safari park at christmas

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Wild Holidays at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

See the Safari Park in a whole new light! Take a holiday expedition of light and travel through places that glow and twinkle with holiday cheer. Holiday tunes set the mood, and seasonal food treats tempt you throughout your journey.

Select Nights

November 25–26; December 2, 3, 9, 10,  16–23, and 26–31

Neighborhood: North Inland

San Diego Zoo Safari Park 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd Escondido, CA 92027-9614

Contact Info

619-718-3000

Date & Time

Nov 24 - Dec 31, 2023 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Please check our website for current hours.

Free with Safari Park admission.

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San diego county fair.

With a nod to nostalgia and a focus on fun, the 2024 Fair will give our yesteryears another moment in the San Diego sun. Bop your way around the happy days of the ‘50s. Twist, shout, and shake it into the bewitching ‘60s. Move and groove through the disco nights of the ‘70s. Moonwalk it back to the gnarly age of big hair, shoulder pads, and parachute pants of the ‘80s. And enjoy the era of flannel and floppy drives of the ‘90s.

Del Mar Racing Season

San Diego horse racing takes place where the "turf meets the surf" at the Del Mar Racetrack. Fans flock to the track each summer to wager on their favorite horses during the popular, annual Del Mar Racetrack racing season, mid-July - early-September. Be part of the magic and nostalgia of this long-time horse race tradition dating back to 1937 when Bing Crosby greeted the first guests, and Seabiscuit won by a nose in the infamous race in 1938. This season features the nation's top racehorses, trainers and jockeys, and plenty of fun in the sun.

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All equipment provided including: kayaks, paddles, and life jackets.

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News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                      

CONTACT:       San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Public Relations 619-685-3291 [email protected]

WEBSITE:      sdzwa.org

DOWNLOAD VIDEO & PHOTOS AT: sdzwa.org/pr/WildHolidays-JungleBells

NEWS RELEASE  

Celebrate the Season with Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo, and Wild Holidays at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

SAN DIEGO (Dec. 20, 2022) – The magic of the holiday season returns, with two events full of  wild fun for the whole family: Jungle Bells Proudly Supported by California Coast Credit Union at the San Diego Zoo, and Wild Holidays at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Both events will treat guests to a winter wonderland of twinkling lights, live entertainment, festive music and culinary delights, along with awe-inspiring wildlife experiences.

Jungle Bells Proudly Supported by California Coast Credit Union—at the San Diego Zoo

During Jungle Bells, the San Diego Zoo will be filled with spectacular seasonal sights and sounds—and this year marks the first time the all-new Wildlife Explorers Basecamp will be open for the festivities. The Zoo will stay open until 8 p.m. for Jungle Bells fun through January 1, 2023 (except for December 24, 2022, when the Zoo closes at 5 p.m. and no Jungle Bells activities are scheduled).

Entertainment highlights include the a cappella quartet The Tinseltones, sharing their unique arrangements of holiday classics and bringing a dusting of snow to create a winter wonderland. The Holiday Troubadour, a strolling acoustic guitarist and singer; and Jingle Brass, a brass  ensemble, will also play holiday favorites throughout each evening. The Front Street Toog Tree has been illuminated with lights choreographed to an original holiday song to entertain guests every 30 minutes each night of Jungle Bells.

Guests can follow the Holiday Forest pathway to trek through holiday décor and specially designed illuminated trees to visit polar bears and reindeer. Or take part in Reindeer Games, as kids of all ages experience the interactive fun of holiday games and dances that get them up on their feet and in the spirit. Visit Santa himself for a photo opportunity, or pose with his friendly helpers—Zoo characters Dr. Harry Lion, Churchill Polar Bear, Sydney Koala and all their friends.

The inimitable Dr. Zoolittle gets in the holiday spirit, telling his own zany, interactive version of the classic seasonal story: Dr. Zoolittle’s “One Wild Night Before Christmas.” During Toy Shop Hop, Santa’s acrobatic elves will show off their bouncing and high-flying holiday magic in an amazing display of skill and athleticism. Jack Frost will bring a magical winter chill to the air as he shows off his skills juggling snowballs and icicles. And between performances, guests can fuel up with an abundance of culinary delights at the Zoo’s many restaurants and food stands.

Zoo guests won’t want to miss the nightly magic of Aurora, the popular twice-per-night spectacular, weaving 3D projection mapping, music and lights to highlight the beauty of wind, water and ice. This year, guests can interact with the show by purchasing all-new Aurora Bubble Scepters, which glow and bubble during portions of each evening performance. For a special VIP experience, guests can make reservations for a delicious pre-show dinner at Albert's Restaurant and a reserved priority viewing area to watch the magic of Aurora.

The San Diego Zoo is once again welcoming California Coast Credit Union as the proud supporter of Jungle Bells 2022. With over 25 branches in Southern California, California Coast is the longest-serving financial institution in San Diego County, having been founded in 1929 by teachers.  

Jungle Bells activities are free with Zoo admission or membership. Parking is free. To learn more, visit sandiegozoo.org/junglebells .

Wild Holidays—at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

‘Tis the season! Wild Holidays invites guests to experience the wonders of the Safari Park with a special holiday twist. This year marks the Safari Park’s 50th anniversary, and that provides one more reason for a spectacular celebration.

Throughout the Safari Park, holiday tunes will set the mood. The Safari Park’s very own radio station returns with a mix of contemporary and traditional sounds of the season. In addition, the Holiday Troubadour, an acoustic musician, will encourage guests of all ages to sing along; and the violin duo Turtle Doves will play holiday favorites in a classical, symphonic style. Plus, fan-favorite traveling guitar and percussion performers Sweater Weather will entertain with acoustic renditions of festive holiday songs.

Guests can visit Santa, the jolly ol’ elf himself, for a photo through Christmas Day, before he travels back to the North Pole. On the way, they will encounter magnificent firefly stilt walkers, or they can join adventurer extraordinaire Safari Parker for interactive fun and surprises as he reads his original holiday story, “‘Twas the Night Before Wild Holidays.”

At Wild Holidays, the Safari Park is aglow with incredible light displays. Not only is the giant, 24-foot, themed holiday tree with wildlife decorations a must-see, but a variety of other trees light up, choreographed to custom holiday soundtracks in two different shows titled, “Light Up the Holidays.” Guests can take an expedition through the musical and magical lighted archway Bridge of Lights, check out the Forest of Color, see the Baja Gardens in a whole new light, or journey down the Nairobi Lantern Walk. The specially designed, beautifully decorated areas of the Park make the perfect setting for a family photo. 

Celebrate the holiday season and commemorate 50 years of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park with a memorable evening presentation at Enchanted Lagoon, titled “Reflections: Our Moment.” During this colorful spectacle, floating, flickering lanterns dance in a choreographed celebration to an original world music soundtrack.

Wild Holidays is scheduled December 17–23 and 26–31, 2022; and January 1, 2023. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. during this event, with Wild Holidays festivities beginning at 4 p.m.

Wild Holidays activities are free with Safari Park admission or membership. Parking is $15 per vehicle; $20 per RV. Vehicle parking is free for members at Wildlife Protector and higher membership levels . To learn more, visit sdzsafaripark.org/wild-holidays .

Holiday Gift Guide

Looking for the perfect holiday gift for that special someone? San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has a variety of unexpected gifts to please anyone on your list—and when you give a gift from San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, you’re also giving back by supporting wildlife conservation. Each time you visit the San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park, purchase an item, or share what you know about wildlife and conservation, you take another step toward achieving the Alliance’s mission of saving animals and plants around the globe, and creating a world where all life thrives. This holiday season, you can shop with a purpose. Shoppers who can’t visit the San Diego Zoo or Safari Park to pick up these one-of-a-kind items can find them online at shopzoo.com . 

The holidays are a special time, and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance membership makes a truly special gift—a full year of discovery and inspiration at two remarkable wildlife parks: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Memberships are offered at various levels, providing a wide range of benefits and options for year-round admission. Whichever membership level you select, you can feel great knowing that you are connecting loved ones with wildlife, and empowering them to help protect and save species. Every membership saves wildlife. For more information on giving the gift of membership, visit zoomember.org/gift .   

Rose Parade

On January 2, 2023, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance will participate in the 134th Rose Parade® presented by Honda with a float celebrating the Safari Park’s 50th anniversary. The Safari Park opened in 1972 and since the beginning, saving species has been a key part of the Safari Park’s mission. The Safari Park has played a huge role in the conservation of species ranging from condors and hornbills to rhinos and elephants. With its theme, “Celebrating 50 Years of Conservation,” the float depicts rhinos, giraffes, and the Safari Park’s iconic Wildlife Safari experience, and brings to life the Safari Park’s ability to connect guests with wildlife and create life-changing moments.

About San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance   San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and   working toward   a world where all life thrives. The Alliance empowers people from around the globe to support their mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance supports cutting-edge conservation and brings the stories of their work back to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park—giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The work of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance extends from San Diego to   eco-regional   conservation “hubs” across the globe, where their   expertise and assets—including the renowned Wildlife Biodiversity Bank—are able to effectively align with hundreds of regional partners to improve outcomes for wildlife in more coordinated efforts. By leveraging these   skills   in wildlife care and conservation science, and through collaboration with hundreds of partners, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has reintroduced more than 44 endangered species to native habitats. Each year, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s work reaches over 1 billion people in 150 countries via news media, social media, their websites, educational resources and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers television programming, which is in children’s hospitals in 13 countries. Success is made possible by the support of members, donors and guests to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, who are Wildlife Allies committed to ensuring all life thrives.   

Link includes:

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• B-roll of Jungle Bells and Wild Holidays
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• Safari Park Tickets

Wild Holidays at the Safari Park

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Wild Holidays-Christmas Is In The Air @ The San Diego Zoo Safari Park!

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park  is celebrating the season with Wild Holidays!

What's Wild Holidays? Thousands of lights adorn the park, musicians like the Holiday Troubador sings seasonal songs, The Turtle Doves violin duo play Christmas favorites, and Sweater Weather a percussionist and acoustic guitarist jam holiday hits! You can meet Santa Claus and take photos! Fiery Stilt Walkers light up the night as they walk around the lagoon, Baja Gardens, and Condor Valley are also lit with lights.

If you've never been to The San Diego Zoo Safari Park you'll love the tram. It's a great way to cover the acres of terrain, and see the animals at home in their Safari Park habitat! 

If you visited the park before, you'll never tire of the tram. We couldn't wait to sit down and take in the sights. We saw rhinos, giraffes, Cape buffalo, a camel, zebra, lions and more! 

After our guided tram tour, we enjoyed strolling through the Safari Park. Everything from greeting the sheep and goats in the petting zoo, to taking in some stress-free holiday shopping at the Safari Park boutiques.

Wild Holidays is taking place on the following dates: Dec. 17–23, 26–31; and January 1. On Wild Holidays dates, the Safari Park is open until 8 p.m.  Wild Holidays is included with all admission tickets and memberships.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd.

Escondido, CA 92027

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Top Safari Destinations for Christmas

By Alex Edwards

December is ripe with opportunities to experience sensational wilderness in many parts of the world. here is our pick of the bunch to get you started:

STEP OFF THE BEATEN TRACK IN THE SERENGETI

Few places can compete with northern Tanzania when it comes to vast areas of wilderness and wildlife. but few people recognise what a rich experience awaits those prepared to step just a short distance off the beaten track.

The best-known event in Tanzania is the migration of the wildebeest, unsurprisingly the river crossings and calving draw much of the attention when it comes to safaris in the Serengeti; these are truly remarkable things to experience.

But in December, just as the herds thunder onto the short grass plains of the Serengeti, followed by mobile camps and tourists, we recommend looking to the North. By all means visit the migration for a night or two, but then head to the other end of the park and leave the crowds behind. Here, with the wildebeest gone, resident wildlife of all kinds thrives. This is one of the few areas where you have a real possibility of seeing the Big 5 in an unspoilt setting, and likely on your own. Black Rhino are frequently seen in the area along the Mara River. The long lush grasses that grow in the rolling valleys are havens for elephant, buffalo herds graze the Lamai Wedge and the warm flat-topped rocks typical of the area are the ideal places for lion and leopard to survey their domains.

And what’s more, all of this can be experienced from the verandah of your own private house – Mkombe’s House, just a few miles from the Mara River itself.

ESCHEW THE CONVENTIONAL AND HEAD FOR MADAGASCAR

Isolated for 65 million years, Madagascar is the oldest island on earth and hosts a cornucopia of unique wildlife, close to 200 mammals and over 100 bird species are found nowhere else.

Add into the mix flashy chameleons, freakish geckos and fascinating insects – this country’s critters are truly remarkable. With tropical rainforests, pristine beaches and endearingly eccentric towns, Madagascar is the ideal destination for an exploratory road trip. Head east from Antananarivo, the charming chaotic capital, to the Analamazaotra sector of Andasibe-Mantadia NP (when in doubt add a couple more vowels) for an opportunity to encounter the largest and loudest lemur – the Indri – whose teddy bear looks and wailing song make it unmissable.

Further south, via fabulous food and woeful wine, are the hot springs of Ranomafana whose surrounding forests contain a dozen prosimians including dancing Sifakas and pocket-sized bamboo lemurs – astonishingly the particularly photogenic golden bamboo lemur was only discovered in 1986. Crossing the spine of Madagascar takes you across to the drier west, land of the inimitable Ring-tailed Lemur, baobabs and inselbergs – here you can hike through sandstone canyons and swim under waterfalls in palm-fringed pools, before hitting the coast at Tulear which offers rewarding snorkelling and diving in the rich warm waters of the Mozambique Channel.

ISLAND HOPPING AROUND THE GALAPAGOS.

For families and groups of friends looking for a once in a lifetime experience, it’s hard to compete with sailing from island to island in the Galapagos on board your own private yacht.

Sail the seas at night to reach spectacular mooring points for you to head ashore and experience the natural phenomenon of these islands. During the day you’ll have plenty of time to explore beneath the surface. Equipped with specialist snorkel gear, jump in and you may find yourself joined by frolicking sea lions. A truly unforgettable experience.

The importance of boat size can’t be overstated. The smaller the boat, the more you’ll be able to explore shallower areas that bigger boats can’t access meaning trips ashore will be away from other visitors. A favourite of ours is the 12 berth Beagle – a rather beautiful 105ft steel hulled brigantine with teak decks and comfortable interiors, an excellent chef and brilliant guides.

TIGERS, TURBANS, LEOPARDS AND TRUNDLING CAMELS IN INDIA’S RAJASTHAN.

In winter the searing heat of Rajasthan subsides to warm sunny days with cloudless skies inviting exploration of India’s semi-desert state, its regal past and iconic wildlife.

There’s really nothing quite as thrilling as tracking tigers in the wild and the craggy hills, ancient ruins and dry forests of Ranthambhore are one of the best places in India to spot them. In winter, thousands of birds migrate from Europe and Siberia making the former royal hunting reserve an ornithologist’s paradise.

To the west, where scrub meets granite hills, crimson turbaned Rabari shepherds lead their flocks in search of pasture, and respect and live in harmony with leopard. Guided on foot or in an open jeep, you will search for the superbly camouflaged spotted cat may which may reveal itself among the rocky landscape.

Staying in exceptionally comfortable camps and restored forts and palaces, we highly recommend also including some time to dip into Rajasthan’s rich culture, gaze at night skies filled with an impossible number of stars and discover colourful villages where life moves at the pace of a trundling camel cart.

WILD NEPAL IN THE JUNGLES OF BARDIA NATIONAL PARK.

Head off-grid into the jungles of western Nepal to the pristine wilderness of Bardia national park; with lush forests, meandering river valleys and diverse wildlife you’ll experience wild Nepal at its best.

In the company of one of Nepal’s top wilderness guides, spend your days exploring the jungles in search of wild elephant and the elusive tiger. To track tiger on foot is one of the most exciting experiences you’ll find anywhere in the world.

Deep in the Sal Forest, split your time between a luxury jungle lodge and a simple tented safari camp so you and your family can relax and unplug from civilisation in both safety and style and experience life in the jungle in the company of true Nepal safari pioneers.

Alex Edwards

St Paul had his epiphany on the road to Damascus. Mine was on the road to Ruaha in the middle of an African night in ‘93.

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Big Joel's Safari Petting Zoo & Educational Park

The Holidays at Big Joel's Safari

Come visit our walk thru experience in the evening hours during the 2024 Holiday Season! It will be much different than your typical Big Joel's visit as the walking paths and areas will be changed for the holidays. The main attraction at Big Joel's Safari any time is the animals and you will see plenty of them. Of course many of our warm weather loving creatures will be off display keeping nice and toasty.  We look forward to seeing you this holiday season!

Before you visit us during the holidays we just want to clarify one thing.  If you are looking for a giant light display with millions upon millions of lights and then a small petting zoo at the end or just a couple animals on display, then this is probably not for you. If you are looking to see  animals along with a generous amount of lights and decorations then this is the spot for you!

Holiday Highlights!

Seasonal Animal Display

Christmas Lights, Decorations, and More throughout the Zoo!

Rudy's Refreshments- Enjoy some hot cocoa, drinks, snacks, S'more kits, cookies, & more

Fire Pits- Keep yourself warm and toasty, we will be selling S'more kits too!

Holiday Gift Shop- Our gift shop will be expanded with toys, stocking stuffers, Christmas ornaments, and more. Big Joel's Safari gift certificates and 2025 season passes will be available. 

2024 Holiday S eason

Hours and Admission

Open Wednesda y thru Sunday from Nov. 22th - Dec. 17th

(Closed on Thanksgiving, Nov. 28th)

Open everyday from Dec. 18 - 30th,

(Closed Christmas Eve and Ch ristmas, December 24th & 25th)

We are CLOSED on Thanksgiving (Nov. 28th),

Christmas Eve and Ch ristmas (December 24th & 25th)

Hours: 5:00 - 9:00 pm 

Admission: $10 per person, ages 2 & up

Safari of Lights is taking a hiatus for the 2023 season. Check back next year.

Corporate and holiday parties.

Feeling extra nice this year? Show your employees how much you care about them by gifting them an experience that will be talked about long after the holidays.

Buyout a night of the event exclusively for your employees where the entire light show can be a private experience for them and their families! Another option is to give gift cards or tickets to this event. 

SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH THE KIDS

We know how hard it can be to get the kids off of their phones and into reality these days which is why we have strategically created this Christmas light show drive-thru to be an experience , and not just something to “drive-by”. With the option to purchase popcorn and hot chocolate, the only reason your kids will want to use their phones will be to take photos of the tallest illuminated Christmas tree in town.

START A NEW TRADITION

With 2021 being the first year of the annual Safari of Lights event, it’s never too late to make this holiday season the first of many where you see the astonishing lights of Tanganyika Wildlife Park. In addition to witnessing these stunning lights at the zoo, you can also join in on collecting the Safari of Lights bumper sticker each year! *While supplies last. Each year the design will be different, giving you something to remember your night by forever and for each year to come.

KEEP THE TRADITION GOING

As a kid, you drove around looking at Christmas lights in Wichita with your family. You might even remember back when seatbelts weren’t mandatory and you could climb over your siblings in the car to see out their window too. Why not keep the tradition going (with seat belts, of course) – and bring it to Tanganyika for the longest light show in town?! With nearly an entire mile of illumination, our show will certainly need to be on your list for this year.

Volunteer Opportunities

As we’re getting ready for this exciting new event that requires 40,000 zip ties to tie, nearly 100,000 light bulbs to light, and a TON of other things to do – we need your help!

If you or a group are  looking for a volunteer project before, during, or after Safari of Lights we’d love to hear from you. This is a perfect service opportunity for scouts, youth groups, clubs, corporate teams, or any group of people simply looking to give back this holiday season!

Location and directions

Located right outside of Wichita, this is the perfect place to not only light up the night with an overwhelming amount of well-lit animal displays but a great place to see the stars if you have a sunroof. The quiet, safe neighborhood makes for the perfect spot to bring your family Christmas light tradition.

*Entry will be through our service entrance on 183rd St. You will only be able to enter using the Southbound lane coming from Maple St. therefore, we recommend those using Kellogg to go north on 167th St. to Maple and then continue West.

Please see our entrance map:

Visit the Park

Information, our address.

1000 S. Hawkins Lane · Goddard, KS 67052

On the West Edge of Wichita in Goddard

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Tanganyika wildlife foundation.

The Tanganyika Wildlife Foundation is a 501(c)(3) with the purpose of supporting exotic and endangered animal conservation and education efforts locally (via Tanganyika Wildlife Park) and around the world.

American Humane Certified™

Zoological Association of America

Holiday Light Safari

Select nights in november & december 2023.

Open 5:30 pm. Last Entry 8 pm. Closed 9 pm. ADMISSION Adults & Teens (Ages 13+) $10; Children (Ages 2-12) $8

See the Zoo in a Different Light

Create wonderful holiday memories with a casual stroll through the Zoo’s colorful environment sparkling with thousands of lights and whimsical lighted animal figures.

Take a merry ride on the train to see even more lights and displays.

Share Your Wish List

Visit with Santa through December 23.

Sweet Treat

Enjoy a cookie courtesy of Atwood's Bakery (while supplies last).

While you may spot a few night owls during Holiday Light Safari, most of our residents will be catching some zzz's.

Holiday Light Safari is a separately-ticketed event. The zoo closes at 4:30 pm (last admission 3:30 pm) and re-opens as Holiday Light Safari at 5:30 pm. FOTAZ Memberships and other Zoo Passes are not valid during Holiday Light Safari. In the event of inclement weather, the decision to cancel an evening of Holiday Light Safari will be announced via the Zoo’s facebook page.

318.441.6810

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Opening Times

What's in your stocking this Christmas?

We’ve got some great ideas for the animal lovers in your life – everything from animal adoptions to close-up encounters. Go on, bring the animal magic this Christmas!

Please note our last date for posting in 2022 will be Friday the 23rd of December.  Any orders placed after this date will be sent out when we return to the office on the 9th of January.

Christmas Gifts

Animal Experiences

Know someone who’s always wanted to shake hands with a meerkat, give a rhino a scratch or feed lunch to a giraffe? Then this is for you!  A Christmas gift they’ll never forget. We’ve got a whole range of up-close animal experiences for children, adults and family groups.

You’ll receive your animal experience voucher by email, so it’s perfect for a last-minute Christmas gift!

Adopt an Animal

A great way to help us care for the animals at the Safari Park and support our work to protect endangered animals in the wild. Choose your favourite animal from our adoption list and we’ll send you your very own adoption pack with 2 tickets to the safari park, an official adoption certificate and lots of other goodies.

Membership is a great gift for regular visitors as it allows you to visit time and time again throughout the year. It comes with some great VIP perks too – like our exclusive Members-only events and 10% off all refreshments, rides and gift shop purchases.

Give your friends and family a great day out at Blair Drummond with a gift card. Ranging from £20 to £100, gift cards can be used to buy tickets, refreshments, gifts and more. The convenient way to treat someone, and more exciting than socks!

Newsletter Signup

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to stay up to date with latest park news, updates on the animals and events.

Explore 350 Acres of Drive-thru Safari

Drive-thru adventure, experience animals up close, we are open daily, unforgettable adventures await at the alabama safari park. learn more, attractions.

Interact with our animals safely from your vehicle while exploring our 350-acre drive-thru safari, on foot walking through our village walk-about, up close when feeding the giraffes on the giraffe tower, or during a special, behind-the-scenes encounter.

Safari Drive-Thru

Village Walk-About

Animal Feeding

Giraffe Tower

Featured animals.

Meet our residents and learn about our featured animals’ diet, where they live in the wild and other facts about them.

Events & News

“One of the coolest and wonderful experiences we’ve had. We made memories we will have for a lifetime.”

- Shannon C.

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Conservation

Our Mission

Alabama Safari Park is devoted to wildlife conservation. We fulfill this mission by educating our visitors, caring for our resident animals and supporting conservation organizations. Learn more

Our Zoofari Parks Conservation Grants program helps fund wildlife and habitat programs in the U.S. and abroad. Learn about the latest recipients and how to apply for a grant. Learn more

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Santa is coming to town to bring a new holiday tradition to The Wild Animal Park in Chittenango.

Why stop at just celebrating Father's and Mother's Day? There's even a Flashlight Safari and trick or treating at the park every year to celebrate Halloween. This year, the celebration continues into the Christmas season with the first Wild Wonderland of Lights.

The holiday light show will open on Thanksgiving night and run every Thursday through Sunday until the New Year.

The Wild Wonderland of Lights is just one of many new additions to the park this year. The Beast is an exciting way to enjoy the Drive-Thru Safari.

The memorable guided tour takes guests where cars can't go, even through the water.  Along the way, you'll learn all about the amazing animals, as well as the history of The Wild Animal Park, which actually began when owner Jeff Taylor bought his kids a few goats for their birthday. The next year, they got a camel. Now we all get to enjoy the exotic animals inside the Wild Animal Park and Drive-Thru Safari.

Giraffe Feeding Station

You can get even closer to the magnificent giraffes at the Wild Animal Park in Chittenango at the brand new giraffe feeding station. It not only provides more room for the animals to roam but also gives everyone a chance to get closer than ever before. "We are never satisfied at our park and we are always looking to improve for our animals and our guests," park owner Jeff Taylor  said .

The original giraffe feeding station was built with high stairs due to a lack of space. That created problems for anyone with a disability or in a wheelchair. "We decided to more than double the size of our giraffe yard for the animals, but we also opened the new feeding station that is fully accessible to all of our guests," said Taylor.

The Wild Animal Park is located at 7621 Lakeport Road in Chittenango. You can learn more about the park and get tickets at Thewildpark.com .

Take a virtual tour to see everything The Wild has to offer.

Take a Virtual Trip Through the Wild Drive-Thru Safari

17 wild & fun activities to do at the wild park in chittenango, more from big frog 104.

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AUTUMN FESTIVAL

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park celebrates the season of color with amazing wildlife, special entertainment, and culinary comforts that create heartwarming memories and good old-fashioned family fun. The following are included with Safari Park admission or membership:

SAFARI BASE CAMP

Welcome Pumpkin Owl

• 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (continuous)
• Inside turnstiles, adjacent to Safari Outfitters

“Harvest the Owl” welcomes guests throughout the month of October, and makes for a perfect photo spot to kick off your day or end your Autumn Festival visit to the Safari Park.

Safari Park Radio 197.2

• Saturdays and Sundays
• Safari Base Camp

Safari Park Radio 197.2 returns, broadcasting an upbeat, modern country soundtrack that will make you want to jump up and line dance at Safari Base Camp.

NAIROBI VILLAGE

Robert the Zebra

• 11:15 a.m. and 12:15, 1:15, 2:15, and 3:15 p.m. (30 minutes)
• Nairobi Station, Nairobi Village

Everyone's favorite animated Zebra will interact and greet guests of all ages, and educate and inform them in a fun and playful way about wildlife and the environment.

Autumn Festival Jamboree

• 2, 3, 4, and 5 p.m. (30 minutes)
• Village Playground, Nairobi Village

Our Not-so-Scary Scarecrows lead this hoedown full of interactive country dances and fun for guests of all ages.

The Barn Owls

• 2:30, 3:30, 4:30, and 5:45 p.m. (30 minutes)

Join this musical trio as they perform traditional country and bluegrass favorites.

Not-So-Scary Scarecrows

• 2:45 to 5:45 p.m. (continuous)

Our playful and interactive characters will meet and greet guests, as well as encourage them to venture into the Village Playground.

A-MAZE-ing Autumn Adventure

Young Explorers will love navigating through this experience as they seek out clues to find Southwest wildlife, and make their way through all the twists and turns.

Reflections

• 6:45 p.m. (7 minutes)
• Lagoon Loop, Nairobi Village

What better way to end your Autumn Festival evening than by watching floating, flickering lanterns as they dance in this choreographed, original musical journey around the world.

CONDOR RIDGE

Safari Parker

• 1, 2, 3, and 4 p.m. (30 minutes)
• Burrowing owls habitat, Condor Trail

Our explorer and adventurer extraordinaire will regale guests with his knowledge of wildlife, specifically about burrowing owls and plants that thrive during autumn.

Roar, White, and Blue

PREFERRED HOTELS

Come Travel with Us!

Travel with us to see Monarchs

Picture Your Special Day at the Park!