is lion country safari safe

TheBetterVacation.com

Everything about tourist attractions

Lion Country Safari – tickets, prices, timings, what to expect, FAQs

Lion Country Safari, located in West Palm Beach, is a leading tourism destination in Palm Beach County, providing a unique and affordable opportunity to explore the largest drive-through safari in Florida.

Lion Country Safari spans nearly 600 acres of natural area and is home to hundreds of animals.

It is believed to be the first cageless zoo in the country, introducing a new concept in zoology.

This article covers everything you must know before buying tickets for Lion Country Safari in Florida.

Table of contents

What to expect, where to book tickets, how online ticket works, lion country safari ticket prices, lion country safari tickets, how to reach, how long does the tour take, best time to go to visit, food and drinks at lion country safari , map of lion country safari, lion country safari camping, animals at lion country drive-through safari , rides, attractions, and encounters, faqs about lion country safari.

Come and witness ostriches, wildebeests, and impalas in their natural habitat, get up close to a pride of lions, or observe the endangered rhino on the Lion Country Safari.

Get ready to have a personal safari and learn about animal conservation! Enjoy pontoon and paddle boat rides, mini-golf, slides, and other fun attractions on-site.

Explore seven areas, each packed with creatures great and small, from the Serengeti Plains to Gorongosa Reserve and Hwange National Park.

The park has rides, a water play area, and a walk-through section. Kids will love it along with three feeding encounters, including the most giraffe feeding.

The park has also recreated the animals’ natural habitats down to the last detail. So, grab your khaki pants and binoculars; it’s time to go on a safari!

Tickets for the Lion Country Safari are available to be purchased at the ticket office or online in advance.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the attraction.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters.

When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.

Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, they may sell out during peak days. Booking online also helps avoid last-minute disappointment and delays.

Go to the Lion Country Safari booking page, select your preferred date, and the number of tickets, and buy the tickets right away.

After the purchase, you will receive the tickets via email.

You don’t need to carry printouts.

Show the smartphone tickets on the day of your visit and begin your tour.

Lion Country Safari tickets cost US$52 for all visitors aged 10 years and above.  

Tickets for children between three to nine years of age can be purchased for US$40. 

Infants up to two years of age can join for free.

The ticket provides access to various exciting attractions at Lion Country Safari.

You can enjoy the drive-thru safari experience along with admission to the Adventure Park.

The ticket also includes access to all the rides, including the Flying Elephant Ride and Rio Grand Train.

You can explore seven different areas, each featuring a variety of creatures from the Serengeti Plains to Gorongosa Reserve and Hwange National Park.

Moreover, you can have fun at the Safari Splash Sprayground Water Park, enjoy pontoon and paddle boat rides, and play mini-golf.

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (10+ years): US$52 Child Ticket (3 to 9 years): US$40 Infant Ticket (up to 2 years): Free

Save time and money! Buy the Miami Go City Pass and discover over 25 top Miami-area activities, attractions, and tours. With this all-inclusive pass, you can explore Zoo Miami, Seaquarium, Big Bus Miami Hop-On Hop-Off, and many more!

Back to top

Lion Country Safari spans over 600 acres in Loxahatchee, Palm Beach County, Florida.

Address : 2003 Lion Country Safari Rd, Loxahatchee, FL 33470, USA. Get Directions

You can reach the Lion Country Safari by both public and private transportation.

Take Bus Number 40 and get off at Southern BL at Lion Country Safari Rd , 2.3 miles (4 km) from the attraction. 

If you’re traveling by car, turn on Google Maps and get started!

You will find metered parking lots inside Lion Country Safari.

Lion Country Safari opens daily at 9.30 am and closes by 5.30 pm.

However, the last car admission to the attraction is at 4.30 pm. 

Visitors should plan for around 5 hours to enjoy Lion Country.

It takes around an hour and a half for the drive-through and around three and a half hours for the walk-through.

The best time to go for Lion Country Safari is as soon as it starts at 10 am.

In the early morning, it’s typically cooler, and the animals are usually more active.

The best season to visit Lion Country Safari is the rainy season. 

The animals are typically more active during this time of year because they enjoy the cooler, rainier weather. 

During adverse weather, including lightning alerts, rides, and some attractions are closed until it is safe to reopen.

Lion Country Safari has Café ROAR, a Cones ice cream shop, a Safari Food Truck, a Base Camp refreshment trailer, and a Safari Snacks outlet.

You can bring your favorite foods and dine in the outdoor picnic area near the Safari World walk-through park. 

On-site barbecues and alcohol are not permitted.

There are several picnic areas available around the walk-through park.

Tables are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Lion Country Safari also offers a pavilion that must be reserved ahead of time.

The Lion Country Safari spans over 600 acres, so download the map to plan your visit.

The map will help you identify enclosures and services such as restrooms, restaurants, picnic areas, medical facilities, locker rooms, and souvenir shops.

They are useful for families who want to see their favorite animals first instead of whatever is on the route.

Where else can you hear a lion’s roar in the morning and African music while you sleep?

Only at the 320-acre drive-through wild animal sanctuary and adventure park, part of the acclaimed Lion Country Safari KOA!

The well-known Lion Country Safari introduced a new full-service KOA campground to serve visitors looking for an outstanding wild animal experience in the safari region.

The campground offers RV sites with full hookups, rustic cabins that accommodate up to four people, and tent sites.

You will find out various exotic species from all over the world.

Las Pampas: Aldabra Tortoise, Alpaca, Brazilian Tapir, Greater Rhea, Marabou Stork

Ruaha National Park: Greater Kudu, Impala, Ostrich

Kalahari Bushveldt : Eastern Bongo, Gemsbok, Nile lechwe, Waterbuck, Wildebeest

Gir Forest: Asiatic Water Buffalo, Blackbuck, Lowland Nyala, Nilgai, Scimitar-horned Oryx

Gorongosa Reserve : African Lion

Serengeti Plains: Common Eland, Common Waterbuck, Watusi/ankole cattle, Wildebeest

Hwange National Park : Giraffe, Greater Kudu, Plains zebra, Southern white rhinoceros, White Handed Gibbon

Rides: Flying Elephant ride, Carousel, Rio Grande Train

Water park: Safari Splash Sprayground, Safari Water Slides, Safari Falls

Animal Encounters: Giraffe Feeding, Petting Zoo, Lorikeet Feeding

Other attractions: Gemstone Mining, Maze, Mini Golf, Fun Slide, Safari Queen Pontoon Boat, Paddle Boats

Here are a few questions visitors to the Lion Country Safari usually have.

Lion Country Safari tickets are US$52 for tourists aged 10 and above, while kids aged 3 to 9 years pay US$40.

There are two ways to experience Lion Country Safari: You can bring your own car or get a vehicle for rental for a fee from the main office of the attraction. 

Convertibles, motorcycles, or any open-air vehicles are strictly NOT allowed. Vehicles cannot have broken windows. Windows and sunroofs must always be closed while driving through the preserve.

Infants up to 3 years old are admitted free of charge at the Lion Country Safari.

There is no need to take the printout of your Lion Country Safari tickets. You can show tickets on your smartphone and walk in.

Lion Country offers animal feeding experiences for a minimal fee at the walk-through attraction Safari World. Giraffe Feeding Encounter, Lorikeet Feeding, and Petting Zoo are among them.

The wildlife facility is handicap accessible, with a few exclusions owing to architectural constraints. You will be in your vehicle or one of the rental vans in the drive-through section.

Yes. You will find a few rides inside the walk-through park, such as the Rio Grande Train ride, animal carousel, pontoon boat tour, and flying elephant ride.

The rides at Lion Country Safari are included with all entry tickets.

Smoking is permitted only in guest vehicles and in the main parking area of Safari World, a walk-through adventure park.

There are numerous picnic areas spread around the walk-through park. Tables are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. It also has a pavilion that may only be reserved in advance.

Guests can enjoy their own food in the outdoor picnic area located inside Safari World. Please note that alcohol and barbecues are not permitted.

Yes, it is best to buy tickets in advance to ensure availability and have a hassle-free experience.

Pets are not allowed on the tour because of safety reasons.

Popular attractions in Maimi

# Miami Seaquarium # Miami Zoo # Jungle Island # Everglades National Park # Millionaire’s Row Cruise # Graffiti Museum # Thriller Miami # Museum of Illusions # Miami Duck Tour # Sawgrass Recreation Park # Flamingo Gardens # Skyviews Miami # Superblue Miami # Jungle Queen # Lion Country Safari # Wynwood Walls

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Check out all the things to do in Miami

This article was researched & written by

Devyani Bhattacharjee

Devyani Bhattacharjee enjoys traveling to new, exotic locations. She is always waiting to step out and explore the amazing historical structures, delectable cuisines, magnificent cultures, and gorgeous people worldwide. She believes in frugal travel - where she can have endless fun without spending too much money. Favourite Cities: Buenos Aires, Auckland, Montreal, Port Louis, St. Petersburg

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

FireStorm Internet runs this website to provide the most accurate and up-to-day information about tourist attractions.

Our Address

FireStorm Internet, 203, 30C, Bollineni Hillside, Perumbakkam Main Road, Nookampalayam, Chennai, India. Pin Code: 600126

About Us The Team Contact Us Affiliate Disclaimer Content Policy HTML Sitemap Privacy Policy Terms of Service

Helicopter Tours Food Tours Ghost Tours Stadium Tours Hop On Hop Off Tours Zoo Tickets Madame Tussauds Linq High Roller Summit One Vanderbilt

© 2024 FireStorm Internet

Lion Country Safari

Price & Hours

• Facilities 4.0
• Atmosphere 5.0

Sitting 21 miles west of downtown West Palm Beach, Lion Country Safari is the first cageless drive-thru zoo in the country. Although it's a bit of a drive, it's well worth the trip to see nearly 1,000 animals walk freely around your car. With animals from six continents, 90 different species can be seen here, including lions, Asiatic water buffalo, tapirs, ostriches and giraffes. There's also a walk-through portion of the park called Adventure Park, where travelers can feed giraffes and birds, play miniature golf, enjoy paddle boats and water park rides and more.

Past travelers especially appreciated the friendly staff, well maintained grounds, and unique opportunity to see animals up close. To cut costs, pass on park food and bring packed lunches instead.

Lion Country Safari's drive-thru adventure is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Public transportation is not available within the immediate area, so driving to (and within) the attraction is required. Regular admission costs $49 for visitors 10 and older, $37 for children ages 3 to 9 and free for children 2 and younger. All general admission tickets include access to the drive-thru and walk-thru portions of the park. Premium e xperiences , such as giraffe painting and flamingo feedings, are available for an additional fee. In addition to the attraction's various animal exhibits, guests have access to restrooms, gift shops, restaurants, picnic areas and water rides inside Adventure Park.

Popular Tours

Historical Sightseeing Catamaran Cruise in Palm Beach

(99 reviews)

from $ 51.15

Flamingle Happy Hour Cruise

(10 reviews)

from $ 40.45

Guided Snorkel Experience, Free Videos in West Palm Beach

(20 reviews)

from $ 46.23

More Best Things To Do in West Palm Beach

#1 McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary

Home to more than 200 animals, including lions, tigers, panthers and lemurs, McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary is an ideal attraction for animal lovers. Available to visit by small-group guided tour only, the sanctuary affords visitors an up-close view of various animals, as well as interactive opportunities with some of the property's smaller species.

Overall, past visitors appreciated McCarthy's mission to rehabilitate injured or abandoned wild animals. Not only are the grounds well-maintained, but the tour guides are also informative, polite and engaging, according to reviewers. Remember, though, to make arrangements for this attraction well in advance since appointments are required. Another note: Children younger than 5 are not permitted.

Explore More of West Palm Beach

Things To Do

Best Hotels

You might also like

Miami Beach

# 2 in  Best Spring Break Destinations

Fort Lauderdale

# 18 in  Best Places to Visit in Florida in 2024

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

The 50 Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches in the World

Holly Johnson December 1, 2023

Lion Country Safari

Top ways to experience Lion Country Safari and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Lion Country Safari - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Go City: Miami All-Inclusive Pass with 25+ Attractions and Tours (From AU$166.83)
• Go City: Miami Explorer Pass - Choose 2, 3, 4 or 5 Attractions (From AU$120.91)
• Go City: Orlando All-Inclusive Pass with Kennedy Space Center and LEGOLAND (From AU$304.58)
• Fort Lauderdale, Lion Country Safari and Palm Beach Day Tour (From AU$176.01)
• 7-Day Tour in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Key West and Orlando (From AU$2,251.41)
• (0.33 km) West Palm Beach / Lion Country Safari KOA
• (12.45 km) Hampton Inn & Suites Wellington
• (12.78 km) Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Wellington-West Palm Beach
• (4.42 km) Southern Palm Bed and Breakfast
• (13.23 km) Pioneer Inn
• (8.60 km) Agliolio Wellington
• (12.79 km) Bolay
• (11.98 km) Thai Basil by Amy
• (9.79 km) India Grill & Bar
• (13.59 km) Stonewood Grill & Tavern
• (4.45 km) Panther Ridge Conservation Center
• (9.66 km) McCarthy's Wildlife
• (7.42 km) Airboat Rides West Palm Beach
• (10.03 km) Green Motion Segway Tours
• (1.90 km) Mangrove Mamas Kayak & Ecotour

7 Ways to Go (Really) Wild at Lion Country Safari

Did you know that Palm Beach County is home to Florida’s largest drive-through safari? See how one family spends a fun filled day at Lion Country Safari.

Note: Lion Country Safari is currently open, but some experiences may be closed or have changed due to COVID-19 safety protocols. Please check with the attraction for the latest updates before visiting.

1. The Drive-Through Safari 

2. Feeding The Animals

3. Make a Splash in the Water Park Areas

4. Rides & Slides

5. Explore Lake Shannalee

6. Mini-Golf 

7. Camp Out on the “Savanna”

Related reads.

Lion Country Safari Selfie

Lion Country Safari Selfie Catch a glimpse of lions…

Activities More Than You Can Pack Into One Trip From…

12 Up-Close Animal Encounters

12 Up-Close Animal Encounters The Palm Beaches are…

Lion Country Safari Social Post

Endless Family Fun: Kid-Friendly Activities in The Palm Beaches

Endless Family Fun: Kid-Friendly Activities in The…

Plan Your Stay

Browse lodging options in the one, the only, the Palm Beaches and discover America's First Resort Destination in sunny South Florida.

Get Our Newsletter

Get a visitors guide.

Lion Country Safari

Top ways to experience Lion Country Safari and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Lion Country Safari - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

• Go City: Miami All-Inclusive Pass with 25+ Attractions and Tours (From ₹ 9,090.91)
• Go City: Miami Explorer Pass - Choose 2, 3, 4 or 5 Attractions (From ₹ 6,588.82)
• Go City: Orlando All-Inclusive Pass with Kennedy Space Center and LEGOLAND (From ₹ 16,597.16)
• Fort Lauderdale, Lion Country Safari and Palm Beach Day Tour (From ₹ 9,591.33)
• 7-Day Tour in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Key West and Orlando (From ₹ 1,22,685.57)
• (0.33 km) West Palm Beach / Lion Country Safari KOA
• (12.45 km) Hampton Inn & Suites Wellington
• (12.78 km) Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Wellington-West Palm Beach
• (4.42 km) Southern Palm Bed and Breakfast
• (13.23 km) Pioneer Inn
• (8.60 km) Agliolio Wellington
• (12.79 km) Bolay
• (11.98 km) Thai Basil by Amy
• (9.79 km) India Grill & Bar
• (13.59 km) Stonewood Grill & Tavern
• (4.45 km) Panther Ridge Conservation Center
• (9.66 km) McCarthy's Wildlife
• (7.42 km) Airboat Rides West Palm Beach
• (10.03 km) Green Motion Segway Tours
• (1.90 km) Mangrove Mamas Kayak & Ecotour

Lion Country Safari

Top ways to experience Lion Country Safari and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

LION COUNTRY SAFARI: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• Go City: Miami All-Inclusive Pass with 25+ Attractions and Tours (From £87.24)
• Go City: Miami Explorer Pass - Choose 2, 3, 4 or 5 Attractions (From £63.23)
• Go City: Orlando All-Inclusive Pass with Kennedy Space Center and LEGOLAND (From £159.27)
• Fort Lauderdale, Lion Country Safari and Palm Beach Day Tour (From £92.04)
• 7-Day Tour in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Key West and Orlando (From £1,177.30)
• (0.20 mi) West Palm Beach / Lion Country Safari KOA
• (7.78 mi) Hampton Inn & Suites Wellington
• (7.99 mi) Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Wellington-West Palm Beach
• (2.76 mi) Southern Palm Bed and Breakfast
• (8.27 mi) Pioneer Inn
• (5.38 mi) Agliolio Wellington
• (8.00 mi) Bolay
• (7.49 mi) Thai Basil by Amy
• (6.12 mi) India Grill & Bar
• (8.49 mi) Stonewood Grill & Tavern
• (2.78 mi) Panther Ridge Conservation Center
• (6.04 mi) McCarthy's Wildlife
• (4.64 mi) Airboat Rides West Palm Beach
• (6.27 mi) Green Motion Segway Tours
• (1.19 mi) Mangrove Mamas Kayak & Ecotour

A banner year for wild-animal babies: Lion Country Safari says 31 births show its formula is working

The cageless, drive-through zoo allows animals to rove freely, living with their herds. keepers say the park makes them feel safe enough to reproduce..

• The 600-acre park saw 31 births in 2022.
• Species as diverse as squirrel monkeys and oryx welcomed offspring.
• Of special note to visitors: a baby rhino named Ruby and infant giraffes named Kandoro and Kianga.

LOXAHATCHEE — Lion County Safari witnessed a baby boom in 2022, welcoming 31 offspring, including three rare rhinos, two zebras and two giraffes.

Its staff called the births a win for the animal park, which since 1967 has cared for wild animals with minimal human intervention. They say seeing the animals reproduce on their own indicates they are thriving in the habitat, about 20 miles west of downtown West Palm Beach .

“Any time you have a new birth, no matter what the species is, it represents the future,” said David Backus, the park’s lead keeper. “It represents preserving the species and the diversity of our planet.”

National recognition: Florida's Lion Country Safari named one of nation's Top 5 safari parks

Say hello to Ruby: Lion Country Safari welcomes third baby rhinoceros of 2022

Not one giraffe, but two: Say hello to Kandoro and Kianga! Lion Country Safari welcomes first baby giraffes in 5 years

Lion Country Safari allows visitors to drive through trails and see exotic animals roaming freely, such as chimpanzees, gemsboks and even its namesake lions, who watch visitors majestically, a hint of their raw power in their eyes. The 600-acre park is home to 810 reptiles, birds and mammals from six different continents, including critically endangered species.

The youngest animals in the safari are Kandoro and Kianga, giraffe calves born during the last week of December 2022. The oldest is Lancelot, a 95-year-old tortoise that arrived at the park in 1969.

Haley McCann, a spokesperson for the park, said the births are crucial to ensure the park will continue to protect and sustain endangered populations to prevent them from going extinct.

“We are acting as a lifeboat for the species,” McCann said.

Lion Country Safari's plan: Let the animals roam, and limit the human interactions

Lion County Safari opened its trails 56 years ago, becoming the first cageless zoo in the United States. Back then, it only had lions. Now it is home to 89 species. Visitors can see ones as diverse as boa constrictors, white-bearded wildebeests and even a zebu, a horned cattle species with a hump and drooping ears. 

McCann said the park still operates with the same mission from its beginnings: to have animals roaming freely, living with their herd, while visitors can watch them engage in natural social interactions.

During a typical visit, guests can stare at ostriches pecking at their car windows, watch monkeys swing from one tree to another and see giraffes rip leaves off trees. Members of each herd usually stick together and people can watch striped zebras trotting and eating, bucks submerged in lakes to cool down with only their black noses sticking out and lions rubbing their heads together.

Some guests, McCann says, park and stare at the animals interact with each other for hours.

Last year, the park saw a continuation of a rising number of annual births, including squirrel monkeys, scimitar-horned oryxs and impalas. It also welcomed Ruby, its 39th baby white rhino.

Backus, who has worked as a keeper on the safari for 12 years, said every birth was an exciting event that he celebrated with his staff. 

Unlike caged zoos, Backus said, at Lion County Safari animals are left to live on their own with minimal staff intervention. For that reason, when they reproduce, it means the keepers have successfully created an environment that imitates their natural habitat and makes them feel safe.

Backus says the births help visitors connect even more with the animals and the safari's purpose to preserve the species for future generations. 

"Even just see them in their car and you get the smile on their faces,“ he said. "We care about what we love, and we love what we know.”

The steady stream of births has made the park home to herds of 16 rhinos, 18 giraffes and 60 zebras, which is the largest in the United States, and a blackbuck family of 150.

Chimps, rhinos, zebras, giraffes: Park is home to endangered species

McCann said Lion County Safari participates in 35 species survival programs. They focus on long-term conservation and breeding to ensure there is a viable population under human care should they go extinct in nature. Some of its endangered animals include chimpanzees, rhinos, zebras and giraffes.

The park also supports the conservation of the species abroad.

Every couple of years Lion Country Safari sends its keepers to Africa. Backus flew to Namibia in 2019 and worked with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation to count and survey the Giraffe population for three weeks.

The foundation "has done great work in reintroducing giraffes into areas they haven't had them in many years, due to either habitat loss or civil war," he said. "Eventually, if (giraffes) don't have any areas left, they go extinct."

He said the trip was the best three weeks of his life because he got to help the wild counterparts of the animals that he cares for every day. For him, every guest who comes to Lion Country Safari represents an opportunity to create a sense of appreciation for the species and inspire future zookeepers.

"It's a different way to see animals," Backus said. "It's not a whole lot of places that you drive through and you can have a giraffe walk straight up to your car."

Lion Country Safari drive-through zoo park

Location : 2003 Lion Country Safari Rd, Loxahatchee

Hours : Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (last car admitted at 4:30 p.m.)

Tickets : Ages 10 and older are $45, plus tax; children ages 3 to 9 are $34, plus tax; children under 3 are free.

More information : Visit Lion Country Safari's website .

Valentina Palm covers Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, Loxahatchee and other western communities in Palm Beach County for The Palm Beach Post. Email her at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter at @ValenPalmB. Support local journalism: Subscribe today .

• From A to Zoo
• Behind the Scenes

Lion Country Safari

California Retrospective: When African beasts roamed Irvine’s Lion Country Safari

• Show more sharing options
• Copy Link URL Copied!

Irvine is often ranked the safest city in America. But it looked downright dangerous for the 14 years Lion Country Safari called it home. During that time, families drove their cars through the park — doors locked, windows up — encountering fierce felines and other creatures.

The drive-through, African-themed park opened in 1970. But low attendance plagued the park, leading to its closure 30 years ago this week.

“Scores of cars inched along the paved roadways inside the 100-acre preserve as drivers and passengers sought a final look at the exotic animals that will soon be sold,” The Times reported.

------------ FOR THE RECORD: Animal parks: An article in the Nov. 12 California section about closed Southern California animal parks said that Jack Dutton’s Jungle Garden in Anaheim closed in 1993. It closed in 1974. — ------------

“Golden-colored lions dozed in the sun and seemed bored by all the fuss, but the ostriches ruffled their feathers at the unusual amount of traffic. A brace of giraffes stalked across the roadway at one point, jamming traffic in both directions. The long-necked animals looked wonderingly at the rows of cars and hundreds of gawking tourists.”

Lion Country Safari created two true animal stars: Frasier the lion and Bubbles, a hippo escape artist.

Frasier the Lion

Frasier came from a bankrupt Mexican circus. He took over the Lion Country pride, sired several dozen lion cubs, and in the process became famous.

After the old, toothless, arthritic but virile lion arrived, the flow of sightseers to Lion Country jumped 10 to15 percent. Three secretaries answered letters from tourists who wanted assurances that he would be there.

“The gift shops sell Frasier T-shirts and postcards and a new line of Frasier watches has joined those featuring Spiro Agnew and Mickey Mouse. Frasier, father of 33 cubs and the human equivalent of 75 years old, appears unchanged,” The Times reported. “He continues hobbling among his pride with his tongue hanging out, sleeping 18 to 20 hours a day, gumming his food, and ignoring the tourists in his territory.”

Fraiser died on July 13, 1972.

Bubbles the Hippo

The 2-ton hippo achieved a measure of fame in 1978 when she managed three escapes from Lion Country Safari.

“Double shifts of rangers, backed up by a low-flying police helicopter, had failed at a late hour Tuesday to come up with any trace of Bubbles, the hippopotamus that has thrice broken out of Lion Country Safari in recent days,” The Times wrote at the time. “Her disappearance on this third escape has given an entirely new meaning to the heretofore preposterous question: ‘How do you hide a 2-ton hippo?’ There is, in fact, an answer — and Bubbles obviously has it.”

After hiding out for over two weeks, Bubbles died while being recaptured on March 10, 1978.

[email protected]

More to Read

Mountain lion kills man, injures another in Northern California

March 24, 2024

Editorial: California’s pumas are worse off than we thought. They need immediate help or could die off

Jan. 26, 2024

Orange County mountain lion Uno is killed by a car. Her insouciance brought her fame

Jan. 23, 2024

Get the Latinx Files newsletter

Stories that capture the multitudes within the American Latinx community.

You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.

More From the Los Angeles Times

Column: Watch your step, Democrats. O.C.’s purple shine hides a red underbelly

May 4, 2024

Encampments spread across California universities. Are they living on borrowed time?

Bloody spear, 2 bodies found inside storage facility in Santa Ana

May 3, 2024

LGBTQ+ people in Huntington Beach feel a growing hostility

May 2, 2024

Though the drive-through safari is the star at Lion Country Safari there's even more fun to be had

TOP DESTINATIONS

• Kruger Park
• Okavango Delta
• Serengeti National Park
• Victoria Falls

TOP COUNTRIES

• South Africa

TRAVEL DEALS

View All Travel Deals

SOUTHERN AFRICA

East africa, indian ocean islands, top experiences.

• Beach Holidays
• Family Safaris
• Honeymoon Safaris
• Desert Safaris
• Luxury Rail Safaris
• Multi-Generational Safaris
• Positive Impact Safaris
• Photographic Safaris
• Walking Safaris

WILDLIFE SAFARI

• Big Five Safaris
• Birding Safaris
• Gorilla Trekking Safaris
• Migration Safaris
• Mobile Camping Safaris
• Horseback Safaris

FEATURED EXPERIENCES

Comfort levels, property types.

• Tented Camps
• Boutique Hotels

Featured Safari Collections

• Great Plains
• Imvelo Safaris
• Red Carnation

GET TO KNOW US

• Meet The Team
• Pricing Explained
• Traveller Reviews
• Traveller Stories
• Why Book With Us?
• HerdTracker
• Safari Cost Calculator
• South Africa In 360
• Trusted Safari Partners

What are you looking for?

• Safaris & Tours
• Destinations
• Experiences
• Accommodations
• Why book with us?

Hello traveller!

It's in Cape Town now.

We're sorry. Our safari planners aren't available now. Our office hours are 08:00 - 19:00 (GMT+2).

Call us to speak to an experienced safari planner.

Alternatively, we recommend...

Schedule a phone or Zoom call with one of our safari planners

Complete our travel enquiry form to connect with a safari planner

Where to Experience Lion Country Safaris

Author: Devryn Panaino - 19 December 2023

Last Update: 26 April 2024

Part of the African Safari Collection

An African lion safari is the perfect experience to bask in nature and see stunning wildlife in their most natural habitat. While many people love the Lion Country Safari at the Palm Beach County Lion Zoo in Florida, travelers increasingly seek ethical alternatives to interact with one of nature’s fiercest predators.

But what are your options for ethical wildlife experiences beyond this lion safari park? Read more to find the 10 best authentic lion encounters as you traverse Africa!

1. Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia

The Lower Zambezi National Park offers a unique landscape where lions are often observed hunting along the riverbanks. The park’s geography, with its mix of riverside and rugged terrain, influences the lions’ behavior and hunting strategies, making for compelling viewing, especially in the dry season.

The tranquility and unspoiled nature of the area make it ideal for those seeking an authentic wildlife experience, where the focus is on observing lions’ behavior and interactions in a peaceful setting, away from the bustling crowds.

2. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

The Serengeti is a world-renowned ecosystem, hosting one of the densest populations of lions in Africa. The lions here are particularly known for their large prides and strategic hunting tactics during the Great Migration . This annual event sees over a million wildebeest and zebras traverse the plains, providing a feast for the lions.

The open savannas of the Serengeti offer spectacular views of these lions in action, showcasing their social structure and cooperative hunting strategies.

3. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

In Kenya’s Masai Mara, the lion prides are celebrated for their strength and size. Masai Mara National Reserve becomes a hotspot for lion activity during the annual migration, where they actively hunt the migrating herds. This period, typically from July to October, offers exceptional opportunities to observe lions in their natural hunting grounds.

Masai Mara’s vast plains and scattered acacia trees provide a picturesque backdrop for watching these magnificent predators in action.

4. Etosha National Park, Namibia

Etosha National Park in Namibia presents a unique environment for lion watching. Adapted to the semi-arid climate, the lions here are often found near waterholes, providing spectacular wildlife viewing. The dry season, from May to October, is the ideal time to observe these majestic predators as they hunt and interact with other species.

The park’s open terrain and sparse vegetation offer clear visibility, making it a favorite for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

5. Kruger National Park, South Africa

South Africa’s Kruger National Park is a treasure trove of biodiversity, hosting a significant lion population. The park’s diverse landscapes, ranging from dense bushveld to riverine forests, support a rich variety of prey for the lions. This diversity allows for a unique insight into the adaptability and hunting techniques of Kruger’s lions.

Visitors can enjoy sightings throughout the year, with the dry winter months being particularly rewarding for lion encounters.

Greater Kruger Safari Short and Sweet

From $ 1360 /USD

Affordable Sabi Safari

Southern Africa South Africa Sabi Sands

From $ 1490 /USD

Livingstone Discovery

Zambia Livingstone Victoria Falls

From $ 1570 /USD

6. Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with its famous crater, offers an unparalleled safari experience. The crater’s high walls create a natural enclosure, providing a sanctuary for a dense population of wildlife, including lions. This unique ecosystem allows for close-up observations of lions in a relatively confined space.

The lions in Ngorongoro are accustomed to vehicles, allowing for intimate wildlife encounters and exceptional photographic opportunities.

7. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park is known for its robust lion population. The park’s diverse landscapes, from teak forests to open savannas, offer varied habitats for lions. The dry season, from July to October, is particularly rewarding for lion sightings as they congregate near water sources.

The park’s commitment to conservation ensures that visitors can enjoy ethical and sustainable wildlife encounters.

8. Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Okavango Delta in Botswana is a unique wetland ecosystem, home to a variety of wildlife, including a healthy population of lions. These lions have adapted to the delta’s seasonal flooding, displaying unique behaviors such as swimming and hunting in shallow waters.

The delta’s intricate network of waterways and islands provides a stunning backdrop for observing these majestic predators in a truly unique setting.

9. Chobe National Park, Botswana

Botswana’s Chobe National Park is renowned for its high concentration of wildlife, including a large population of lions. The park’s diverse environments, from the lush Chobe Riverfront to the dry Savuti area , offer varied contexts for observing lion behavior.

The dry season, from April to October, is particularly rewarding as animals gather around the remaining water sources, providing excellent opportunities for lion sightings.

10. Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania

Selous Game Reserve is an expansive, untouched wilderness ideal for observing lions. Its diverse landscapes of riverine forests, grassy plains, and thickets provide a habitat-rich environment for lions, showcasing their natural behaviors from hunting to nurturing young.

Selous Game Reserve’s isolation ensures exclusive, intimate wildlife experiences and emphasizes conservation and sustainable tourism, offering visitors authentic, ethical encounters with these magnificent predators in their natural habitat.

Embark on a Lion Country Safari With Discover Africa

From the stunning sights of Zambia to the remote wilderness of Botswana, there’s always something to discover on a lion safari in Africa. With Discover Africa, luxury, adventure, and conservation await in a safe safari experience.

Contact Discover Africa today for more information about our ethical wildlife experiences and to book your authentic safari!

Packing for a Gorilla Trek: Essential Gear and Tips

Local Cuisines You Have to Try in Botswana

Why travel with us?

Recent reviews from travellers who planned and booked their africa trips with discover africa safaris, knowledgeable, easy to work with, understood how we wanted to travel, available....

Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Botswana & Garden Route Safari Review

Kathy S, United States 15 Oct 2023

Exceptional service.

South Africa Family Safari Review

Stuart, Australia 10 Jul 2023

A brilliant experience.

4 Days On A Kruger Safari Review

James, United Kingdom 16 Mar 2023

100% thrilled with discover africa and matthys..

Big Five Safari Adventure Review

Jodi, Canada 14 Mar 2019

Superb safari and well organised..

Masai Mara Safari Adventure Review

Geoffrey Burton, South Africa 18 Jun 2015

What an amazing experience.

Great Wildebeest Migration Experience Review

Linky Theron, South Africa 27 May 2015

Registered Members of these Organizations

USEFUL LINKS

• Safari Tours
• Accommodation
• Why Book with us?
• Content Collaborations
• Safari Cost Estimator Tool
• Wildebeest Migration
• Privacy Policy
• Website Terms of Use

POPULAR COUNTRIES

• View All Countries

POPULAR DESTINATIONS

• View All Destinations
• Cape Town Holidays
• Kruger National Park
• Etosha National Park
• Chobe National Park

TRAVEL BLOGS

• Travel News Digest, 3 May: Flooding in the Maasai Mara, Turtles Rescued in Cape Town
• Addo Deploys AI Collar Tracking to Combat Rhino Poaching
• 10 Years of HerdTracker on the Ground: Unforgettable Great Migration Encounters
• Delta Expands New York Service to Boosts US-Africa Flight Connectivity 
• Travel News Digest, 26 April: Namibia Adds Visa-on-Arrival in Walvis Bay, Uganda Deforestation Concerns

OUR LOCATION

• 2nd floor, Tygervalley Chambers One, 27 Willie van Schoor Avenue, Bellville, Cape Town , 7530

Israel strikes Rafah hours after cease-fire proposal was allegedly accepted by terrorist group, Hamas, to halt the war in Gaza.

• Israel strikes Rafah

Newborn scimitar-horned oryx joins herd at Lion Country Safari

by Skyler Shepard

LOXAHATCHEE, Fla. (CBS12) — Lion Country Safari welcomes a scimitar-horned oryx calf to the herd!

Known for their majestic, curved horns that can grow up to several feet long, Scimitar-horned oryxes are desert-adapted antelopes. While this little one's horns won't be reaching those impressive lengths for a while, its arrival is a major step in conservation efforts.

For now, the mother and daughter are taking some much-needed rest in a special maternity area, away from the public eye. Lion Country Safari prioritizes the well-being of both mother and calf during this crucial bonding period.

See also: Déjà Zoo: Another animal possibly taken from Palm Beach Zoo, where's Catherine the bird?

Sadly, the scimitar-horned oryx is extinct in the wild. Human activity, including overhunting, habitat loss due to drought, and competition from livestock grazing, have driven them to extinction in their natural habitat, according to the Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute.

However, there is hope! Conservation scientists are working tirelessly on reintroduction programs in Tunisia, Chad, and Niger, aiming to bring these magnificent creatures back to their native lands.

The park looks forward to sharing updates on the calf's development as it joins the herd in the future. In the meantime, this new arrival serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of conservation and the beauty of these remarkable animals.

Modern Day Ruins

Modern Day Ruins is dedicated to the not-so-forgotten abandoned places we once loved.

Google Analytics 4

August 28, 2008, lion country safari: irvine, california.

Google Earth Images

What it was like

31 comments:.

Lion Country Safari can be seen on the TV show "More Things That Aren't Here Anymore." "A follow-up to the 1997 special recalls bygone Southland landmarks. Included: Hollywood's Brown Derby; Gilmore Stadium, a minor-league field; the steamships of Catalina Island; the original McDonald's restaurant. Host: Ralph Story." This program can be found on KCET.

The Irvine Company recently tore down Wild Rivers and are building a residential community on the site. The road going into the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater off of Irvine Center Dr. is still named Lion Country Safari road.

I forgot this part. The Irvine Company also extended Lake Forest Blvd. over some hills that are adjacent to the old Wild Rivers site. From the road you can easily see the entire area.

A twin engine Beach King Air also plowed into the Amphitheater during the 90s (?) on a final to El Toro.

I have a picture of me sitting on a lion. Not sure of the exact year, but early 70s. We loved that place as kids!!

I remember going to Lion Country Safari when I was a little girl. The ostrich tried to get the door lock on the inside of our vehicle. The other thing I remember is they had a machine that would make you a wax animal right there. It was so cool. Sad to see that it is no longer there. This was in the late 70's. Memories :-)

Wow so sad to have closed it down.We were there back in the 70's it was such a neat place to see.I have alot of pictures i took good thing i did.Im so sorry for the animals that were destroyed.Too bad they couldnt of did something to keep it open.Id really like to go through it again.):

I used to work at Lion Country Safari. Some of the detail left out is- The elephant that escape belong to Gentle Jungle. Who rented space from Lion Country Safari. There was accident involving the tiger from the show. Again the animal belong to Gentle Jungle. I was on duty that day. Here what happen. The show started (please remember this is Gentle Jungle equipment and animals). One Child was running all over the place, his father was to busying to control his child, it is ask parents please control your child at the beginning of each show. The tiger was having a bad day the trainer got him out of the ring somehow the tiger got out the cages and fences. The tiger attack a little boy. Where was his dad? To busy running leaving his child behind but did not forget his beer. I was one on the first one there. I will never forget this. Who gets sued? Lion Country Safari. Why? Lion Country Safari had money! Gentle Jungle didn't. I love working there. I have such great memories of Lion Country Safari

So glad to see your post. I am Dr. Dooley's daughter. I loved going to work with him back then. People are sue-happy and forget that animals are animals and to take care. I hate hearing the backlash. Lion Country was an amazing place!

There is an amazing episode of an old show called Cannon that I think was filmed there. Curious to know how much of it was.

I also worked there way back when as a apprentice to the magician who's name I can't remember. I think his first name was Lee. I can't remember his stage name either. If anyone remembers it please let me know..thanks

If you're going to tell the story tell the truth. These people were our upstairs neighbors and family friends. I KNOW what happened.

use to do the elephant show. One of the elephants is at LA Zoo. Many of the lions went to Shambala which at the time was owned by Teppi Heddren. Great place, good animals and lots of poor management from unknowing and uncaring executives.

I'm always grateful to hear these experiences from others, especially those of you who worked there. I remember the wax lion machine at the entry. I still have a souvenir from the gift shop of a plastic lion in a wooden cage with the LCS sticker on the bottom. I never could understand why this place dwindled on attendance but hearing from some of you, now I know why. They didn't seem to invest much back into the place. So sorry about the animals and the lawsuits. ...and the idiot people. It's hard for me to hear that Michael Crighton based Jurassic Park on the San Diego Zoo or Wild Animal Park when it was obviously much closer to Lion Country Safari.

Hi! I remember going on a school field trip to Lion Country Safari,I loved it and I still have my wax "Doc the Lion"Mold a Roma,I wish I could get information on"Doc the Lion"and I wish I could get a brochure of the park to go with my Doc the Lion.

went there in 1972? when Dad&Mom came out to see me.I was in the Navy.

I took my kids to Wild Rivers in the early 90s. Many great memories. When I visited CA in 1979, we drove through Lion Country Safari and had a great time. In October 1994, the lions were long gone when my fiance and I held our wedding there. We married near the water's edge and had our reception in the circular building nearby that had floor to ceiling windows - as I remember it. It was a beautiful place and I'm sorry that it is no longer around!

I lived in southern California for 11 years from 1980 to 1991. We went to many concerts a at the amphitheater. The last time we went to see Journey we snuck in via lion country safari! I remember going over the fence in a fairly inconspicuous spot and running down a hill to the walkway leading from parking to the amphitheater. Once down the hill we blended in with others walking to the show.

We took our three children there every year for many years we have such great memories great movies we watch them now with our grandchildren our grandchildren wish they could have seen the animals up close and see them as they should be saying you're free It was a great time we always look forward every year to go with my children got to Pat baby lions and they never will forget that so sad that it was not taken care of like it should've been it would be great for the children of today so so sad

I went to the summer camp. My grandmother ran the ropes challenge course there in the 90's. I loved exploring the park and old attractions.

that summer camp was great I attended from like 92-95, that was the highlight of every summer I was sad to see it go. They reopened as camp james in Newport Dunes apparently still highly rated as a summer camp.

I worked at camp Frasier during that time. Was a fun job

I went the summer camp called Camp Fraser about 3 times in the early 1990s ( I think from like 92-95ish) and it was a BLAST. We would go to wild rivers in the morning, and then have the whole lion country safari area as basically a playground with like ATV's and hiking and stuff (I don't really remember any exotic animals being around)

My sister worked there when it first opened in 1970. They had a brood of very young lion cubs to care for 7 days a week, and on weekends my sister would sometimes have to bring a couple of cubs home to bottle-feed and... uh... "wipe" every so often. Hungry little guys!

Mayfair High School Had Our 1977 Prom At Lion Country Safari. It Was So Fun. I Took My Good Friend Lauri Love. She Was The Most Foxy'st Girl There.

Was there in 1974 and love every minute of it. I am sorry to hear that is no longer open. I would like to have gone there again.

Went there only a couple of times, once as a field trip. My uncle helped develop a similar park in Puebla, Mexico, which I think is still open. I remember when Frasier was ill and passed away, I was delivering papers at the time. Every day was an update on the front page. Frasier was supposed to be buried up on the hills above the park. The guides would point it out. I remember also that Frasier was supposed have sired something like 23 cubs while he was at the park. Fond memeries.

I went there in the early 70's with my Aunt when we visited from Mn. I remember getting my photo taken with Gentle Ben, the bear. He stood up and had his paw on my shoulder. Was a great place..I remember my Aunt and her son rode the elephant. Too bad it closed.

I remember going through LCS in the 70s with my family. We were going through when they were feeding the Lions as the man was throwing them the raw meat he noticed dad was filming him. He threw a piece of meat on the hood of our car and when the lioness licked it off it scuffed up our paint because her tongue was so ruff. I will never forget that.

Hi Everyone, I'm a producer for ISH Entertainment, an award winning production studio in New York. We're casting a show for a big time network about LCR and are looking to talk to people with wild experiences from LCR. Please reach out to [email protected]. Thank you! Best, ISH Entertainment NYC

I was one of the first two counselors hired to run Camp Frasier in 1982. Within a few months of operating the camp we added a third counselor. The age range of participants was such that we "deputized" the older campers as junior counselors. We were always looking for activities for the kids to do. We talked the maintenance staff into helping us create fishing poles and the kids caught dozens of huge catfish which were displayed for parents when they came to pick up their children. Apparently, the jungle boat river had never been fished! [email protected]

Lake Mead Water Level Lowers, Finds Grow

  Lake Mead Water Level Lowering, Finds Growing Lake Mead is a reservoir formed by the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River in the Southwestern ...

YESTER LION COUNTRY SAFARI (CALIFORNIA) HOURS:

Open every day of the year, rain or shine, at 9 a.m. until:

      Summer — June 1 to Labor Day — 6:00 p.m.       Fall — Day after Labor Day to October 31 — 5:00 p.m.       Winter — November 1 to March 31 — 3:30 p.m.       Spring — April 1 to May 31 — 5:00 p.m.

Prices and operating hours subject to change without notice.

According to the brochure, “Go Wild! Drive thru Lion Country Safari African Wildlife Preserve.”

You don’t have to go to Africa for this African Safari. It’s only a 20-minute drive from Yesterland. Lion Country Safari is 40 miles from Downtown Los Angeles or 64 miles from Downtown San Diego, according to the brochure. Just head down the San Diego Freeway to the Moulton Parkway off-ramp. Your safari awaits you right on the Irvine Ranch in Orange County, California.

You’ll be greeted by a sign that reads, “No Trespassing. Violators Will Be Eaten! Lion Country Safari.”

Drive up to a ticket window. Adults are $3.25; children five through eleven are $1.50; four and under are free. There is no charge for parking.

If you’re driving a convertible, you won’t be allowed to drive it through the safari. (They don’t really want the lions to eat you.) Park your convertible at the Hertz Hut and rent an air-conditioned sedan or safari-type vehicle at nominal charge.

Did you bring your pets with you? According to the brochure, “Domestic animals are not permitted in automobiles touring the preserve. First-rate accommodations are provided for them, free, at the Kal Kan Kennel Club.”

A ranger watches from a tower to make sure everything is okay.

You’ll see more than just lions at California’s Lion Country Safari. You can drive your Impala among the antelope. The cheetahs can outrun your Cougar—you have a speed limit, but they don’t. Giraffes will tower over your Pinto. Curious ostriches might peck at your Falcon.

Experience an authentic safari in your family car.

The animals have the right-of-way. Given the size of the elephants and rhinoceroses, nobody should debate this rule.

Camels and zebras and gnus, oh my!

The zebras are glad that they’re separated from the lions by fences. Park guests are glad that the fences are hidden in ditches so that it feels like driving through an African savanna, not through a series of fenced enclosures.

Keep your windows rolled up!

Over 400 animals call Lion Country Safari “home.”

The stars of the show

The highlight of your safari is being surrounded by lions. The only thing between you and the ferocious beasts is your car window. A lion might even jump on the hood of your car—but, more likely, the well-fed lions will all be on the ground taking it easy.

If a 500-pound adult lion dents the hood of your car, how will you explain it to your insurance company?

“Jambo!”

When you finish your drive-through tour of the preserve, the fun isn’t over yet. Park your car and visit the Safari Camp and Entertainment Area.

Map of Safari Camp

For a larger (1200x1400 GIF) version of this Safari Camp map, click here .

Lion Country Flamingos

Take a Zambezi River Cruise (adults 75 cents, children 50 cents)—the animals along the river are real, unlike those at the Jungle Cruise in that park in Anaheim.

Zambezi River Cruise

California’s Lion Country Safari entertained visitors from 1970 to 1984.

On June 16, 1970, Lion Country Safari in Irvine opened to the public. The location in Southern California had a lot going for it—a great climate, a large local population, and a significant tourist base. But Lion Country Safari had stiff competition from Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and the beach.

Lion Country Safari was given a big boost by an unlikely star attraction. An elderly, nearly toothless lion named Frasier came from a Mexican circus in February 1971. The old cat’s tongue dangled from one side of his mouth, and he had trouble walking. He may not have been much to look at as far as we humans were concerned, but the lionesses saw him differently. There was a population boom of lion cubs at the park. Frasier’s sorry visage adorned tee-shirts and other park souvenirs. Frasier sired 35 cubs until his death in June 1972 at 17-20 years of age, equivalent to a human age of 85-100 years. Frasier even inspired a 1973 feature movie, Frasier the Sensuous Lion , rated PG.

In 1981, Irvine Meadows Amphitheater was added to Lion Country Safari. It was Verizon Wireless Amphitheater from 2000 to 2014. Then it reverted to its original name, before closing permanently in 2016.

On October 27, 1984, in the Los Angeles Times , staff writer Bruce Horowitz wrote about the end of the drive-through safari at Lion Country Safari:

The roar of Lion Country Safari may soon be replaced by a gurgle.

Park officials announced Thursday that they intend to phase out the 100-acre animal preserve at the struggling tourist attraction and replace a portion of it with a major water-theme amusement park.

“This land is so valuable that it no longer makes sense to have these animals occupying 100 choice acres,” said Harry Shuster, president of Lion Country Safari Inc. Over the next three months, the park plans to begin converting operations and selling its estimated 300 “wild” animals—valued at more than $200,000—to other animal parks and zoos nationwide, Shuster added.

When the lions and tigers are gone, the only remaining animals at the park will be tame ones in its petting zoo and exotic birds. Nevertheless, Shuster stressed, the park will retain the name Lion Country Safari. “Why not?” he asked. “Magic Mountain doesn’t have any magic nor is it on a mountain. And Knott’s Berry Farm hasn’t been a real farm for many years.

In November 1984, after more than 14 years in business, Lion Country Safari closed permanently. In 1986, part of the former Safari Camp became Wild Rivers Waterpark.

Surprisingly, the “so valuable” land that was once the drive-through safari remained undeveloped for decades.

The water park operated until September 2011. It’s now the site of Los Olivos, the largest apartment complex in Orange County, with 1,750 units. More apartments are planned for the site of the amphitheater when its lease runs out in 2017.

The Lion Country Safari name has long been erased. Moulton Parkway adjacent to the site is now called Irvine Center Drive. (It’s still Moulton Parkway after Lake Forest Drive.)

Yes, Lion Country Safari is long gone—but you can still visit Lion Country Safari. It doesn’t require a time machine.

That’s because the original (1967) Lion Country in Loxahatchee, Florida, is still open for business.

There’s still a Lion Country Safari near West Palm Beach, Florida.

Over 900 animals live at the Florida park. The four-decade-old attraction has aged gracefully. In recent years, the owners have upgraded the facilities with new features such as a giraffe feeding station, a ferris wheel, and a children’s water-play area, Safari Splash.

Cars and animals still the share the road in Florida.

There’s a four-mile drive-through preserve which provides great views of many different species. Guests are lent a CD or cassette for commentary through the car’s stereo. The lions are now fenced in. Chimpanzees live on islands. The elephants, who had long ago been moved into an elephant enclosure, were removed from Lion Country Safari in 2006; they are now at facilities that provide better social and physical environments for them. (Lion Country Safari’s Bulwagi the elephant was at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for four years before moving to the Birmingham Zoo in December 2010.) But there are still plenty of species wandering around in surprisingly large herds.

Ostriches seem to enjoy seeing their reflections in car windows.

The Safari World area provides animal exhibits, demonstrations, and rides (including rather Dumbo-esque flying elephants). After visiting Safari World, guests are welcome to drive through the preserve again at no additional charge.

It’s worth visiting Florida’s Lion Country Safari if you like animals and you’re in the area. Don’t expect the spectacular art direction of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. (It doesn’t cost as much for admission either.) This is a lovely, old-fashioned Florida attraction for guests of all ages.

© 2007-2020 Werner Weiss — Disclaimers, Copyright, and Trademarks

Updated January 5, 2020

• Scanned image of lions on road at Lion Country Safari, Irvine, California, from a Lion Country Safari brochure circa 1971. Included here for historical illustration.
• Scanned cover of Lion Country Safari brochure circa 1971. Included here for historical illustration.
• Photo of Lion Country Safari sign: from the collection of Richard Harris.
• Scan of Lion Country Safari exchange ticket: from the collection of Richard Harris.
• Photo of Lion Country Safari guard tower and giraffes: from the collection of Richard Harris.
• Scanned image of rhinos and elephants at Lion Country Safari, Irvine, California, from a Lion Country Safari brochure circa 1971. Included here for historical illustration.
• Photo of Lion Country Safari camels: from the collection of Richard Harris.
• Photo of Lion Country Safari tigers: from the collection of Richard Harris.
• Photo of Lion Country Safari giraffes on road: from the collection of Richard Harris.
• Photo of pride of lions at Lion Country Safari: courtesy of the Orange County Archives, Santa Ana, California.
• Photo of Lion Country Safari entrance to Safari Camp: from the collection of Richard Harris.
• Scanned image of map of Safari Camp and Entertainment Area at Lion Country Safari, Irvine, California, from a Lion Country Safari brochure circa 1972. Artist: T. Smith. Included here for historical illustration.
• Photo of Lion Country Safari flamingos: from the collection of Richard Harris.
• Photo of Lion Country Safari boat ride: from the collection of Richard Harris.
• Photo of Lion Country Safari (Florida) sign: 2006 by Werner Weiss.
• Photo of animals and SUV at Lion Country Safari (Florida): 2006 by Werner Weiss.
• Photo of an ostrich at Lion Country Safari (Florida): 2006 by Werner Weiss.

Richard Harris is the author Early Amusement Parks of Orange County .