ZooOregon, US

Wildlife Safari

Wildlife Safari offers an immersive drive-through experience with hundreds of animals roaming free.

About

Wildlife Safari offers an immersive drive-through experience with hundreds of animals roaming free. This sprawling 600-acre drive-through animal park in Winston, Oregon, provides a unique and unforgettable way to connect with wildlife from around the globe. As you navigate the 4.5-mile route in your own vehicle, you'll encounter a diverse array of over 550 animals, including the magnificent Southern White Rhinoceros, towering Reticulated Giraffes, striped Zebras, and powerful African Lions, all coexisting in large, open habitats. The freedom with which these animals roam, often approaching vehicles, creates incredible photographic opportunities and a truly wild safari ambiance, making every visit a fresh adventure.Beyond the captivating drive-through, the Wildlife Safari experience extends into the "Always Free Safari Village," a vibrant walk-through area designed for closer interactions and exploration. Here, visitors can stroll through exhibits featuring charming Red Pandas, playful Ring-tailed Lemurs, and impressive alligators, along with a petting zoo where children can interact with domestic animals. The Village also hosts daily keeper talks, offers seasonal camel rides, and features a train ride that provides a different perspective of the park. This combination of a panoramic driving safari and an interactive walking village ensures a full day of discovery and engagement for all ages.Wildlife Safari stands as a testament to conservation, operating as an accredited zoological park with a profound commitment to saving rare and endangered species. It is internationally recognized for its highly successful cheetah breeding program, which has contributed significantly to the species' survival and is considered one of the best globally. The park's mission to inspire lifelong commitments to conservation through high-quality interaction and education makes it a rewarding destination for anyone passionate about wildlife and its preservation. Wondering what that bird or insect is? Find out on your visit using the Snappit nature app.

Wildlife Safari was the vision and dream of Frank Hart, who aimed to establish a facility in the Pacific Northwest dedicated to saving rare and endangered species from across the globe. The park officially opened its gates in October 1972 (or spring 1973 according to some sources), initially as "World Wildlife Safari," before dropping "World" in 1974 to avoid confusion with the World Wildlife Fund. In 1980, Wildlife Safari reorganized as a nonprofit organization, relying on admissions, donations, memberships, and grants for its operations.Since 1986, Wildlife Safari has held accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a mark of its commitment to maintaining professional zoological management standards. The park has grown into an internationally recognized institution, particularly celebrated for its cheetah breeding program, which is one of the most successful in the United States and the Western Hemisphere, having produced hundreds of cheetah cubs. This dedication to conservation and education has established Wildlife Safari as a leading attraction in Oregon.

What to do here

Drive your car through the expansive safari, marveling at animals from three continents. Explore the Safari Village on foot, interacting with smaller species and enjoying educational talks. Participate in special animal encounters for unique, memorable moments. Visit the children's petting zoo and playground, or take a scenic train ride.

Seasonal info

Winter's cooler temperatures make animals more active, and there are fewer crowds. Summer can be hot, so visiting earlier in the day is advisable for more animal activity. Be mindful of Oregon's unpredictable weather; dress in layers, especially when in the outdoor Village. Late summer can also bring wildfire season concerns, so monitor local conditions if visiting then.

Accessibility

Wildlife Safari is committed to accessibility, offering wheelchair ramps, paved pathways, wide doorways, and designated accessible parking. An ADA-accessible vehicle is available for certain tours and encounters, and the train ride is designed to accommodate wheelchairs. Most animal encounters can be made wheelchair accessible, though some exceptions apply for safety reasons. The Safari Village also includes calming spaces and a playground with sensory activities.

Don't miss

Drive-through Safari

Observe free-roaming animals like Southern White Rhinoceros, Reticulated Giraffes, Zebras, and African Lions from your vehicle.

Safari Village

A walk-through area featuring Red Pandas, Ring-tailed Lemurs, alligators, a petting zoo, and aviaries.

Animal Encounters

Opportunities for up-close experiences such as giraffe feeding, elephant encounters, and cheetah photo opportunities.

Safari Train Ride

A narrated train ride offering a different perspective of the park and its inhabitants.

Wildlife you might spot

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

African Elephant

Cheetahs

African Lion

Oryx

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Visit Early or During Cooler Months

Animals tend to be more active in the mornings or during the cooler winter months, offering better viewing opportunities and smaller crowds.

Charge Your Camera & Clear Space

With abundant photo opportunities, ensure your camera is fully charged and you have plenty of memory.

Dress for the Weather

Oregon weather can be unpredictable, so wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers, especially when exploring the outdoor Safari Village.

Purchase Feed Cups

Enhance your drive-through experience by buying animal feed cups at the park entrance for a unique interaction with specific species in a designated section.

Explore the Safari Village

Don't skip the free walk-through Safari Village after your drive; it offers additional animals, a petting zoo, train rides, and educational programs.

Pets Not Allowed

For the safety of your pets and the park's animals, personal pets are not permitted in the drive-through or Safari Village. Free, unsupervised kennels are available on-site.

Frequently asked questions

: Yes, in a designated section of the drive-through, you can purchase feed cups to offer to certain animals. Additionally, some special animal encounters allow guests to feed specific animals like giraffes or red pandas. However, generally, visitors should not feed animals outside of these designated opportunities.
: The drive-through safari usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, depending on the pace you choose and how often you stop to observe animals. If you plan to explore the free Safari Village, enjoy keeper talks, visit the petting zoo, or participate in any animal encounters, it's recommended to budget a full day for your visit to experience everything Wildlife Safari has to offer.
: Yes, Wildlife Safari offers numerous accessibility features. The park provides wheelchair ramps, paved pathways, wide doorways, designated accessible parking, and ADA seating in the Safari Village. An ADA-accessible vehicle is available for some tours and encounters, and the train ride can accommodate wheelchairs. Most animal encounters are also designed to be wheelchair accessible or can be modified to suit guests' needs, though some exceptions apply for safety reasons.