virginia animal safari park

Animal Encounters at Virginia Safari Park

Get up close during animal encounters with two-toed sloths, African penguins, and rhinos at Virginia Safari Park in Natural Bridge.

Rhino Encounter

What to know before you go.

• Rhino Encounter Time – 1 PM Daily, weather permitting.
• Encounter is limited to 10 participants for each time slot.
• Participants under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
• Not suitable for children under the age of 10 - no exceptions.
• Please check in 30 minutes prior to the scheduled encounter time.
• The encounter begins promptly at the assigned time. Late arrivals will not be permitted to join the experience.
• Encounters are outdoors, weather permitting.
• Closed-toe shoes highly recommended.
• Duration and availability of encounters are subject to change without notice; payments are forfeited in the event of no-shows and late arrivals.

Penguin Encounter

Are you passionate about penguins?

• Penguin Encounter Time – 11 AM and 3 PM daily, weather permitting
• Participants under the age of 12 must be accompanied by paying adult.
• Closed-toe shoes are highly recommended.

Sloth Encounter

Meet our cute and gentle Linnaeus's two-toed sloths, Flash and Priscilla, during a sloth encounter experience. You' 'll be able to get up close to feed them while learning about these slow-movers who are loaded with personality. Whether they are just hanging out, taking a snooze, or moseying along to reach a tasty treat, they are as delightful as sloths can be. Being notoriously slow makes them great for posing for photos, so bring your camera! Cost: $40.00 per person  

• Sloth Encounter Time – 10 AM and 2 PM daily, weather permitting
• Encounter is limited to 10 participants for each slot.

2024 Park Hours

Our season will end on sunday, december 1, 2024, you may also like.

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Virginia Safari Park

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Virginia Safari Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Virginia Safari Park – 180 Acre Drive-Thru Adventure

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I-81 Exit 180 or 180 B

Safari Village features 10 acres of walk-thru exhibits including Tiger Territory and cheetahs, Giraffe Feeding Station, petting area, Kangaroo Walk-About, free flight bird aviary, reptile house, monkeys & more!

Gift shop, picnic shelter, wheelchair accessible. Credit cards accepted. Adult, senior, child and group rates. Active military discount with ID. No pets allowed; non-smoking facility.

SAFARI DRIVE-THRU

Drive along 3 miles of road in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. With the Blue Ridge Mountains as your backdrop, animals of all sizes, shapes and colors approach your vehicle in search of a tasty bucket of feed!

• Llamas, camels, antelope, deer, bison, ostrich, elk, zebra and many more animals!

SAFARI VILLAGE WALK-THRU AREA & PETTING ZOO

Stroll along the pathways where you will find a wide variety of exhibits everyone can enjoy!

• Feed goats, potbelly-piglets and baby llamas in the petting area.
• Feed giraffes directly out of your hand!
• Enter select habitats for an interactive experience you will never forget!

540-291-3205

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Getting To the Valley – Train

Amtrak  – You can reach the Valley directly by train by traveling to the Amtrak station in Staunton, or indirectly by traveling to stations in short driving distance in Charlottesville, Lynchburg, the Washington, D.C. area, and in Harpers Ferry and Martinsburg, West Virginia.  Also see  Amtrak Virginia .

Getting To the Valley – Plane

Airports within the Shenandoah Valley

If you are travelling by air, you can skip the rental car and schedule a private car service with Shenandoah Shores Management Group (SSMG). Our experienced drivers will pick you up from the airport and drop you off at your destination. And they can safely drive you to any other locations in the area.

Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport  Weyer’s Cave, VA (SHD) Roanoke Regional Airport   Roanoke, VA (ROA)

Airports a short driving distance from the Shenandoah Valley Baltimore Washington International Airport  (take I-70 west to I-81, then go south) Ronald Reagan National Airport  (Arlington) (take US-50, Va-7, or I-66 west to the Valley) Washington Dulles Airport  (take US-50, Va-7, or I-66 west to the Valley) Richmond International Airport  (take I-64 west to the Valley) Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport  (take I-64 west to the Valley) Blue Ridge Regional Airport  (Martinsville, Virginia)

Getting To the Valley – Car

Interstate 81 is the main north-south route to and through the Shenandoah Valley.

From the Northeast take Interstate 76 or Interstate 78 west to Interstate 81 south.

From the Northwest take Interstate 76 east to Interstate 70. At Hagerstown, MD take Interstate 81 south into the Shenandoah Valley.

To reach the Valley from the east, the main highways are Interstate 66, which brings you directly from the Washington, D.C. area and connects with I-81 near Strasburg, VA.

Interstate 64, which brings you directly from Richmond and connects with I-81 near Staunton. From the west, I-64 is again the most direct route, coming from West Virginia and linking to I-81 near Lexington, VA.

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There is so much to do when you visit Natural Bridge, including exploring the Virginia Safari Park ! This Natural Bridge zoon is drive -thru a zoo with hundreds of free-roaming animals.   This unique experience gives you the opportunity to  get up close and personal with the animals and feed the m  right from your car.  From a farm petting zoo to penguins to rhinos,  this safari park packs a lot into a day at the zoo .  

You can easily spend an entire day at the safari, but you’ll need to fi ll  the rest of your trip to  the Blue Ridge  Mountains . Get our complimentary Vacation Guide to start planning your wildest getaway yet!

GET THE VACATION GUIDE TODAY!  

Everything  Y ou  N eed to  K now  About   Virginia Safari Park  

What to  expect.

The  park  is 180 acres with the main attraction being the  3+ mile  S afari  D rive-thru.   There is also the Safari V illage which is more like a traditional zoo where you walk around and view the animals.  

What Can You  Do?  

When you first enter the park, buy some animal feed  and hit  the  Safari Drive-thru. Feed the free-roaming animals like camels ,  elk , and  ostriches.   This can take a while because the animals are known to lay in the middle of the road for as long as they like.  Once you make it through, park  your  car  and enter the S afari Village. You’ll have the chance  to feed gira ffes and budgie s, observe the tiger territory, pet farm animals, visit the penguins, and walk among kangaroos! For an extra fee, you can also have an up-close encounter with rhinos, sloths, or penguins. If you get hungry, there is a café with concession stand food.

How Much Is It?  

Adults are $29.95, while seniors 65 and older sa ve two dollars on their tickets. Kids between the age s of two and 12 are $21.95, and k ids under two are free. Prices can vary by the season, so be sure to check their website for any changes to their tickets.

When Can You Go?  

Virginia Safari Park is open seven days a week from March t hrough  November.  Hours vary based on the season, but the park always opens at 9 a.m. and closes anytime between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The last car is typically admitted an hour and a half before closing.   C heck  the hours  and get details before your visit .  

What Else Do You Need to Know?  

Your  ticket is  g ood all day, so you can leave the park for lunch and come back.  For  the Safari Drive-thru, a ll cars must have doors, and doors must remain closed. You can’t bring in your own animal feed or any pets.  

Relax at the Natural  Bridge Hotel

After you take a walk on the wild side, you’ll want a place to rest. Natural Bridge H otel is perfect because we’re just five miles from Virginia Safari Park! To make the most out of your adventure with the family , we recommend our Family Fun Outdoor Package . This package includes overnight accommodations, breakfast each morning , and two adult and two  child   tickets to the Natural Bridge State Park and the Caverns at Natural Bridge. If it’s just you and that special someone, we have several   other packages available.

We offer comfortable  Main Inn Rooms ,  Premium Second-Floor Balcony Rooms ,  Guest Rooms on Cottage Hill , and Veranda Rooms . With more than 150 rooms to choose from, you’re sure to find  the  one  for you !

Check our availability to start planning your adventure in Natural Bridge!

Virginia Safari Park

229 Safari Lane, Natural Bridge, VA 24578 Phone: (540) 291-3205

www.virginiasafaripark.com

180 Acre Drive-Thru Adventure featuring over 1,000 free roaming animals from around the world. Come feed, pet, and enjoy!

Drive through or take a public tractor-driven wagon.

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Virginia Safari Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Virginia Safari Park

Get up close and personal with animals during this drive-thru adventure..

Written by Hope S. Philbrick, editor Foodie Travel USA.

A llama will stare you down as you enter Virginia Safari Park, whether you drive through the 180-acre zoo in your own vehicle or hop aboard a wagon ride. “The llamas have the most personality and are a big hit with people,” says Sarah Friedel, director.

“They’ll stand in front of your car and stop you. They stop every car!” They know you have food.

Buckets of animal feed are sold alongside admission tickets to the only drive-thru zoo in Virginia. Feeding animals through your car windows or while riding in a wagon (that holds up to 35 people) is a memory-making way to interact with these magnificent creatures. The llamas routinely stake out the entrance, and in doing so have gained the playful reputation of serving as the “llama mafia” since paying them off with a little food is the easiest way to get in.

The park’s 1,000 animal residents—including elk, camels, deer, bison, ostrich, zebra, antelope, and many more!—are free to roam as you navigate three miles of gravel road, stopping to watch and feed them along the way. The animals may block your path, so it’s best not to be in a hurry. “All the animals roam and eat as they choose,” says Friedel. “The animals know they can come up to guests and feed that way.” Moving as herds throughout the park during the day, the animals graze, lounge, nap, play, feed, and act as they please.

Virginia’s drive-thru safari park is split into two sections, plus there’s a ten-acre walk-thru zoo called Safari Village that’s included as part of the admission price. Feed for animals in the walk-thru area—where you can see tigers and penguins plus interact with kangaroos and other animals—is available for purchase at strategically-placed coin machines.

Buy a feed stick in the aviary and a budgie may land on your finger to snag some seeds. Get a lettuce cup and you might feel a giraffe’s tongue on your hand.

New residents include the four cheetah cubs born at Virginia Safari Park this year. “We have one male and three female cheetah cubs,” says Friedel. “We also have Ruppell’s Griffon Vultures successfully breeding every year now—not many zoos have this luck! We’re also getting a new giant anteater exhibit since we have a breeding pair and our female is due in a couple of months we hope.”

Your admission price helps fund Virginia Safari Park’s wildlife conservation efforts, which include public education, captive breeding programs, habitat preservation, and financial support for a range of programs including rhinoceros and elephant anti-poaching units, artificial nest sites for wild penguins, and giraffe relocations to boost sustainable genetics.

While the llamas make sure they get attention from all guests, every animal deserves notice. Each year on September 22, World Rhino Day is celebrated worldwide to raise awareness about critical conservation efforts needed to protect these magnificent creatures. “We do ‘World Rhino Day’—and, in fact, celebrate it for a week, with a portion of all proceeds supporting rhino conservation efforts—but the rhinos probably don’t get much attention,” says Friedel. So, don’t skip the rhinos! Even if they don’t block your car, they want your love, too.

Fun for all ages, Virginia Safari Park is open daily from mid-March through November. The state’s only drive-thru safari adventure offers discount rates for groups of 15 or more.

With its abundant animal encounters and spectacular backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you can build memories and snap some unique photos at Virginia Safari Park. Of course, the “Llama Mafia” T-shirts are optional, but they do consistently rank among the gift shop’s most popular items. Because it’s not every day you face off with a llama.

Virginia Safari Park is located at 229 Safari Lane in Natural Bridge, VA. Call 540-291-3205 for details. Virginia Safari Park is just one of the many great reasons to visit Lexington, Virginia.

Updated February 29, 2024

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Virginia Safari Park

Unlike any zoo you’ve ever been to, this is 180 acres of drive-through Safari adventure, featuring 1000 free-roaming animals. Llamas, camels, antelope, deer, bison, ostrich, elk, zebra, and more might approach your vehicle looking for a bucket of feed. Safari Village also includes 10 acres of walk-thru exhibits.

virginiasafaripark.com 229 Safari LN, Natural Bridge, VA 24578 540-291-3205

10 Animals You'll See At The Virginia Safari Park

Virginia Safari Park is home to numerous exotic animals, including tigers, cheetahs, and giraffes.

Virginia Safari Park is a drive-through safari adventure with a Village Walk-Thru option. This wildlife safari park is a great attraction to add to your bucket list.

What sets this safari park apart from zoos and other parks is its mission. Virginia Safari Park emphasizes the importance of conservation, and the animals in their care are not there solely for entertainment purposes but for conservation and education purposes as well.

Of course, the wide array of animals is also an appeal. With over 80 different species, Virginia Safari Park cares for a wide variety of animals, including birds, cats, turtles, monkeys, rhinos, and kangaroos. This article includes a list of ten amazing animals you will see when visiting Virginia Safari Park.

• Address: 229 Safari Ln, Natural Bridge, VA 24578
• Hours: Monday-Sunday 9 am-5 pm
• Cost: Adult (13-64)- $26.95, Senior (65+)- $24.95, Children (2-12)- $18.95, Under 1-free
• Nearby hotel: Natural Bridge Historic Hotel and Conference Center, 15 Appledore Ln, Natural Bridge, VA 24578

Related: The Best U.S. Zoos Offer More Than Self-Guided Tours

One of Virginia Safari Park’s featured animals is the giraffe, more specifically, the reticulated giraffe. This type of giraffe is known for being the smallest of the nine giraffe subspecies.

When visiting the safari park, visitors are able to feed the giraffes while embarking on the Village Walk-Thru. Romaine lettuce leaves are available for purchase, and many visitors enjoy feeding these leafy greens to the animals. When feeding these gentle giants, simply place the lettuce in your hand, and the giraffes will scoop it up with their long tongues!

9 African Penguin

Another must-see animal at Virginia Safari Park is the African penguin. This park is home to a whole group of penguins. Something special about this safari park is visitors have the option to meet the penguins up close! For $40, an animal care specialist will take you inside the penguin enclosure. While interacting with the penguins, the animal care specialist will share information on how the birds are cared for. This special meet-and-greet option is titled Penguin Encounter.

• Times: 11:15 am and 3 pm daily
• Cost: $40 per person
• Important: check in 30 minutes before the scheduled Penguin Encounter

Virginia Safari Park is also home to the Southern White Rhino. The Southern White Rhino is native to Africa and has a typical lifespan of 40-50 years. This magnificent creature is also the second largest land mammal on Earth !

Similar to the African penguins, visitors can also meet the Southern White Rhino up close. The park’s Rhino Encounter package retails for $50, including a close-up encounter with the stunning animal and an information session with an animal care specialist. While some people opt for overnight zoos , these animal encounters offered at Virginia Safari Park are a great, beginner-friendly way to interact with wildlife.

• Time: 1 pm daily
• Cost: $50 per person
• Important: check in 30 minutes before the scheduled Rhino Encounter

The safari park also boasts adorable marsupials, such as the kangaroo. Part of the park’s Village Walk-Thru trail is the Kangaroo Walk-About, an area where you can observe these cute creatures. The Walk-About features a viewing area where you can watch the kangaroos jump and prance around.

Both mother kangaroos and joeys (their babies) can be spotted at the safari park. A joey typically sits inside its mother’s pouch, so keep an eye out for babies poking out of the mother kangaroos’ pouches.

6 Giant Anteater

Virginia Safari Park also cares for many giant anteaters, also known as ant bears. Native to Central and South America, this mammal can survive in various habitats. Giant anteaters also have quite an appetite, eating around 35,000 ants and termites each day !

Giant anteaters are currently considered a vulnerable species due to their native habitat declining in size. Virginia Safari Park, among other parks and organizations, works to protect this species and give them access to a safe space to live.

Related: These Are The World's Best Zoos To Visit In 2022

5 King Vulture

This Central and South American bird, scientifically known as sarcoramphus papa, can also be found at Virginia Safari Park. King vultures can grow to 2.5 feet tall and weigh 8 pounds, making them one of the largest New World vultures .

With unique physical features and coloring, these king vultures are a must-see. These birds don black, white, and gray feathers, but the most striking feature is their colorful faces. Their faces and beaks include hues of purple, red, orange, blue, and yellow.

4 Dromedary Camel

Virginia Safari Park is also home to the dromedary camel, the tallest species of camel. These mammals are over 7 feet tall and can weigh up to 1,600 pounds . One of the park's resident camels is Jasper, a charming animal and fan favorite on the park's Instagram account.

Having adapted to the desert landscape, dromedary camels have two rows of eyelashes to keep sand out of their eyes. Their footpads are also designed to walk over the desert sands. Virginia Safari Park works hard to ensure their dromedary camels are comfortable in their park environment.

Related to the anteater, the sloth is another animal found at Virginia Safari Park. Two sloths, Flash and Priscilla, currently reside at the park. These two sloths engage in typical sloth behavior, including moving at a slow pace, hanging onto tree branches upside down, and sleeping.

Sloths are also part of the Animal Encounter program. Visitors who sign up for the Sloth Encounter can meet and feed Flash and Priscilla, as well as learn more about these creatures from an animal care specialist.

• Time: 2 pm daily
• Important: check-in 30 minutes before the scheduled Sloth Encounter

2 Bengal tiger

Arguably one of the coolest animals at the safari park is the Bengal tiger. Virginia Safari Park’s mission is to help conserve wildlife and protect species. The Bengal tiger is a prime example of one such species that is currently endangered and needs protection. In India, where these tigers live in the wild, tiger reserves are created . At Virginia Safari Park, the tigers live in carefully crafted habitats that are kept up by care specialists. The two tigers currently residing at the park are named Nikita and Indira.

1 King Cheetah

The number one must-see animal at Virginia Safari Park is the king cheetah. In fact, Virginia Safari Park is the only zoo in America with a king cheetah. It is also estimated that there are as few as ten king cheetahs left in the wild . King cheetahs are endangered and the rarest African cat.

Virginia Safari Park actually cares for two king cheetahs, siblings Sully and Shani. Instead of sporting typical cheetah spots, these king cheetahs’ coats display splotchy patterns.

The Unique Park Everyone In Virginia Should Visit At Least Once

A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Charlottesville. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.

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From the coastline to the mountains, Virginia has no shortage of beautiful parks . These preserved areas give us a chance to explore the natural landscape in a way that is so important for our appreciation of this state. While many are familiar with the State Park system, fewer realize there’s actually a Safari Park located right in Lexington. And it’s every bit as exotic as it sounds. For a chance to gaze at some truly extraordinary animals in a beautiful setting, you’ll want to make the trip to this magical safari park soon.

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Have you visited this magical animal encounter in Virginia before? If so, be sure to tell us about your experience there — we’d love to hear from you! For more information, you can visit the official Safari Park website .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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For a one-of-a-kind animal experience in Virginia, be sure to visit Lower Sherwood Farm in Charlottesville. This lovely destination offers guided llama hikes through the woods. Strolling through the forested countryside with your llama companion, you'll feel connected to nature in the most unforgettable way. And just think about the photo ops! If you're curious about this animal experience, be sure to learn more about these unique llama treks in Virginia .

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Virginia's Only Drive-Thru Safari

Virginia safari park is home to king cheetah, africa's rarest cat, fun for the entire family, experience unique animal encounters, explore our 180-acre safari drive-thru, stroll through our 10-acre village walk-thru, extended summer hours are here plan your visit, attractions.

You can interact with our animals safely from your vehicle while exploring our drive-thru safari, on foot walking through our village walk-thru, or up close during a special, behind-the-scenes encounter with sloths, rhinos, or penguins.

Safari Drive-Thru

Village Walk-Thru

Animal Feeding

Animal Encounters

Important information.

The VIRGINIA SAFARI PARK, a 180-acre drive-through zoo located in Natural Bridge, VA, is NOT associated with the Natural Bridge Zoo, which is also located in Natural Bridge.

Unfortunately, with the recent legal issues and press coverage surrounding the Natural Bridge Zoo we have found it necessary to post this clarification. We have been contacted by many sources that have inadvertently confused the two zoos.

Our official website is www.virginiasafaripark.com. Please beware of copycat imitations. Again, the VIRGINIA SAFARI PARK is NOT associated with the Natural Bridge Zoo and never has been.

Thank you for your understanding.

Events & news, featured animals.

Get to know our resident animals. We spotlight a few featured animals and teach you about their eating habits, their status in the wild and statistics, like their average weight, height and more.

Giant Anteater

King Cheetah

The Virginia Safari Park is hands down one of the best zoo experiences I’ve ever had!,”

Jahmelia B.

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Conservation

Our Mission

Virginia Safari Park is dedicated to wildlife conservation. We serve this mission by educating our visitors, caring for our resident animals and supporting 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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Extended Summer Hours Are Here!

M-F Open 9a - 5:30p * Last car admitted 4p

Sat & Sun Open 9a - 6:30p * Last car admitted 5p

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Grevy's Zebra Born

A female Grevy’s zebra foal was born at the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park on April 16, 2024. This foal makes history as the first animal ever born at WildCare Park!

The foal, Roxie, weighed 95.8 pounds at birth. She is doing well and bonding with her mother, Gemma, and another female zebra, Laila, in the Kent Family Conservation and Animal Science Center, a facility within WildCare Park dedicated to sustaining endangered and threatened species. Roxie’s parents are 7-year-old Gemma and 11-year-old Presley who were originally paired together at the Saint Louis Zoo in Forest Park as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan for endangered Grevy’s zebras, a program to manage a genetically healthy population of this species in North American zoos.

See announcement here

January 2024 Update

Following the completion of a national search, the Saint Louis Zoo has named Sabarras George its next WildCare Park Director. He will assume the role on February 5, 2024. “I believe that our staff, supporters and the community will really like Sabarras,” said Dwight Scott, Dana Brown President & CEO, Saint Louis Zoo. “I’m confident that he will help grow our conservation efforts and successfully lead the development of WildCare Park that will open in 2027 with amazing guest experiences.”

Read announcement here

December 2023 Update

Four critically endangered addax and two endangered Grevy's zebras now reside at Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park located in north St. Louis County. These animals are within the Dana Brown Conservation Pasture, a large natural space dedicated for breeding and conservation efforts, which is part of the Kent Family Conservation and Animal Science Center at WildCare Park. The transition area helps the animals acclimate to their new space. The two species each will have access to 10 acres of pasture once they are fully acclimated.

The zebras and addax came to WildCare Park in fall 2023 from the Saint Louis Zoo in Forest Park and from other Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited zoos. When WildCare Park opens to the public in 2027, more than 250 animals are expected to be living there. Acquiring animals from other accredited facilities and building appropriate animal social groups takes time. For the public opening, the focus is on endangered ungulates – hoofed mammals – as well as birds and other threatened species. Over the last year and a half, construction at WildCare Park has consisted of demolition of a few older buildings, fence installation and grading around the perimeter of the property, restoration of 260 acres back to native grasses, construction of barns and a utility building, and renovation of the headquarters building with a new observation deck.

WildCare Park features two completely different, but highly synergistic components. The first is what the public will experience, a unique outdoor adventure that sends guests on a safari through herds of animals roaming wild over gently rolling grassy meadows and through native forests. The second component is the Kent Family Conservation and Animal Science Center, a dedicated facility within WildCare Park to sustain endangered and threatened species, made possible by the generosity of the Jerry and Judy Kent Family. The first animals arriving will live in the pastures and barns in this area.

July 2022 Update

In July 2022, several updates were announced :

• Development of WildCare Park estimated to cost $230 million
• Building demolitions nearing completion and perimeter fence installation is underway
• Animals to begin arriving in 2023 for pilot pasture
• Targeting public opening for 2027

See full announcement here

December 2020 Announcement

Name unveiled.

In December 2020, the Saint Louis Zoo provided several updates on its north St. Louis County campus. First, the Zoo unveiled the name for its 425-acre north St. Louis County property – Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park. Next, the Zoo announced a leadership gift from longtime Zoo supporters, the Kent family, to name the Kent Family Conservation and Animal Science Center, which will be located at the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park. In addition, the Zoo shared information on biodiversity studies underway in and around the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park.

Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park

"We decided on Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park as it hits on three aspects that are key to the use of this campus: wildlife, conservation and public experience," said Jeffrey Bonner, Ph.D., Dana Brown President and CEO, Saint Louis Zoo. "With the two campuses, we will continue to operate under one mission that essentially has been unchanged for over a century: 'To conserve animals and their habitats through animal management, research, recreation, and educational programs that encourage the support and enrich the experience of the public.'"

The word "WildCare" is not new for the Saint Louis Zoo. Launched in 2004, the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute centralized the Zoo's wildlife efforts. The Zoo's field conservation efforts have grown to include 17 conservation centers worldwide, all of which are founded on wildlife management and recovery, conservation science with applied conservation action, and working with communities. Five of these centers focus on wildlife conservation efforts in Missouri.

The word "Park" helps describe the guest experience that the public can expect when the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park opens – an abundance of opportunities to connect with nature through outdoor activities, attractions and wilderness adventures.

"While the COVID-19 pandemic may have slowed down some of the planning and initial efforts we had hoped would be done by now, we estimate a public opening as early as 2026 for the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park," said Dr. Bonner. "There's a lot of work ahead of us and we want to do this right."

The Zoo has conducted public experience studies and surveys with tourists and area residents, and will continue to seek input as it finalizes the public experiences at the new campus. The Zoo also will work with necessary authorities to evaluate property zoning, traffic studies, perimeter fencing and a potential pilot pasture in the near future.

Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park features two completely different, but highly synergistic components. The first is what the public will experience, a unique outdoor adventure that sends guests on a safari through herds of animals roaming wild over gently rolling grassy meadows and through native forests.

"Imagine, if you can, coming upon a herd of giraffe walking across the grasslands or rhinos surrounding your vehicle. Visitors might find themselves silently kayaking up to unwary zebra or disembarking the safari truck for a truly close-up experience," said Dr. Bonner.

More than a safari, visitors also will explore the forests on trails and, for the more adventurous, high up in the forest canopy.

"Visitors can enjoy a massive indoor/outdoor experience that combines the best that zoos, science centers and natural history museums have to offer – connecting people and animals in a way that has never been done before," said Dr. Bonner.

Those who want the ultimate outdoor adventure will be able to spend the night camping, or even "glamping," which is glamorous or luxurious camping at its finest.

Kent Family Conservation and Animal Science Center

The second component to the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park is the Kent Family Conservation and Animal Science Center, made possible by the generosity of the Kent family.

"The Saint Louis Zoo is more than just one of the finest zoos in the world," said Jerry Kent. "It is one of the world leaders in conservation. My family, including my wife Judy and our children Matt and Rachel, and Matt's wife Dr. Ana Kent, are proud to enable St. Louis' leading tourist attraction to expand their impact by basing this important work in facilities located in north St. Louis County."

The Kent Family Conservation and Animal Science Center is where conservationists will work to sustain populations of endangered species, conduct research and engage in applied conservation programs. It is key to the Zoo's work to advance wildlife conservation efforts.

"Together, the public experience and the Kent Family Conservation and Animal Science Center will merge applied science with intriguing dynamic visitor interactions – both are cutting-edge and unique," said Winthrop B. Reed, III, Chairman, St. Louis Zoological Park Subdistrict Commission. "We believe this is the first facility of its kind in the world and will doubtless be a game-changer for endangered species as well as for north St. Louis County and the region." "Today, the Zoo is thrilled to announce a leadership gift that will bring our dream of a Conservation and Animal Science Center one step closer to reality," said Reed. "Longtime Zoo supporters, the Kent family, will place their name on a significant part of the new campus – the Kent Family Conservation and Animal Science Center." Jerry Kent is a serial entrepreneur and founder of several area businesses, including Charter Communications, Tierpoint, Staylock Storage and Cequel III. He and his family are very involved in the region's charitable organizations and they financially support many causes through the Kent Family Foundation. "We are so grateful for the generosity of the Kent family," said John Sondag, President, Saint Louis Zoo Association. "With the Kent family's support, the Zoo will be able to build state-of-the-art habitats and spaces dedicated to conservation breeding of some of the world's most endangered species." The Kent Family Conservation and Animal Science Center will be a dedicated facility to sustain endangered and threatened species. For many such species, the Zoo is their last hope. The Zoo has a long history of bringing species back from the brink of extinction, and having a facility dedicated to assuring their survival, both in human care and in the wild, is critically important.

Native Species Biodiversity Studies

In addition to conservation programs in Missouri and around the world, the Zoo also will study the native animals and plants that live in and around the property. The first step in those efforts are biodiversity studies.

The overall goal of the biodiversity studies is to develop a comprehensive list and understanding of the animal and plant species that utilize the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park. The Zoo is mapping the biological and environmental health of the site, including the presence or absence of native wildlife, invasive species and diseases with a potential threat to Zoo animals, and an understanding of the types and quality of the habitats at the site.

"The knowledge gained from these biodiversity surveys is essential to make the best decisions about future property use including Zoo animal management decisions, property management, educational program development and property design and use," said Jo-Elle Mogerman, Ph.D., Director, Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park. "For example, we will learn if there are concerns about the types of plants there now and whether any native wildlife corridors run through the land."

Currently, there are eight areas of study: bats, birds, coyotes and foxes, invertebrates/pollinators, plants, reptiles, amphibians, and water quality of lakes and streams. Potential projects for community involvement include FrogWatch and City Nature Challenge trainings, invasive plant removal, litter cleanups, bird walks and other nature experiences.

Related Announcement

April 17, 2019:   Saint Louis Zoo Names Two Proven Leaders to Direct Zoo and New North Campus Efforts

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Kids Love Feeding the Animals

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‘It just grabbed her’: Giraffe picks up toddler during family trip to drive-thru safari

GLEN ROSE, Texas ( KWTX /Gray News) - A family in Texas says they went through quite the scare when recently visiting a wildlife center.

According to the Toten family, a giraffe accidentally picked their toddler up out of the bed of their truck when they were visiting the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center on June 1.

KWTX reports that park visitors get to drive themselves along a path where exotic and endangered animals roam free at the center.

Visitors are also allowed to feed the animals.

The family said Paisley, 2, was in the back of the pickup truck with her mom feeding the animals when the giraffe grabbed her shirt and lifted the little girl into the air.

Paisley’s father, Jason Toten, said the incident was caught on video by a car behind them.

“We stopped to feed the giraffes and I turned around to look out the back window,” he said. “That’s when I saw the giraffe kind of digging around and then it just grabbed her.”

According to the Toten family, it appeared to be a complete accident and they didn’t break any rules.

“Paisley was holding the bag, and the giraffe went to go get the bag, not her, but it ended up getting her shirt too and picked her up,” Toten said.

Thankfully, Paisley didn’t get too high up before the giraffe dropped her.

“As soon as she went up, her mom yelled, ‘Hey!’ and the giraffe let go,” Toten said.

Paisley’s father said she ended up falling into her mother’s arms without anyone getting hurt, but it still was a scary moment.

“My heart stopped, my stomach dropped … it scared me,” Toten said.

Afterward, Toten said they went to the gift shop and got Paisley a toy giraffe because “she deserved it.”

The family said they do plan on returning to the park in the future.

According to the wildlife center, visitors are allowed to ride in the bed of a truck if an adult is riding in the back with them and everyone is safely inside the vehicle.

Copyright 2024 KWTX via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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