Can I feed the animals at African Safari Wildlife Park?

Yes, feeding the animals is a major highlight! Admission includes one cup of grain per car for the Drive-Thru Safari, and additional cups or produce packages can be purchased. There are also scheduled feeding encounters in the Walk-Thru Safari, such as for giraffes, sloths, capybaras, and budgies.

How long does it take to visit African Safari Wildlife Park?

While you can tour the Drive-Thru Safari multiple times, many visitors spend a full day at African Safari Wildlife Park to enjoy all the attractions, including the Walk-Thru Safari, animal shows, and special encounters. The drive-through portion alone typically takes 1-2 hours.

Are pets allowed at African Safari Wildlife Park?

Only leashed dogs are permitted in the Walk-Thru Safari area, but they are not allowed inside interactive exhibits or areas where they might interact with other animals. In the Drive-Thru Safari, dogs must remain secured in your vehicle and are not allowed to stick their heads out of windows. No other types of pets are allowed due to animal health and safety regulations.

ZooOhio, US

African Safari Wildlife Park

Embark on an extraordinary journey through the heart of Ohio's African Safari Wildlife Park, a unique destination that brings the thrill of an African safari experience closer to home.

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About

Embark on an extraordinary journey through the heart of Ohio's African Safari Wildlife Park, a unique destination that brings the thrill of an African safari experience closer to home. This expansive park, located in Port Clinton, offers an immersive adventure where you can get incredibly close to hundreds of exotic animals from around the world. The primary highlight is the Drive-Thru Safari, spanning approximately 87 acres, where visitors navigate a one-way loop in their own vehicles, encountering free-roaming animals like graceful Reticulated Giraffes, striped Zebras, massive American Bison, and curious Dromedary Camels, often coming right up to your car window for a treat. The park provides one cup of grain with admission, and additional food is available for purchase, transforming your car into an interactive feeding station.

Beyond the vehicular adventure, the African Safari Wildlife Park also features a captivating Walk-Thru Safari, known as Safari Junction. This pedestrian-friendly area allows for more intimate encounters with smaller mammals and reptiles in naturalistic habitats. Here, you can stroll among Red Kangaroos, observe the fascinating behaviors of African Crested Porcupines, spot playful White-Handed Gibbons, and marvel at the world's largest rodent, the Capybara. Unique attractions in this section include the Aviary Adventure, where colorful Budgies might land on you, and special animal encounters like feeding sessions with the Linnaeus's Two-Toed Sloth.

What makes the African Safari Wildlife Park truly special is its emphasis on interactive experiences and close-up wildlife viewing. Visitors can enjoy educational programs, pig races at Pork Chop Downs, and even camel rides, creating a full day of engaging activities. Whether you're feeding a giraffe from your car or getting eye-to-eye with an albino American Alligator, the park is designed to foster unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for wildlife. It's a place where every visit promises new discoveries, with animals frequently active throughout the day, and even new baby animals often making an appearance. Enhance your adventure: download the Snappit app to identify the local species you encounter.

The African Safari Wildlife Park boasts a rich history, having been established in 1969 in Port Clinton, Ohio. Initially operating as African Lion Safari, the park was designed as a drive-through attraction, mirroring African wildlife preserves to offer visitors direct encounters with exotic animals from their vehicles. Over five decades, it has evolved into a beloved family-oriented destination. The park faced a significant challenge in November 2019 when a barn fire resulted in the tragic loss of 10 animals, including giraffes and bongos. Despite this, the park demonstrated remarkable resilience, initiating rebuilding efforts and reopening in May 2020. In 2021, the park underwent a major expansion, adding 22 acres to its drive-through safari and introducing new exhibits, including an immersive giraffe feeding habitat. The park is accredited by the Zoological Association of America (ZAA) and was recognized by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in 2022 for its commitment to animal welfare, habitat design, veterinary care, and conservation education.

What to do here

Enjoy unlimited passes through the Drive-Thru Safari, hand-feed animals, explore the Walk-Thru Safari's exhibits, catch EdZOOcational Animal Programs and the HogWILD Experience, go on camel rides, and explore the Safari Café and Gift Shop.

Seasonal info

The park operates rain or shine, but warm-weather animals like giraffes may not be visible in cooler or rainy conditions (below 60°F). The Walk-Thru Safari is typically open mid-May through early October.

Accessibility

The park is ADA-compliant. The Drive-Thru Safari is accessible from personal vehicles. The Walk-Thru Safari has paved paths and viewing platforms designed for mobility aids. All restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Leashed dogs are permitted in the Walk-Thru Safari but not in interactive exhibits like the aviary or rabbit exhibits; they are also allowed in the Drive-Thru if secured in the vehicle.

Don't miss

Drive-Thru Safari

Walk-Thru Safari (Safari Junction)

Giraffe Barn Experience

Sloth Feeding Encounter

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

House Sparrow

American Toad

Mourning Dove

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Good to know before you go

Purchase extra animal food

One cup of grain is included, but many visitors find that purchasing additional cups or produce packages enhances the feeding experience in the Drive-Thru Safari.

Fold in your car mirrors

Especially during the Drive-Thru, folding in your side mirrors can prevent damage, as some larger animals, particularly those with horns, may get very close.

Adhere to safety rules

Stay inside your vehicle at all times in the Drive-Thru, keep car doors closed, and feed animals only from the provided cups and designated zones to ensure both human and animal safety.

Visit early

Animals are often most active in the mornings, offering prime viewing and interaction opportunities.

Check the weather

Warm-weather animals like giraffes may be off-exhibit during cooler temperatures (below 60°F) or rainy conditions.

Consider a "Zoo-It-All Pass"

For a comprehensive experience, look into passes that bundle multiple animal encounters, such as feeding kangaroos, porcupines, rabbits, and tortoises.

Frequently asked questions

: Yes, feeding the animals is a major highlight! Admission includes one cup of grain per car for the Drive-Thru Safari, and additional cups or produce packages can be purchased. There are also scheduled feeding encounters in the Walk-Thru Safari, such as for giraffes, sloths, capybaras, and budgies.
: While you can tour the Drive-Thru Safari multiple times, many visitors spend a full day at African Safari Wildlife Park to enjoy all the attractions, including the Walk-Thru Safari, animal shows, and special encounters. The drive-through portion alone typically takes 1-2 hours.
: Only leashed dogs are permitted in the Walk-Thru Safari area, but they are not allowed inside interactive exhibits or areas where they might interact with other animals. In the Drive-Thru Safari, dogs must remain secured in your vehicle and are not allowed to stick their heads out of windows. No other types of pets are allowed due to animal health and safety regulations.