lion country safari giraffe painting

Giraffes paint with their tounges at Lion Country Safari

I took some of the members of WFLX’s morning show to Lion Country Safari to paint with the giraffe.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by T.A. Walker (@timallanwalker)

"Ohhhhhh. That first brush stroke. Magic," said anchor Hollani Davis as the 18-foot artist named Bacardi started his latest piece of art.

When you come to the end of your adventure at Lion Country Safari. The last animals you encounter are a tower of giraffe. Some of which have hidden talent.

"Guests get to get up close as a giraffe is painting a very unique painting. and each painting is actually as unique as all the giraffe patterns," said Lion Country's Marketing Director Haley McCann.

"Here we gooooooo," gasped Hollani as Bakari made his next stroke.

The artisan giraffes each have different painting techniques. Bakari likes to paint in swirls and strokes.

Off-road at the safari stands a two-story high gazebo where the resident giraffe interacts with humans.

"And watch the giraffe just express themselves," said Anna Samaroo who is a Wildlife Trainer.

"Those colors are fantastic," I said to Hollani.

"He's like those sweat potatoes are too," laughed Hollani.

Giraffe can be up to about 18 feet tall and because we all know giraffes don't come equipt with hands. Bakari uses his tongue to paint.

"Giraffe's tounge is about 18 inches long and they are prehensile. So as we see with the painting can actually grab things with that tongue," said McCann. "They really just stick that long tongue out, wrap it around that paintbrush stick and that's a natural behavior for them to use will usually pull the bark and eat the bark off of sticks and branches once they're done with eating leaves."

The three familiar morning show faces, Hollani, Ashley, and Jennifer think their kids would be impressed.

"Yeah, Joseph would be fascinated," said Meteorologist Jennifer Correa.

"One of their favorite things in life is feeding the giraffes snacks. So, tell me when this is going to air sigh make sure they're not watching. I'm going to be in trouble," giggled anchor Ashley Glass.

WATCH: Pretending we are in 'The Lion King' movie

"And it also just watching him do is very calming and relaxing," said Jennifer.

I asked Hollani why watching giraffe paint is so relaxing.

"Because we're not in the office," laughed Hollani.

"That experience of getting so close with the giraffe is something that you'll cherish forever," Jennifer said.

"I think this could be hanging in my house and people will say, 'Who painted this? You know, did you did your daughter?' and when I say 'No, it was a giraffe.' That will start a conversation," laughed Ashley.

"I mean, it's very Picasso," Hollani commented.

"It makes me so also joyful to really see that we are fulfilling part of our mission and connecting people with animals," said McCann.

The experience for four people includes park admission, the painting experience, the painting itself and runs $300. All of which help fund Giraffe Conservation Foundation.

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Painting with giraffe at Lion Country Safari

T.A. Walker's is taking you on the best Spring Break Ever. Literally taking the morning show on a field trip to Lion Country Safari. This morning, we are Shining A Light on painting with giraffes.

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TRAVEL · April 6, 2022

The Ultimate Guide to Lion Country Safari

Do you love animals and looking for a family-friendly activity to do with you kids? Check out Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee, Florida. Just 20 miles from downtown West Palm Beach, LCS is a 600-acre attraction with a drive-thru safari, walk-through adventure park, and KOA campground. With over 1,000 wild animals and various attractions, Lion Country Safari offers something for the whole family.

Our family has been annual passholders for almost a year now and we’ve taken multiple trips to Lion Country Safari. I can honestly say, it is one of our favorite attractions in Florida. We’ve explored the entire adventure park, driven through the safari at least 5 times, and have done all of their animal encounters. This past weekend, we even had a chance to check out the Flamingo Mingle, one of their premium experiences. I’d say, that makes us pretty much experts.

Why is LCS one of our favorite attractions? Because there is so much to see and do! I love places that offer multiple ways to keep my kids (2 & 5) entertained all day long. The drive-thru safari is fun and educational, but only if your kids are in the mood. At least be real, sometimes mine aren’t. So, what else is there to do? I’ll tell you.

Things To Do At Lion Country Safari

Did you know that Lion Country Safari is more than just a drive-thru safari? So much more actually! LCS has everything from wild animals to domestic animals, a waterpark, animal encounters, and a campground. Like I said, a whole lot more than just a safari!

Safari Drive-Thru

The drive-thru safari is 4-miles long, with large herd animals roaming freely around. It is divided into 7 main habitats and is home to some of the largest herds of zebras, rhinos, and giraffes in the country.

During the drive, you can tune into the audio tour on their website ( HERE ) or pick up a CD from the main office before you start. It is very informative and is a great resource for learning about the animals, their habitats, and animal conservation. The drive can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours. It is pretty slow and you have to keep your windows up, but you still get up close with some of the animals.

PRO TIP: pack snacks and drinks for your kids!

Safari world.

Besides the drive-thru, everything else on property is inside Safari World Adventure Park. It is a walk-thru park, adjacent to the safari, that has animal encounters, a waterpark and food! IMO, there is more to do for younger children in this area. I would say 18mo-10 years would be the average age for most attractions.

Attractions geared toward younger children would be the rides, gem panning, and safari maze. While older kids would enjoy the fun slides, paddle boats, and mini golf. The nature walk, animal exhibits, and the Safari Queen are great for people of all ages. There are various picnic areas picnic areas around the property that can be enjoyed by everyone.

The Safari Queen is a boat road that will take you around the monkey island. It’s about a 15 minute boat ride and you get to see the monkeys up close. This is the best way to actually see the monkeys. Keep in mind, these are not the same monkeys from the safari drive.

PRO TIP: save money and pack a lunch. enjoy it at one of the many picnic areas

There are three different areas in the water park – Safari Waterslide, Safari Falls, and Safari Splash pad. The waterslides are are great for the older kids to cool off at. These slides are only open on the weekends. Safari Falls is an interactive water play area with slides, buckets, and other water features. This area is fun for all ages, however there are height restrictions on some of the slides. There are a few inches of standing water in this area. It’s not ideal for infants or young toddlers.

My kids love the splash pad area. It’s the perfect place for littles to cool off and play in the water. As an added perk, it’s open everyday! There are a lot of shaded areas for parents to sit around and watch their littles AND the food trucks are located right outside of the splash pad area. We love to eat our lunch by the splash pad and cool off for the afternoon.

PRO TIP: pack a swim bag with an extra change of clothes

Animal encounters.

LCS offers four (almost) free animal encounters: Petting Zoo, Fish Feeding, Lorikeet Feeding, and Giraffe Feeding. By almost free, I mean you can go into all of the encounters for free. There is a fee to purchase food if you wish you feed the animals. Service animals are NOT allowed in the animal encounters, as they may frighten the animals in the encounters.

In the petting zoo, there are various farm animals, like goats and sheep. We aren’t too interested in this encounter because we have our own farm animals, but it’s great for kids who aren’t around animals often. Same goes for the fish feeding. We always walk over and see them, but once you’ve fed one fish, you’ve feed them all. Don’t forget quarters for the food machines!

Our favorites are the Lorikeet and Giraffe Feedings. It’s $2 (cash) for a cup of nectar to feed the birds. It is really fun! They will sit on your finger/arm and drink the food. Be careful! They do bite. The giraffe encounter is our absolute favorite! For $5, you can get some lettuce (about 4 pieces). The giraffes come right up and eat out of your hand. You’re basically at eye level with them, which makes it so much cooler! This encounter does take credit cards.

PRO TIP: bring cash & quarters to feed the animals

Premium experiences.

There are five premium experiences available at LCS. Premium experiences are limited and require advanced reservations. You can get reservations for these experiences by emailing the education center . The price of these experiences includes entrance into the park.

Giraffe Painting: Watch a giraffe paint a canvas picture just for you! You can choose a black or white painting or a colored picture (choose your 3 favorite colors). This experience is $300 for up to 4 guests.

Birds & Brushes: A very special parrot will paint you a masterpiece. Again, you can choose either black or white or a colored canvas. This painting is yours to take home after the experience. You will also get a meet-and-greet with an animal ambassador who can answer all of your animal questions. This experience is $150 for 2 guests.

Flamingo Mingle: Enter into the flamingo encounter and feed the flamingos. You can get up close and personal with these magnificent animals and have a chance to ask all your flamingo questions. This experience is for guests five-years-old and up. It is $50 for ages 5-9 and $60 for 10+.

Toddler Tour: an experience for the littles! Guests five and younger can go behind-the-scenes of the petting zoo and meet the animals who live there. Limited to 6 guests. $15 for 2 and under. $45 for ages 3-9. $55 for 10+.

VIP Tour: an escorted drive-thru of the safari with a knowledgeable guide. You will learn about the animals, hear stories from around the safari, and learn about conservation efforts. The tour includes at least two experiences (based on availability): touching a giant tortoise, up-close view of the lions, meeting a rhino, observation of the chimps, or feeding a giraffe. This experience is for guests five-years-old and up. It is $400 for 2 guests.

Food & Drinks

IMO, food is a top priority when visiting an amusement park. One of the things I appreciate about Lion Country Safari is that the food is good and easy to find. There are food stands throughout the park and in convenient locations. If I don’t have to search forever to find food or wait in obnoxiously long lines, I’m sold!

Cafe Roar is at the front of Safari World and is a sit-down style restaurant. It’s a great place to escape the heat during the summer months and have a good meal. You can check out the menu HERE . Base Camp, Cones, and Safari Snacks are the snack shacks located throughout the park. They have a smaller menu, but make for a great pit stop.

Safari Food Truck is their newest addition and is a delicious taco truck. They have a variety of tacos, nachos, and have kids lunch boxes. It’s located right outside the splash pad, which makes for a great place to have lunch while your kids play.

• No Animals allowed on property. There are dog kennels available for free near the main office.
• Weekdays are less busy! The safari drive-thru is more enjoyable with less cars. You are able to stop and view the animals for longer periods and can take your time.
• If it’s busy, skip the safari drive-thru and head straight to Safari World. You can go through the safari later in they when it’s less crowded. If you’re littles won’t do the drive-thru, it would be the perfect thing to do for an afternoon nap.
• Event pavilions are available for rent for birthday parties and other gatherings.
• Annual Passholders get an additional 20% off of food, gifts, and extra tickets, 10% off of premium experiences, and 10% off at the KOA campground on property.
• If you’re looking for educational resources to enhance your trip, LCS has so many resources for all ages on their website.

After multiple trips and multiple days at Lion Country Safari, here is everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip. Whether you’re going for the day or making a weekend of it, this information will help you prepare. Enjoy!

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The Lion Habitat Ranch

Lion Habitat Ranch Important Notices

• You can buy tickets and sign waivers online in advance or in our ticket booth on the day of your visit.
• Walk ins welcome  Thursday through Monday from 10 am to  1 pm
• Last admittance for everyone is 1 pm . We close at 2 pm .
• Closed to the general public Tuesday and Wednesday.
• Behind the Scenes Tours must be booked at a minimum of 48 hours in advance online through our website.
• Animal experiences can be booked online in advance with your admission or in our ticket booth/gift shop on the day of your visit.
• Check current weather  here.
• Masks are Optional.
• No service or emotional animals allowed.

No visit to Las Vegas is complete without experiencing the Lion Habitat Ranch! See our majestic lions. Spend some time with our ostriches, parrots and tortoises. Meet, feed and even get a painting from Ozzie, our own friendly and talented giraffe. Kids and the kids at heart will enjoy it! We can’t wait to connect you with wildlife and inspire you about conservation.

The Lion Habitat Ranch is a federal 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation located minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. The Ranch is home to lions, birds, and one charismatic giraffe. Many of the animals we care for are rescues, pet surrenders, or animals that otherwise need a comfortable, safe place to live out their lives.

We strive to educate guests about our animals and how they can take part in conservation efforts for animals in the wild.

Visit the Lion Habitat Ranch!

Experiences.

General Admission

Animal Experiences

Behind the Scenes Tour

Educational Field Trips at the Lion Habitat Ranch

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Trivial Paw-suit

Giraffe Painting with Ozzie

Ozzie is our world famous, painting giraffe! Get a one-of-a-kind painting or own a shirt or hat decorated by Ozzie!

At the Lion Habitat Ranch we strive to provide our animals the best care possible. We use a variety of enrichment and training to accomplish this. One of Ozzie the giraffe’s favorite training sessions are his painting sessions. Each one of Ozzie the giraffe’s masterpieces are an original piece of work.

We do have custom Ozzie the giraffe painting sessions available for guests to participate in during their visit. We also have his original artwork available for purchase in our gift shop and online. Take home your own masterpiece today! Photos displayed here on our website are samples of Ozzie the giraffe’s artwork.

Support the Lion Habitat Ranch

Our facility and animals exist with the generous support of our visitors and sponsors. Please consider supporting us.

Make a Donation to Support the Lion Habitat Ranch

Volunteer and Help Care for Our Animals, Our Facility and Our Guests

Become a Sponsor and Support the Lion Habitat Ranch and Our Mission!

Minutes from the Las Vegas Strip

The Lion Habitat Ranch offers a unique and one-of-a-kind experience minutes from the Las Vegas Strip.  Leave the bright lights for a bit and experience our animal sanctuary.  Walk among the animals, feed them and learn about their stories.

Follow the latest news

Ozzie the giraffe’s 10th birthday highlights.

Please be sure to like and follow our animal family: 3510

Thank You News 3 LV for Highlighting World Wildlife Day at the Lion Habitat Ranch

Lion Habitat Ranch Celebrates World Wildlife Day

Thank you KCTV for Visiting the Lion Habitat Ranch!

KCTV Visits the Lion Habitat Ranch

lionhabitatranch

Harry the lion is showing his sleepy side this #tongueouttuesday 🦁 . . . . We`re open from 10am-2pm, last admission 1pm. You can purchase your tickets online in advance or walk ins are always welcome to purchase tickets in our ticket booth when you come out to see us 🦒🐢🐦 https://lionhabitatranch.org/product/general-admission/ #friday #fridayfun #friyay #weekendfun #weekendvibes #tongueouttuesdays #cameraready #closeupmagic #picoftheday #photooftheday ...

Ringo the blue and gold macaw is here to bring cheer to your #monday 🐦 . . . . We`re open from 10am-2pm, last admission 1pm. You can purchase your tickets online in advance or walk ins are always welcome to purchase tickets in our ticket booth when you come out to see us 🦒🐢🐦 https://lionhabitatranch.org/product/general-admission/ #friday #fridayfun #friyay #weekendfun #weekendvibes #tongueouttuesdays #cameraready #closeupmagic #picoftheday #photooftheday ...

The many faces of Ozzie the giraffe for this #SillySunday🦒#DidYouKnow that giraffes give birth standing up, and their calves can stand and run within an hour of being born. 🤔 . . . . We`re open from 10am-2pm, last admission 1pm. You can purchase your tickets online in advance or walk ins are always welcome to purchase tickets in our ticket booth when you come out to see us 🦒🐢🐦 https://lionhabitatranch.org/product/general-admission/ #friday #fridayfun #friyay #weekendfun #weekendvibes #tongueouttuesdays #cameraready #closeupmagic #picoftheday #photooftheday ...

We cannot thank our volunteers enough for everything that they do! Thank you Alex, Alexis, Amanda, Anita, Autumn, Brad, Dee, Erin, Fran, George, Gilbert, Gregory, Guisel, Heather, Jim, Juli, Laney, Lauren, Leslie, Linda B, Linda L, Lisa, Mike, Neil, and Renin! You are all incredible <3 ...

What hidden images do you see in this Ozzie the giraffe #masterpiece? 🎨🦒 #whatisitwednesday #abstract #unique #oneofakind #abstractart #abstractartist #abstractartwork https://lionhabitatranch.org/product-category/merchandise/ ...

Ozzie the giraffe is showing some love this #tongueouttuesday with a "kiss" to the camera 🦒📷 . . . . We`re open from 10am-2pm, last admission 1pm. You can purchase your tickets online in advance or walk ins are always welcome to purchase tickets in our ticket booth when you come out to see us 🦒🐢🐦 https://lionhabitatranch.org/product/general-admission/ #friday #fridayfun #friyay #weekendfun #weekendvibes #tongueouttuesdays #cameraready #closeupmagic #picoftheday #photooftheday ...

Nia the scarlet macaw is ready to #takeon the #week 🐦 #DidYouKnow that scarlet macaws are found in Central and South America? 🤔 . . . . We`re open from 10am-2pm, last admission 1pm. You can purchase your tickets online in advance or walk ins are always welcome to purchase tickets in our ticket booth when you come out to see us 🦒🐢🐦 https://lionhabitatranch.org/product/general-admission/ #friday #fridayfun #friyay #weekendfun #weekendvibes #mondays #mondaymood ...

This #SillySunday Keeper Meghan and Millie the miligold macaw are working on their #springtime #fashion 🐦 . . . . We`re open from 10am-2pm, last admission 1pm. You can purchase your tickets online in advance or walk ins are always welcome to purchase tickets in our ticket booth when you come out to see us 🦒🐢🐦 https://lionhabitatranch.org/product/general-admission/ #friday #fridayfun #friyay #weekendfun #weekendvibes ...

Winston the lion didn`t realize Keeper Emma was going to take a #candidphoto of his #morningstretch this #caturday🦁 . . . . We`re open from 10am-2pm, last admission 1pm. You can purchase your tickets online in advance or walk ins are always welcome to purchase tickets in our ticket booth when you come out to see us 🦒🐢🐦 https://lionhabitatranch.org/product/general-admission/ #friday #fridayfun #friyay #weekendfun #weekendvibes #caturdays #caturdaycuties ...

Bulldog the tortoise and Ozzie the giraffe are enjoying the #spring weather 🐢🦒🌼🌸🌺 Don`t forget we`re open from 10am-2pm, last admission 1pm. You can purchase your tickets online in advance or walk ins are always welcome to purchase tickets in our ticket booth when you come out to see us 🦒🐢🐦 https://lionhabitatranch.org/product/general-admission/ #friday #fridayfun #friyay #weekendfun #weekendvibes ...

This #ThrowbackThursday we`re looking back on Benny the lion`s 11th #birthdayparty 🦁 He sorted himself into #Slytherin 🐍 . . . . We`re open from 10am-2pm, last admission 1pm. You can purchase your tickets online in advance or walk ins are always welcome to purchase tickets in our ticket booth when you come out to see us 🦒🐢🐦 https://lionhabitatranch.org/product/general-admission/ #friday #fridayfun #friyay #weekendfun #weekendvibes #harrypotter #harrypotterworld #wizardingworld #wizardingworldofharrypotter #slytherinhouse ...

It is and has been a privilege to be accepted by all of our lions at this location since 1989. We are constantly making improvements to our lions’ environment and living quarters. We strive to protect and provide a loving home for all the lions in our care for the rest of their natural lives.

Make a Donation

We accept donations to offset the costs of running our facility, operation and to pay for the care and feeding of our animals. All donations are greatly appreciated. We appreciate all of your continued support!

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382 Bruner Ave Henderson, NV 89044 Email: [email protected] 702-595-6666

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As an outdoor experience we occasionally need to close due to rain. We may need an additional day after a larger rainstorm to recover and clean all the pathways for our customers. We apologize for any inconvenience.

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Lion Country Safari

2003 Lion Country Safari Road, West Palm Beach, Fl

561-793-1084

Giraffe paints banana and duct tape masterpiece at Lion Country Safari

LOXAHATCHEE, Fla. — Last week, the art world was all abuzz about a banana duct taped to a wall selling for $120,000 at Art Basel in Miami.

Now, Bobby the giraffe, a.k.a. the van Gogh of Lion County Safari in Loxahatchee, is taking advantage of the hype. He's one of five giraffes at the animal adventure park that have been trained how to paint.

Normally, giraffes' diets consist of lettuce, leaves, and branches. But as rewards for painting, these artistic animals get sweet potatoes, and you guessed it, bananas.

FULL INTERVIEW: ANNA SAMAROO, WILDLIFE TRAINER

Thursday afternoon, Bobby used his used his 18-inch tongue to create his own banana masterpiece.

We took WPTV's own resident artist, anchor Ashleigh Walters, to meet the talented long-necked mammal.

View this post on Instagram So this just happened. 🍌 Banana duct tape art at Art Basel $$$$$$ 🍌🦒 Banana painted then eaten by giraffe at Lion Country Safari PRICELE$$!!! (Seriously, I’m in heaven) The money raised from this incredible piece will go to animal conservation 💛💛💛 @wptv @lioncountrysafari @wflxfox29 @artbasel @timallanwalker @tasteseesofla #banana #bananas #giraffe #giraffes #safari #painting #art #paint #bananaart #bananas #thatsbananas #animalconservation #savethegiraffes #animals #safari #artistsoninstagram @ashleigh_art #ducttape A post shared by Ashleigh Walters (@ashleighpics) on Dec 12, 2019 at 9:58am PST

The kindred spirits have painting as a hobby in common.

"That tongue is too much," exclaimed Walters as Bobby licked her hand.

Lion Country Safari hopes the social media stunt will remind people that giraffes are declining in numbers.

You can purchase your own banana and duct tape masterpiece at Lion Country Safari for $49.99, and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to giraffe conservation.

View this post on Instagram Giraffe painting bananas! That was today’s assignment with @ashleighpics #TasteSeeSoFla @lioncountrysafari A post shared by T.A. Walker (@timallanwalker) on Dec 12, 2019 at 1:41pm PST

Earlier this year, WPTV Taste and See South Florida profiled the special bond between Lion Country Safari handlers and the giraffes they care for.

WATCH MINI DOCUMENTARY

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Giraffe & Lion Painting with Lions at Lunchtime

There are so many great themes in the Magic Tree House books ! I love that you cover a wide range of them so that kids don’t get bored.

You can in the old west and then suddenly you are in Africa with safari animals! It is always fun to read the book and explore the theme.

We have a really fun painting activity for kids to do with giraffes and lions! It is loads of fun to paint and create new things.

The Giraffe & Lion Painting is a great addition to the zoo crafts , Magic Tree House Activities , and cookie cutter painting on the site.

We have included links to some of the products and resources we have used with this activity. If you purchase via the links we may earn a small commission.

We have really enjoyed spending time together reading these books. It is fun to explore a theme every two weeks and have fun learning at the same time.

I also look for fun ways to expand on what we read. It is a great way to have some fun after the book is read.

We decided to do a painting activity to go with this book. I love changing up something we love with new things. We mixed watercolors with paints to make a great painting.

What you need for the Giraffe & Lion Painting

• Washable paints

How to make the Giraffe & Lion Painting

You will see all the steps we used to make the painting.

Watercolor Paint the Background

We painted the background first.

We started with the sky. We have to decide just where the sky met the ground on our paper. We draw a line to mark where we were painting too.

Added Scenery to the Painting

After we let the watercolors dry for a few minutes we talked about the book.

Then we decorated the area. We added some grass sticking up, bushes and a tree in the background. I always let my daughter do what she wants with the paintings.

Painting the Giraffe & Lion With Cookie Cutters

Then we used paint and q-tips to finish out paintings. We added extra decoration to the giraffe with spots and colors the lion’s mane.

Here is a lot at our final Giraffe & Lion Painting

Check out these other animal activities:

• Animal Walking Themed Gross Motor Dice
• 15+ Zoo Printables & Activities
• Paper Plate Lion

Be sure to check out all the Magic Tree House Activities .

Cassie – 3Dinosaurs.com

Such a cute activity! I love how you used the cookie cutters!

We love cookie cutter painting! It is fun and does not stress kids out about getting the shape right. Plus you can use them so many ways!

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Go on Safari!

Immerse yourself in Africa’s essence at Safari West! Climb aboard a safari vehicle and adventure among herds of giraffes, wildebeest, cape buffalo, zebras, and other African hoofstock. Along the drive, guests will have the opportunity to stop and observe the majestic rhinos. During the tour, encounter cheetahs, primates including lemurs, and birds from different regions of the world.

Join us in our mission to promote conservation and impart knowledge that enables every person to make well-informed choices for the environment and wildlife. Join us – you’re the vital element in this extraordinary journey!

Immerse in Nature. Educate and Engage. Advocate for Conservation! Advanced Reservations Required Book Now

• Good to Know
• Pricing & Times
• Wild Manners
• Accessibility

Age Requirement

For the safety and comfort of all our guests, children must be at least 4 years old to participate in the Classic Safari Adventure. Many of our Private Adventures are exempt from age restrictions.

Top Seat Height Requirement

For the safety of our guests, children 4 and up wishing to take a turn on the top seat must be at least  45 inches tall .

Gratuity and Tipping Policy

If you enjoyed your safari, feel free to tip your guide. They work hard and appreciate the recognition. Please Note : If you reserved a private vehicle or made a group reservation for 10 or more, a 10% service charge is included.

Cancellation Policy

We are more than happy to help you reschedule your exploration or provide you a gift card for the amount that was charged so that you can reschedule at your leisure. Please note that your gift card is entirely transferable, should you choose to gift it to a loved one or donate it to a charity or other organization instead.

Pets are not allowed at Safari West. If you have a pet that is not a service animal, we ask that you respect the important work of service animals by not claiming that your pet is a service animal. Please see the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) description of a service dog noted below. This is for your safety, as well as that of your pet, fellow guests and the animals of the Safari West collection. Please do not leave your pet locked in a parked car!

Service Animal Policy

We welcome guests with special needs who bring their service animal to enjoy our facility and the wonderful creatures making their homes here. Our policy is to assist all guests in making their time at Safari West enjoyable. A service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability. “Companion” and “comfort” dogs are not “service animals” protected by the ADA.

• Service animals are permitted to visit Safari West. However, service animals are prohibited from all areas where our exotic collection is not separated from guests by a physical barrier.
• Service animals may also be restricted in certain areas due to the sensitivity of our animal collection.
• If you are spending the night, your service animal is allowed in one of our accessible tents.
• Your service animals are restricted from accompanying guests while on tour.
• Service animals must be housebroken.
• Service animals may not display vicious or aggressive behavior toward other people or animals. This includes barking and/or growling. If your service animal is disruptive at any time, you will be asked to remove your service dog from the park.

If you need to bring your service animal, call (707) 579-2551 at least 72 hours in advance to make arrangements.

Safari Adventures are always in season!

Adults (18 – 61), Seniors (62+), Teens (13 – 17) and Children (4 – 12)

Please be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before your safari is scheduled to begin!

Please Note: Weekend rates apply for Holidays. These include – President’s Day • Memorial Day • Spring Break (March 18 – April 19) • Labor Day • Columbus Day •  Martin Luther King, Jr.  Day • Thanksgiving Week • Christmas Eve – New Year’s Day (closed Christmas Day)

Rules, Safety, and Etiquette

Safari West is the home of more than 800 wild animals, with all their natural behaviors and instincts. They are not trained pets, so we must act in accordance with their world rather than expecting them to understand ours. We are pleased to offer you a truly enjoyable and memorable adventure on the Sonoma Serengeti, so to get the most from your visit, please keep these few common-sense safety rules in mind and practice your wild manners.

Respect our Wild Friends

• Please stay at least three feet back from the animal enclosures.
• These animals are not to be touched . Be especially aware of children who may not understand that these animals are not like your pets at home. They may bite, kick or otherwise defend themselves if startled.
• If you see anyone harassing the animals, throwing objects or poking sticks into the animal enclosures, or teasing them in any way, please alert a staff member immediately.
• Never feed the animals. They eat special diets in the wild, and the Safari West animal staff sees that they enjoy the same appropriate foods here. Snacks that you love can be harmful to them.
• No running! The animals interpret running as a sign of danger and are likely to panic and hurt themselves.

Safari Truck Etiquette

We recycle! Throughout the lower area of the preserve are recycling bins. Please save your plastic water bottles, soft drink cans, and other recyclables until you can dispose of them in a bin. Children who wish to sit on the top of our double-decker truck must be at least 45 inches tall. Our guides stop occasionally along the drive to allow seat changes so that everyone who wants a top-tier ride will get a turn.

Lost and Found

Safari West is not responsible for lost items. Please keep a close eye on your belongings during the course of your stay as you will be exploring a large, mostly undeveloped preserve. Should you misplace an item, Safari West maintains a Lost and Found Location at the front office. Please check with us there if you should lose (or find) anything of value.

Welcome to Safari West!

We go to great lengths to ensure that our safari adventures are accessible to everyone and in compliance with all ADA requirements. If you or a member of your family have special needs due to mobility or sensory issues, please contact us and we’ll work with you to plan your safari excursion. Safari West is indeed a special place and we will do everything possible to provide our guests with equal enjoyment of the wonderful experience offered by our park.

Our classic safari vehicles are customized Dodge Power Wagons and are not ADA accessible and unfortunately are not equipped to handle wheelchairs or other mobility assisting devices. If a guest utilizing a wheelchair can safely transfer themselves unaided or with the assistance of a family member, friend, or personal assistant, the Classic Safari Tour remains a viable option.

For guests unable to transition into the Power Wagons, we are able to provide one customized vehicle capable of accommodating most wheelchairs. It requires advanced planning and has some restrictions on seating capacity. Please contact our reservations team at 707-566-3667 to discuss options.

We currently have two fully accessible tents on the property. Both rooms are fully wheelchair accessible and include appropriately equipped showers and bathroom fixtures. These rooms also feature designated parking spaces at the foot of the ramps for easy loading and unloading. They also benefit from close proximity to the restaurant, offices, and gift shop.

Service Animals

Service animals are welcome at Safari West; however, due to concerns about guest safety as well as the safety of the animal collection, service animals are restricted from all safari tours and anywhere where there isn’t a barrier between the collection and our guests. While service animals are welcome to join you in our overnight accommodations, they cannot join you on tour unless you have reserved a Service Animal Serengeti Trek. This variant on the paratransit Serengeti Trek foregoes the walking portion of the tour. Instead, it accesses as much of the lower grounds as possible from within the paratransit vehicle.

Hearing Impaired:

Because of the cost of live, on-demand certified interpreters, Safari West no longer pays for live, on-demand, in-person ASL interpreters.  However, guests with hearing impairments are welcome to bring their own live ASL interpreter and Safari West will waive the admission charge for the guest-provided interpreter.  Similarly, as a further reasonable accommodation, Safari West will provide a complimentary safari tour to a non-professional ASL signer for a hearing-impaired guest, e.g., friends or family members who sign for the guest.

Vision Impaired:

With advance notice, a tactile tour can be provided for a visually impaired guest. A sighted companion will almost always accompany a visually impaired visitor. Should this not be the case, the guest will be accompanied by one of our guest service personnel.

Safari West offers free parking to our guests. Our parking lot has several accessible parking spaces for disabled persons supplying a valid disability-parking placard. Additional reserved parking spaces for placarded vehicles may also be available upon arrival. If you or a member of your party has any special needs, please don’t hesitate to contact us at  707 566-3667

Let us help you plan the safari adventure of a lifetime at Safari West!

400 Acres of Exploration

From cheetahs to lemurs, giraffes to wildebeest, there’s always something amazing waiting just around the bend. Alongside one of our highly-trained safari guides, head out on a 3-hour excursion to get up close and personal with nearly a thousand animals. With over ninety species making their homes here, Safari West truly is Sonoma county’s very own slice of the Serengeti.

Hit the Road

Climb aboard one of our custom safari vehicles and roll out to explore the Sonoma Serengeti. From the canvas-covered shade of the truck, go in search of the marvelous megafauna of Africa. Your expert guide will track down graceful giraffes, nimble impala, imposing cape buffalo and maybe even a few hulking rhinoceros. You never know what you’re going to find!

Take a Stroll

While the view from the safari truck guarantees a great look at the herds, some animals need a more subtle approach. On the safari walk, saunter through the Amani Oasis Aviary where demoiselle cranes preen along the path and scarlet ibis soar overhead. Come face-to-face with a black-and-white colobus monkey, search out a cleverly camouflaged cheetah and watch the courtly parade of flamingos around their lagoon home.

Cape Buffalo by John Burgess

Giraffes and Roan Antelope on the Sonoma Serengeti by Nancy Albury

Kudu by Katie Desmond

Safari with Giraffes by Mark Pressler

Ring-tailed Lemur by Marilyn Wyett

Amari Oasis Aviary by John Burgess

Zebras by Nancy Goodenough

Bontebok and Roan Antelope

Safari West

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