the preserve, the fun isn’t over yet. Park your car and visit the Safari Camp and Entertainment Area.

Map of Safari Camp

For a larger (1200x1400 GIF) version of this Safari Camp map, click here .

Lion Country Flamingos

Take a Zambezi River Cruise (adults 75 cents, children 50 cents)—the animals along the river are real, unlike those at the Jungle Cruise in that park in Anaheim.

Zambezi River Cruise

California’s Lion Country Safari entertained visitors from 1970 to 1984.

On June 16, 1970, Lion Country Safari in Irvine opened to the public. The location in Southern California had a lot going for it—a great climate, a large local population, and a significant tourist base. But Lion Country Safari had stiff competition from Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and the beach.

Lion Country Safari was given a big boost by an unlikely star attraction. An elderly, nearly toothless lion named Frasier came from a Mexican circus in February 1971. The old cat’s tongue dangled from one side of his mouth, and he had trouble walking. He may not have been much to look at as far as we humans were concerned, but the lionesses saw him differently. There was a population boom of lion cubs at the park. Frasier’s sorry visage adorned tee-shirts and other park souvenirs. Frasier sired 35 cubs until his death in June 1972 at 17-20 years of age, equivalent to a human age of 85-100 years. Frasier even inspired a 1973 feature movie, Frasier the Sensuous Lion , rated PG.

In 1981, Irvine Meadows Amphitheater was added to Lion Country Safari. It was Verizon Wireless Amphitheater from 2000 to 2014. Then it reverted to its original name, before closing permanently in 2016.

On October 27, 1984, in the Los Angeles Times , staff writer Bruce Horowitz wrote about the end of the drive-through safari at Lion Country Safari:

The roar of Lion Country Safari may soon be replaced by a gurgle.

Park officials announced Thursday that they intend to phase out the 100-acre animal preserve at the struggling tourist attraction and replace a portion of it with a major water-theme amusement park.

“This land is so valuable that it no longer makes sense to have these animals occupying 100 choice acres,” said Harry Shuster, president of Lion Country Safari Inc. Over the next three months, the park plans to begin converting operations and selling its estimated 300 “wild” animals—valued at more than $200,000—to other animal parks and zoos nationwide, Shuster added.

When the lions and tigers are gone, the only remaining animals at the park will be tame ones in its petting zoo and exotic birds. Nevertheless, Shuster stressed, the park will retain the name Lion Country Safari. “Why not?” he asked. “Magic Mountain doesn’t have any magic nor is it on a mountain. And Knott’s Berry Farm hasn’t been a real farm for many years.

In November 1984, after more than 14 years in business, Lion Country Safari closed permanently. In 1986, part of the former Safari Camp became Wild Rivers Waterpark.

Surprisingly, the “so valuable” land that was once the drive-through safari remained undeveloped for decades.

The water park operated until September 2011. It’s now the site of Los Olivos, the largest apartment complex in Orange County, with 1,750 units. More apartments are planned for the site of the amphitheater when its lease runs out in 2017.

The Lion Country Safari name has long been erased. Moulton Parkway adjacent to the site is now called Irvine Center Drive. (It’s still Moulton Parkway after Lake Forest Drive.)

Yes, Lion Country Safari is long gone—but you can still visit Lion Country Safari. It doesn’t require a time machine.

That’s because the original (1967) Lion Country in Loxahatchee, Florida, is still open for business.

There’s still a Lion Country Safari near West Palm Beach, Florida.

Over 900 animals live at the Florida park. The four-decade-old attraction has aged gracefully. In recent years, the owners have upgraded the facilities with new features such as a giraffe feeding station, a ferris wheel, and a children’s water-play area, Safari Splash.

Cars and animals still the share the road in Florida.

There’s a four-mile drive-through preserve which provides great views of many different species. Guests are lent a CD or cassette for commentary through the car’s stereo. The lions are now fenced in. Chimpanzees live on islands. The elephants, who had long ago been moved into an elephant enclosure, were removed from Lion Country Safari in 2006; they are now at facilities that provide better social and physical environments for them. (Lion Country Safari’s Bulwagi the elephant was at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for four years before moving to the Birmingham Zoo in December 2010.) But there are still plenty of species wandering around in surprisingly large herds.

Ostriches seem to enjoy seeing their reflections in car windows.

The Safari World area provides animal exhibits, demonstrations, and rides (including rather Dumbo-esque flying elephants). After visiting Safari World, guests are welcome to drive through the preserve again at no additional charge.

It’s worth visiting Florida’s Lion Country Safari if you like animals and you’re in the area. Don’t expect the spectacular art direction of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. (It doesn’t cost as much for admission either.) This is a lovely, old-fashioned Florida attraction for guests of all ages.

© 2007-2020 Werner Weiss — Disclaimers, Copyright, and Trademarks

Updated January 5, 2020

• Scanned image of lions on road at Lion Country Safari, Irvine, California, from a Lion Country Safari brochure circa 1971. Included here for historical illustration.
• Scanned cover of Lion Country Safari brochure circa 1971. Included here for historical illustration.
• Photo of Lion Country Safari sign: from the collection of Richard Harris.
• Scan of Lion Country Safari exchange ticket: from the collection of Richard Harris.
• Photo of Lion Country Safari guard tower and giraffes: from the collection of Richard Harris.
• Scanned image of rhinos and elephants at Lion Country Safari, Irvine, California, from a Lion Country Safari brochure circa 1971. Included here for historical illustration.
• Photo of Lion Country Safari camels: from the collection of Richard Harris.
• Photo of Lion Country Safari tigers: from the collection of Richard Harris.
• Photo of Lion Country Safari giraffes on road: from the collection of Richard Harris.
• Photo of pride of lions at Lion Country Safari: courtesy of the Orange County Archives, Santa Ana, California.
• Photo of Lion Country Safari entrance to Safari Camp: from the collection of Richard Harris.
• Scanned image of map of Safari Camp and Entertainment Area at Lion Country Safari, Irvine, California, from a Lion Country Safari brochure circa 1972. Artist: T. Smith. Included here for historical illustration.
• Photo of Lion Country Safari flamingos: from the collection of Richard Harris.
• Photo of Lion Country Safari boat ride: from the collection of Richard Harris.
• Photo of Lion Country Safari (Florida) sign: 2006 by Werner Weiss.
• Photo of animals and SUV at Lion Country Safari (Florida): 2006 by Werner Weiss.
• Photo of an ostrich at Lion Country Safari (Florida): 2006 by Werner Weiss.

Richard Harris is the author Early Amusement Parks of Orange County .

Lion Country Safari: What to Do, What to See for Your Safari Experience

by floridaculture | Sep 26, 2022 | Things to do in Palm Beach |

Lion Country Safari in Florida’s Palm Beach area gives you a safari experience without the price of a plane ticket to Africa. This drive-thru safari park began in 1967 with several free-roaming lions and other animals. Nowadays, there are nearly 1,000 animals on site that roam among the preserve’s 320 acres.

Just what can you expect if you visit Lion Country Safari? Are you really going to get up close with some of the animals there? Here’s the scoop on what to expect, the cost to visit Lion Country Safari, and some tips for your visit.

What to Expect When You Visit Lion Country Safari

Lion Country Safari is a bit off the beaten path in Palm Beach County. In other words, rhinos and giraffes are not crossing your path while you’re shopping for Louis Vuitton bags in downtown West Palm Beach. Expect to drive about a half hour along 98 from downtown West Palm to get to Lion Country Safari, which is in the town of Loxachatchee. It’s about an hour from Miami.

Lion Country Safari tickets run about $41 per adult and $31 per child. Prices may fluctuate, and you may be able to find discounts for tickets online. Everyone must get a ticket except those age 3 and under. You can buy tickets online or at the gate.

When you enter the park, you can go to the drive-through safari area or the Safari World Adventure Park , which includes lots of kid-friendly activities. From a water playground (bring a bathing suit and sunscreen) to mini golf and a petting zoo, there’s plenty to entertain the kiddos at the Adventure Park. There are also ways to interact with other animals, including giraffes. The park also has a couple of places to eat. Although we didn’t make it to Safari World during our visit, it looks like a fun place for kids. We’ll focus on the safari portion of the park here.

The park also has premium experiences, such as a VIP guided tour . Advanced registration is required.

When preparing to enter the park, you’ll be reminded to keep your car doors and windows closed. This is for the animals’ safety and your own. You can also rent a vehicle from Lion Country Safari for $25 for 1 1/2 hours.

For all the reasons you can imagine, your pets also are not allowed on the drive-through safari. Lion Country Safari has kennels available for $5.

When you enter the park, you’ll be given a brochure and directed to a QR code that provides a link to an audio narration of your safari. You can also find a link to the audio tour here , both in English and Spanish. It’s a little over an hour long and follows the different reserves you’ll drive through (we name them below). It’s a lot of facts, but the narration and the map help you better appreciate what you’re seeing. Remember that the audio tour will use your cell phone data.

Here’s a video from Tom’s Road Trippin on YouTube that gives you a better idea of what to expect during a visit to Lion Country Safari and the Adventure Park. Here’s another video from Kayak7seas .

In the Safari at Lion Country Safari

The four-mile safari features acres upon acres of flat land where the many animals can roam. You drive through the park going through seven different areas (listed below in the order you encounter them….we also list some of the animals you’ll find in each area):

— Las Pampas, modeled after the area of the same name in Argentina. Find alpaca, brown pelicans, and marabou storks

— Buaha National Park from Africa, featuring ostriches and impalas

— Kalahari Bushveldt from southwest Africa, which includes ostriches, gemsbok (a type of antelope), and bongos (another type of antelope)

— Gorongosa Reserve, home to beautiful African lions

— Gir Forest, named for a national park in Gujarat, India. Find Asiatic water buffalo, scimitar-horned oryxes (they have very cool, long horns) and another type of antelope called nilgais

— Serengeti Plains, featuring wildebeests, watusi, and impalas

— Hwange National Park, named for the largest game reserve in western Zimbabwe and including some of better-known, beloved animals, like giraffes, Southern white rhinos, zebras, chimps, and giraffes.

Just how close do you get to the animals? It depends, but you can get pretty darn close. The animals seem pretty oblivious to the cars driving through but some of the more curious ones, like ostriches, will come up near the car. We had dozens and dozens of impalas crossing and walking ahead of our driving path (talk about a traffic jam). Because it’s the animals running the show, it all hinges on how close they feel like getting.

There are a couple of exceptions to this, including the chimps. The lions are behind protective, tall metal fences, and we noticed a couple of Lion Country Safari trucks nearby with staff. “They probably have tranquilizer darts,” someone said. “For the lions or the people?” we asked. Because after all, we are in Florida, where the people can be as unpredictable as the animals.

Seriously though, obey the rules and stay in your car. It may be hard to get a good lion shot with the protection there but you can get many other good animal shots.

You can take your time going through each protected area, even if the safari area is busy. That’s because there are many pull-off areas. So, if you want to stay and watch a certain group of animals and let some traffic go by, you can do so. Feel free to take your time, and remember that you can drive through the safari as much as you’d like on the day you buy your ticket.

If you’re in a bit of a rush, some of the areas, including Gorongosa Preserve (for the lions) have cut-through areas so you can skip them. Even if you’re doing this, just watch the speed limit signs as the animals have the right of way.

The park was an enjoyable visit on a sunny day. If you’re a photographer, bring your fancy camera or use your good phone camera. Some highlights included the curious and playful ostriches (at another safari park, we had ostriches chasing after our tram and then posing for us), the impalas crossing the road in droves, and the rhinos that were just eating and playing in the mud and grass. The zebras were pretty cool, too.

Going through the safari took about an hour and a half. If you add a visit to the Adventure Park, you definitely have a busy half-day visit or may be a full day if you stretch it out.

6 Tips for a Visit to Lion Country Safari

• Plan to visit when it’s raining or early on a sunny day. Surprisingly, the park itself recommends visiting on a rainy day as that’s when the animals are at their most active. If that doesn’t work, then early on a sunny day is their next recommendation (and ours). The park opens at 10 am on weekdays and 9:30 am on weekends. It’s open until 5 pm on weekdays and 5:30 pm on weekends.
• Consider staying at the adjacent KOA. Lion Country Safari KOA is adjacent to the park, and here’s the cool thing we’ve read: If you’re staying there, you can hear the lions roar. Otherwise, hotels are closer to West Palm.
• Watch out for other photo opps. The massive, open nature area that is Lion Country Safari naturally attracts other animals, so you may find other photo opps. For instance, we saw a heron snapping up and eating what we think was an eel or snake. It was a cool shot we could have missed had we not been paying attention.
• Use the map and audio narration to help you get to know the animals better.
• Drive slow and make use of those pull-off areas. Stay off your phone (unless you’re getting pictures with it) and look around.
• Remember that these are wild animals. The animals are part of a conservation effort, and they rule the roost, so to speak. Let them stay wild, and everyone will have fun and get along.

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Wellington The Magazine BLOG

Take A Trip Into The Wild At Lion Country Safari

Take  A Trip Into The Wild  At Lion Country Safari

For 50 years, Lion Country Safari has proven to be a roaring good time across its four-mile drive-through safari and 55-acre walk-through adventure park. Five decades later, it’s still as wildly popular as ever — a Palm Beach County gem that continues to shine, especially in the summertime.

“Every visit is a different experience,” said Haley Passeser, public relations associate for Lion Country Safari. “People can drive at their own pace in the comfort of their own vehicle and stop and take pictures when they would like. We’re really the only one people can drive through themselves.”

Florida’s only drive-through safari includes 1,000 animals. It has recently been ranked as one of the 10 best wildlife parks in the nation, and one of the best savanna exhibits in the world. The park is a destination for many residents and out-of-town visitors alike, where they experience up-close animal encounters within inches from their vehicles — similar to being on an African safari, where animals roam freely like they do in the wild. It’s also home to the country’s largest herd of zebras and one of the largest herds of giraffe in North America.

“It’s really naturalistic, not only in the landscape we provide and the habitats we have here, but also the manner in which they’re in the social groups,” Passeser said.

And the animal families are expanding. “When you drive through, there’s a bundle of babies running around,” she said. “It’s really cute.”

Since last September, six babies have been welcomed, including two water buffalo, as well as four giraffe calves. With the world’s giraffe population going through a silent extinction — a 40 percent decline of the wild population over the past three years — Lion Country Safari has partnered with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ Giraffe SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction) program, and also supports the Giraffe Conservation Foundation.

“Coming in to hang out with the babies is a great opportunity while they’re still young,” Passeser said. “They all hang out like a giraffe daycare around their moms.”

For those who want a wilder experience, there are several tour options available for an additional fee, including a one-hour guided walking tour through Safari World that includes an encounter with three different animals.

Visitors looking to capture some great moments on camera can take the 90-minute guided photo tour that brings animals to you while driving through the preserve with vehicle windows rolled down.

The newest tour is geared toward the youngest of animal lovers. Kids age five and under can take the toddler tour, where they go behind the scenes to see prehistoric animals or a personal experience at the petting zoo.

“We wanted to develop something more geared toward them that’s kid-friendly to keep their attention, not run too long, but also still fit in interaction and information,” Passeser said. “We have some animals that aren’t typically on the petting zoo floor like our mini zebu cows or our donkeys, so we try to include our encounters or feedings with those animals as well.”

Kids who dream of becoming a zookeeper can have their chance at one of the safari’s summer camps. The safari day camp for kids ages 6 to 13 is a huge draw. Campers get to learn about conservation, in addition to special interactions. “They get to do behind-the-scenes activities regular visitors don’t get to do, so it makes it extra-special for them,” Passeser said. “Anything from one-on-one time with the keeper, like making diets, to up-close and personal encounters. For example, during rhino week, they meet the rhino keeper and get to touch the rhinos before they go out first thing in the morning.”

On hot summer days, the two water slides at Lion Country Safari are a perfect way to cool off, including a 108-foot-long freefall slide, as well as a 214-foot-long loop water slide. There’s also the water wars water balloon challenge and a 4,000-square-foot water spray ground, complete with newly resurfaced padding. Many umbrellas dot the seating area to keep families cool. Several refreshment stands serve up cool drinks and snacks, or for a meal, try the African-themed restaurant with its revamped menu. Be sure to visit one of the several gift shops as well.

There are dozens of animal exhibits in the walk-through park, including animal theater, giraffe feedings, flamingos and reptiles. Or hop on a ride, like the carousel, dry slides, an elephant amusement ride, mini-golf or paddle your way by boat near islands filled with monkeys and chimpanzees. Visitors can also view the animals in action aboard the Safari Queen pontoon boat tour.

“Our chimp habitat island setting is really special and unique to us. In the wild, chimpanzees are naturally nomadic, as they move around and forage for food and build new nests every night. They like to be on the move quite a bit, so we like to simulate that and make it as natural as possible,” Passeser said. “We’ll create giant popsicles, throw a bunch of produce in a bucket and freeze it, and provide the chimps with a great snack on a hot day.”

For a more rustic adventure, the nationally ranked KOA Campground is next door, where campers can hear the nighttime sounds of Africa. Lions can be heard first thing in the morning within a five-mile radius.

Rain or shine, visitors are welcome every day of the year from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 for adults and $26 for kids; those 2 and under are free. For a discounted rate, buy online.

For a substantial savings, check out the Summer Savings Pass. It’s $58 for adults and $48 for children 3 to 12. It includes four parks, with unlimited visits to Lion Country Safari, the Miami Seaquarium, the Museum of Discovery & Science and Zoo Miami until Sept. 30. With huge savings like that, it’s time to get wild!

Lion Country Safari is located at 2003 Lion Country Safari Road, off Southern Blvd. For more information, call (561) 793-1084 or visit www.lioncountrysafari.com.

Bringing You The Best Of Wellington Since 2004

Lion Country Safari

Review Highlights

“ The monkeys weren't out much but the giraffes crossed the road and stopped traffic for a bit. ” in 186 reviews

“ Did the drive through Safari & was so close to the animals that a rhino dented our car as he was passing by. ” in 37 reviews

“ WE found for a reasonable charge we could get an annual pass for having bought our first entrance fee. ” in 13 reviews

Show more review highlights

Location & Hours

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2003 Lion Country Safari Rd

Loxahatchee, FL 33470

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Amenities and More

About the business.

Florida's only drive-through safari and walk-through amusement park invites you to spend the day on safari with over 1000 animals. With animal displays and encounters, animal feeding experiences, 5 rides, water sprayground, food, shopping and more, you are sure to have a memorable experience at Lion Country Safari. …

Ask the Community

Ask a question

Is this a good rainy day activity?

You drive your car through the park, so In that instance, yes, I wouldn't go if it's pouring rain because of visibility. I'd call the park and ask where the animals hide when it rains. There's also a gift shop area and food that requires getting out… more

Do they still have the Camel photo session/ride?

I do not remember seeing this activity.

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Overall rating

557 reviews

The place is really nice for family in general. Loved the giraffes! My family had lots of fun together.

So glad we visited this safari! There were so many animals and things to do throughout the park.

See all photos from Hanan R. for Lion Country Safari

2024 New Year's Day Monday, January 1st, 2024 1pm-4pm 4 adults, 1 child $267 We decided on Lion Country Safari to kick off our new years. Purchased our tickets online and received e-tickets via e-mail. Open 365 days per year including Christmas and New Year's Day. ***we took zero pictures or videos as we were determined to put all phones/tablets away and be fully engaged with one another and our little adventure*** ARRIVAL Drive up lanes/booths where they scan your QR/e-tickets, receive a map and drive through the safari. Windows up and locked the entire time. Radio channel that describes the animals as you drive pass them. (No animals came up to our vehicle this time but a zebra came up to someone else's and was doing something to their tire as everyone watched). DRIVE THROUGH SAFARI We absolutely love this little adventure and the fact the animals are free to roam (except lions) while we admire them. We saw zebras, rhinoceros, ostriches, giraffes, monkeysand more. PARKING/OTHER ATTRACTIONS We parked and went inside for the nature walk, petting zoo, water park, paddle boats, kiddie rides, mini golf, shows/demonstrations, animal encounters, food/snacks. (We ate before we went but while there we got a pretzel, slushy, popcorn, water; don't recall the cost). We got quarters (change provided inside the restaurant) for fish food dispenser for the fish, ducks, swans and other birds. We paid $5 (they accept credit cards) for a few large pieces of lettuce to hand feed giraffes which was fantastic. You walk up a short ramp to higher observation deck and they come right up and eat endless lettuce from everyone. They are so stunning up close. We truly loved this. The petting zoo was delightful as well and we also bought some food there to hand feed the goats (I think that was lettuce too). Most of them were friendly, one snipped at some child but nothing major and others were ramming one another playing. Super cool to engage in and observe their behavior. One made friends with us and wouldn't leave our group and if it did it came right back to hang out with our family pack, we named him Jeff. They have hand washing station which is recommended before and after. We purchased $3 tiny nectar juice and the birds would fly over, land on your shoulder and drink from it which we throughly enjoyed and spent some time at. Although one snipped at my son he said it wasn't a biggy that it was a baby and hungry. Even though the tiny nectar juice is small for $3, we fed plenty of birds and we're still able to hand it to another child who didn't have one to engage with the birds which made them so happy. All in all the day spent there was brilliant, everyone loved it, wanted to stay longer and engage more, the weather was fantastic, staff was friendly, animals were stunning, place was clean and organized. I can't think of a thing this place is lacking. CONS -I know there are summer passes which include this place and others like it in the tri-county area because we have got two before. But the summer is brutal to be outdoors so we are glad we went in January with cooler weather. Wish there was a Florida resident discount or any time of discount. -Bees; so many bees surrounding each and every garbage can (garbage can in parking lot and everyone inside), my brother got stung in his arm. He said it was no biggy but it was swollen and he kept a cool water bottle on it.

Came here with my family and it's worth the trip. You start off with the drive through where you are able to see the animals, learn about them and the conservation efforts. Then you can park and hit the park. My son loved the carousel, train ride, petting goats and feeding the giraffes. Highly recommend this place for families.

See all photos from Tiffany C. for Lion Country Safari

Took my family from out of state to Lion Country Safari and they had a BLAST!!!!!! She was shocked at the price we paid for 2 adults and 2 children but by the end of the day, it was deemed well worth it!

See all photos from Shedell M. for Lion Country Safari

We had an amazing time!!!! My grandchildren absolutely loved it. It's clean and well organized. The rides are perfect for young children. The petting zoo was fun and the animals were well cared for. Unfortunately the giraffes were not hungry on this particular day. The other animals on the drive through were active and gave a nice show. The reason for four stars is that's it's pretty pricey. Go to one of the turnpike rest areas and grab coupons for $5 off per person. Bring your own food too. At least drinks. Enjoy!!!

What a great day to spend bring the family here. This is obviously catered more to families since they have a whole kid section but don't be discouraged because it's worth to be a kid for the day. Lots of animals to see while you're in the car but I definitely wanted to pet more animals . Goats are $2 dollars per and to feed the giraffes it's $5 dollars for 5 lettuce leafs. One day pass is about $50 dollars after tax . Highly suggest to go early, since you're following cars be mindful about that . I noticed around 1 they fed the animals and it was better to get closer photos and videos . Has a few places to sit down eat and grab a cold beverage to cool off . For the price this is worth it .

See all photos from Pam H. for Lion Country Safari

Awesome experience! It starts with a drive thru to see all of the animals. They have a wide variety of animals- zebra, gorillas, water buffalo, lions, etc. They have a splash pad, small slides and some rides for the kids to enjoy inside the park- after the drive thru. There are boat rides and paddle boat options. You can bring your own food and snacks. Plan to arrive early and spend all day here! This is great for young kids!

Hadn't been here in yearssssss and apparently my son didn't remember going when he was younger. We decided to take a ride out. I was nervous because it was rainy but the lady at the entrance said this was the best time to go because it's cooler and the animals are more active. Admission fee has definitely went up since I used to go but no surprise there. As an attendant, she was very observant and saw I had a navy federal card that I was paying with. She asked if I was military I told her a family member was. She did give me the law enforcement discount though. I appreciated her being observant and working to get the guests discounts when she could just collect money and wave us through. Once inside it was awesome! Although rainy. The animals were very active! It was a great time. We did not check the inside area or adventure park due to the rain but it was worth it to drive through and see the animals. My only gripe was the audio guide.. I think it should be broken up into chapters so you can stay on track with what animals you are passing at the time. All in all, awesome time

See all photos from Stacie V. for Lion Country Safari

EXPENSIVE!!!!! How fo families afford this park that costs $50 per child and more for adults? Another greedy corporation. The park was nice but did not justify the $400 for three adults and one child

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

• Go City: Miami All-Inclusive Pass with 25+ Attractions and Tours (From $109.00)
• Go City: Miami Explorer Pass - Choose 2, 3, 4 or 5 Attractions (From $79.00)
• Go City: Orlando All-Inclusive Pass with Kennedy Space Center and LEGOLAND (From $199.00)
• Fort Lauderdale, Lion Country Safari and Palm Beach Day Tour (From $115.00)
• 7-Day Tour in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Key West and Orlando (From $1,471.00)
• (0.20 mi) West Palm Beach / Lion Country Safari KOA
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Modern Day Ruins

Modern Day Ruins is dedicated to the not-so-forgotten abandoned places we once loved.

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August 28, 2008, lion country safari: irvine, california.

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31 comments:.

Lion Country Safari can be seen on the TV show "More Things That Aren't Here Anymore." "A follow-up to the 1997 special recalls bygone Southland landmarks. Included: Hollywood's Brown Derby; Gilmore Stadium, a minor-league field; the steamships of Catalina Island; the original McDonald's restaurant. Host: Ralph Story." This program can be found on KCET.

The Irvine Company recently tore down Wild Rivers and are building a residential community on the site. The road going into the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater off of Irvine Center Dr. is still named Lion Country Safari road.

I forgot this part. The Irvine Company also extended Lake Forest Blvd. over some hills that are adjacent to the old Wild Rivers site. From the road you can easily see the entire area.

A twin engine Beach King Air also plowed into the Amphitheater during the 90s (?) on a final to El Toro.

I have a picture of me sitting on a lion. Not sure of the exact year, but early 70s. We loved that place as kids!!

I remember going to Lion Country Safari when I was a little girl. The ostrich tried to get the door lock on the inside of our vehicle. The other thing I remember is they had a machine that would make you a wax animal right there. It was so cool. Sad to see that it is no longer there. This was in the late 70's. Memories :-)

Wow so sad to have closed it down.We were there back in the 70's it was such a neat place to see.I have alot of pictures i took good thing i did.Im so sorry for the animals that were destroyed.Too bad they couldnt of did something to keep it open.Id really like to go through it again.):

I used to work at Lion Country Safari. Some of the detail left out is- The elephant that escape belong to Gentle Jungle. Who rented space from Lion Country Safari. There was accident involving the tiger from the show. Again the animal belong to Gentle Jungle. I was on duty that day. Here what happen. The show started (please remember this is Gentle Jungle equipment and animals). One Child was running all over the place, his father was to busying to control his child, it is ask parents please control your child at the beginning of each show. The tiger was having a bad day the trainer got him out of the ring somehow the tiger got out the cages and fences. The tiger attack a little boy. Where was his dad? To busy running leaving his child behind but did not forget his beer. I was one on the first one there. I will never forget this. Who gets sued? Lion Country Safari. Why? Lion Country Safari had money! Gentle Jungle didn't. I love working there. I have such great memories of Lion Country Safari

So glad to see your post. I am Dr. Dooley's daughter. I loved going to work with him back then. People are sue-happy and forget that animals are animals and to take care. I hate hearing the backlash. Lion Country was an amazing place!

There is an amazing episode of an old show called Cannon that I think was filmed there. Curious to know how much of it was.

I also worked there way back when as a apprentice to the magician who's name I can't remember. I think his first name was Lee. I can't remember his stage name either. If anyone remembers it please let me know..thanks

If you're going to tell the story tell the truth. These people were our upstairs neighbors and family friends. I KNOW what happened.

use to do the elephant show. One of the elephants is at LA Zoo. Many of the lions went to Shambala which at the time was owned by Teppi Heddren. Great place, good animals and lots of poor management from unknowing and uncaring executives.

I'm always grateful to hear these experiences from others, especially those of you who worked there. I remember the wax lion machine at the entry. I still have a souvenir from the gift shop of a plastic lion in a wooden cage with the LCS sticker on the bottom. I never could understand why this place dwindled on attendance but hearing from some of you, now I know why. They didn't seem to invest much back into the place. So sorry about the animals and the lawsuits. ...and the idiot people. It's hard for me to hear that Michael Crighton based Jurassic Park on the San Diego Zoo or Wild Animal Park when it was obviously much closer to Lion Country Safari.

Hi! I remember going on a school field trip to Lion Country Safari,I loved it and I still have my wax "Doc the Lion"Mold a Roma,I wish I could get information on"Doc the Lion"and I wish I could get a brochure of the park to go with my Doc the Lion.

went there in 1972? when Dad&Mom came out to see me.I was in the Navy.

I took my kids to Wild Rivers in the early 90s. Many great memories. When I visited CA in 1979, we drove through Lion Country Safari and had a great time. In October 1994, the lions were long gone when my fiance and I held our wedding there. We married near the water's edge and had our reception in the circular building nearby that had floor to ceiling windows - as I remember it. It was a beautiful place and I'm sorry that it is no longer around!

I lived in southern California for 11 years from 1980 to 1991. We went to many concerts a at the amphitheater. The last time we went to see Journey we snuck in via lion country safari! I remember going over the fence in a fairly inconspicuous spot and running down a hill to the walkway leading from parking to the amphitheater. Once down the hill we blended in with others walking to the show.

We took our three children there every year for many years we have such great memories great movies we watch them now with our grandchildren our grandchildren wish they could have seen the animals up close and see them as they should be saying you're free It was a great time we always look forward every year to go with my children got to Pat baby lions and they never will forget that so sad that it was not taken care of like it should've been it would be great for the children of today so so sad

I went to the summer camp. My grandmother ran the ropes challenge course there in the 90's. I loved exploring the park and old attractions.

that summer camp was great I attended from like 92-95, that was the highlight of every summer I was sad to see it go. They reopened as camp james in Newport Dunes apparently still highly rated as a summer camp.

I worked at camp Frasier during that time. Was a fun job

I went the summer camp called Camp Fraser about 3 times in the early 1990s ( I think from like 92-95ish) and it was a BLAST. We would go to wild rivers in the morning, and then have the whole lion country safari area as basically a playground with like ATV's and hiking and stuff (I don't really remember any exotic animals being around)

My sister worked there when it first opened in 1970. They had a brood of very young lion cubs to care for 7 days a week, and on weekends my sister would sometimes have to bring a couple of cubs home to bottle-feed and... uh... "wipe" every so often. Hungry little guys!

Mayfair High School Had Our 1977 Prom At Lion Country Safari. It Was So Fun. I Took My Good Friend Lauri Love. She Was The Most Foxy'st Girl There.

Was there in 1974 and love every minute of it. I am sorry to hear that is no longer open. I would like to have gone there again.

Went there only a couple of times, once as a field trip. My uncle helped develop a similar park in Puebla, Mexico, which I think is still open. I remember when Frasier was ill and passed away, I was delivering papers at the time. Every day was an update on the front page. Frasier was supposed to be buried up on the hills above the park. The guides would point it out. I remember also that Frasier was supposed have sired something like 23 cubs while he was at the park. Fond memeries.

I went there in the early 70's with my Aunt when we visited from Mn. I remember getting my photo taken with Gentle Ben, the bear. He stood up and had his paw on my shoulder. Was a great place..I remember my Aunt and her son rode the elephant. Too bad it closed.

I remember going through LCS in the 70s with my family. We were going through when they were feeding the Lions as the man was throwing them the raw meat he noticed dad was filming him. He threw a piece of meat on the hood of our car and when the lioness licked it off it scuffed up our paint because her tongue was so ruff. I will never forget that.

Hi Everyone, I'm a producer for ISH Entertainment, an award winning production studio in New York. We're casting a show for a big time network about LCR and are looking to talk to people with wild experiences from LCR. Please reach out to [email protected]. Thank you! Best, ISH Entertainment NYC

I was one of the first two counselors hired to run Camp Frasier in 1982. Within a few months of operating the camp we added a third counselor. The age range of participants was such that we "deputized" the older campers as junior counselors. We were always looking for activities for the kids to do. We talked the maintenance staff into helping us create fishing poles and the kids caught dozens of huge catfish which were displayed for parents when they came to pick up their children. Apparently, the jungle boat river had never been fished! [email protected]

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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.

PLACES TO REMEMBER

West Palm Beach

Delray Beach

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West Palm Beach Parks

Fun, leisure and relaxation.

• Chillingworth Park
• Coleman Park
• Currie Park
• Dreher Park
• Gaines Park
• Golfview Heights Park
• Gramercy Park
• Greenacres Freedom Park
• Haverhill Park
• Heart & Soul Park
• Howard Park
• Lake Lytal Park
• Mary Brandon Park
• Okeeheelee Park Boat Rental
• Okeeheelee Park and Nature Trail
• Old Trail Park
• Osprey Park
• Phil Foster Park
• Phipps Park
• Phipps Skate Park
• Pleasant City Community Center
• South Olive Park & Community Center
• Vedado Park
• Westgate Park and Recreation Center
• Barracuda Bay Aquatic Center
• Black Sparrow Pirates
• Calypso Bay Water Park
• Drive Shack
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
• Kravis Center
• Flagler Museum

Lion Country Safari

• Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge
• Manatee Lagoon Discovery Center
• Mounts Botanical Garden
• Norton Museum of Art
• Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens
• PB County Convention Center
• Cruzan Amphitheatre at South Florida Fairgrounds
• Rapids Water Park
• Palm Beach Segway Tours
• Palm Beach Maritime Museum – JKF Bomb Shelter
• Palm Beach Zoo
• South Florida Science Center and Aquarium
• Shark Wake Park
• Butterfly World
• Morikami Museum
• Green Cay Nature Center
• Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
• Bok Tower Gardens
• Weeki Wachee Springs
• Florida State Parks
• Boat ride to Peanut Island – Captain Joe
• Dog Parks WPB Video
• Downtown West Palm Beach
• West Palm Beach Overview
• Mountain Biking
• Morikami Japanese Gardens June 2016
• Palm Beach Zoo video
• Pinehurst MTB Trail
• Skateboarding
• Waterski Competition at Okeeheelee Park
• Blue Ridge Parkway video
• CityPlace WPB
• Brothers Farmers Market
• Farmers Emporium
• Riviera Beach Greenmarket
• WestGate Greenmarket
• WPB Greenmarket
• Frenchman’s Forest Nature Trails
• Grassy Waters Trails
• Winding Waters Natural Area
• Hiking with others
• WPB Waterfront
• Meyer Amphitheatre
• Lake Worth Beach
• Ocean Mall Beach – Riviera Beach
• Ocean Reef Park – Singer Island Beach
• Palm Beach Public Beach
• Canine Corner Dog Park
• City Paws Dog Park
• Lake Woof Dog Park
• Mary Brandon Dog Park
• Pooch Pines Dog Park
• Village Paws Dog Park
• Hilton Convention Center Hotel
• EV Charging Stations Map
• COVID-19 Pet Health Safety

Located about 20 miles west of West Palm Beach off Southern Blvd. Open Monday through Friday at 9:30 a.m. Admission close at 4:30 p.m. Park close at 5:30 p.m. Weekends and holidays: Opens at 9:30 a.m., last admission at 4:30 p.m., park closes at 5:30 p.m. Annual pass available

Admission : $45.00 plus sales tax ages 10-64 $34.00 plus tax ages 3-9 Free for age 2 and under

Parking : $8.00. Parking included in price for online tickets.

Safari restaurant as well as ice cream stand and snack shop on premises.

For more information, please visit their website below: http://www.lioncountrysafari.com

Lion Country Safari dedicated to protecting and preserving rare rhino population

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — Lion Country Safari, the drive-through animal adventure park in western Palm Beach County, is on a mission to keep the endangered southern white rhinoceros species alive.

The facility's newest Rhino is baby Bash. David Backus, the Preserve Lead Keeper at Lion Country Safari, loves spending time with this adorable animal.

"There you go, you're down," Backus said as Bash's rear-end hit the ground during one of their playful sessions together.

David Backus, the Preserve Lead Keeper AT @LionCountry plays with baby 'Bash' to get rhino used to human interaction. #TasteSeeSoFla pic.twitter.com/KapruRy5SN — T.A. Walker (@timallanwalker) November 27, 2019

Zoo spokesperson Haley Passeser said the spunky rhino loves playing in mud puddles.

"When it rains, he runs through the puddles, full steam ahead," giggled Passeser.

Bash was born at Lion Country Safari on Sept. 26 weighing more than 100 pounds.

"He will gain 1,000 pounds in his first year," said Passeser.

Bash is very unique because breeders have a really difficult time breeding even one or two generations of rhinos in captivity, let alone three. At 52 years old, his grandfather, Buck, is the oldest living rhino in North America.

"All five rhino species are generally decreasing overall," said Backus.

It takes around 15 months for a calf to be born. And only a few are delivered each year across North America.

"So every birth is very significant," said Passeser.

🦏 SPECIAL COVERAGE: Taste and See South Florida 🦏

Poaching is the chief cause of the species' dwindling numbers. Some people falsely believe the rhino's horn is an aphrodisiac.

The International Rhino Foundation said a rhino will be killed every 10 hours. That's why, for the keepers at Lion Country Safari, their work to keep the population from going extinct is especially meaningful.

"It's just not a safe environment, unfortunately," said Passeser when talking about poaching. She added if poaching stopped, maybe someday these rhinos could be released back into the wild.

As Bash grows, you can find him and his mom Anna in the maternity pen. Lion Country Safari is waiting for Bash to mature and bond with his mom before he joins the rest of the herd and gets big enough to stand up to the bullying zebras.

Bash and Buck aren't the only unique rhinos in the zoo's care.

Liisa is a rhino who's approaching her six-year anniversary this week of her cancer diagnosis.

Clowning around! Rhino Liisa trying to get "extra" treats! 🦏 @LionCountry pic.twitter.com/Go8sxysNIV — T.A. Walker (@timallanwalker) November 27, 2019

"We had to remove about two thirds of her horn," said Training and Enrichment curator Kimberlee Wuenstel.

Liisa was diagnosed with a cancer called fibromyxosarcoma. It's so rare that keepers said it's only been seen in two other rhinoceros in the world.

"In order to treat it, we had to remove [her horn] in stages," said Wuenstel.

The cancer was discovered during a radiograph session that Lion Country Safari does every few months. The keepers routinely weigh the rhinos, administer medications in their hump, draw blood through veins in their ears, and take X-rays of the 4,000 pound mammals.

"Come on, target," Wuenstel said to Liisa during an afternoon activity session. The rhino knows if she touches the target and holds in place for 10 to 15 seconds, her keeper, Daniel Soler, will reward her with food.

While WPTV was at Lion County Safari, Liisa held her head in place until she heard her trainer use a bridge (audio cue) to release her head back down to the ground.

"Good," said Wuenstel.

"Her horn is growing back," said Passeser gleefully. "We weren't sure if it would grow back."

Keepers build trust with the rhinos by routinely touching their ears and getting them used to the interaction so that when it's time to do a procedure, they are used to the stimulation.

To learn more about the rhinos and other animals at Lion Country Safari, click here.

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