safari oregon

• Beyond Oregon
• Central Oregon
• Columbia River Gorge
• Eastern Oregon
• Oregon Coast
• Southern Oregon
• Western Oregon
• Willamette Valley
• Forest Bathing
• Mountain Biking
• Photography
• Ski/Snowboard
• Storm Watching
• Vacation rental near Mt Bachelor Oregon
• Vacation Rentals
• Bend Vacation Homes
• Sunriver Vacation Homes
• Oregon Wine
• Restaurants

In-N-Out Burger to Open in Beaverton, Less Than 15 Minutes From…

Stay A Night In An Authentic Railroad Caboose In Oregon, With…

Eugene voted best in Oregon and named among best places to…

NASA Quietly Training Robot Dog on Mt. Hood to Navigate Landscape…

A Remote Pizza Joint In Oregon, Ike’s Makes Some Tasty Pies…

It’s Impossible Not To Love This Breathtaking Wild Flower Trail In…

Woman Unearths 20-Million-Year-Old Marine Mammal Fossil on Oregon Coast

The Tallest Ice Cream Cones In Oregon Can Be Found At…

Sleep Overnight in a Luxury Yurt That’s on Your Own Private…

Your Stay at This Magical Oregon Bed & Breakfast Will Feel…

Escape to Serenity: A Secluded Cabin Getaway on the Southern Oregon…

This Classic Oregon Drive-In Transports You Back to the Good Old…

This Charming Pizzeria in the Mt. Hood Corridor Has Been Loved…

The 50s Style Diner In Oregon That Will Have You Dancing…

• Entertainment
• Things To Do

Exploring The 600-Acre Oregon Wildlife Safari Park

For many of us, a trip to Africa to see these animals roam free in their natural habitat is a dream that may never come true. But the Wildlife Safari in Winston, Oregon , just south of Roseburg, provides a rare opportunity to witness the beauty and wonder of these creatures up close and personal. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, a family looking for an unforgettable adventure, or simply seeking a unique and exciting experience, the Wildlife Safari is a must-visit destination.

Wildlife Safari in Oregon

Here's a quick overview of the safari village.

The park is situated on 600 acres of land and is home to over 500 animals from all over the world.

The park offers a variety of ways to experience the animals, including a drive-thru safari, a walk-through exhibit, and even an animal encounter program where visitors can get up close and personal with some of the park's most popular residents.

The park ardently champions animal welfare and prioritizes the health of its residents , implementing numerous initiatives that contribute to wildlife conservation on both local and global scales. With a steadfast focus on animal health and well-being, the park's various programs embody its dedication to preserving and protecting the diverse species that call it home. Through these concerted efforts, the park not only raises awareness about animal health and conservation but also fosters meaningful connections between visitors and the wildlife they encounter.

The Wildlife Safari is also a great destination for families with children, as the park offers a variety of educational programs and activities for kids, including a summer camp and a junior zookeeper program.

In addition to the animal exhibits, the park also features a restaurant, gift shop, and playground area.

The park is open year-round, but hours and availability may vary depending on the season and weather conditions.

Visitors are encouraged to follow park rules and guidelines, including staying in their vehicles during the drive-through safari and respecting the animals' space and boundaries.

As you approach the park, the picturesque landscape of Southern Oregon unfolds before you, providing a glimpse of what's in store for you. Unlike typical zoos, the Wildlife Safari offers a unique and unforgettable experience. The park is home to a diverse array of amazing animals, many of which are native to Africa, and all of which roam freely in their natural habitats.

The Wildlife Safari ranks among the top 10% of accredited zoos and aquariums in the United States, a testament to its commitment to excellence.

The park's origins date back 38 years when founder Frank Hart envisioned a sanctuary dedicated to preserving and protecting endangered and rare species from across the globe. His dream has since materialized into the thriving Wildlife Safari we know today.

If you're thinking this is just another zoo or an exploitation of animal rights (“Tiger King”, I'm looking at YOU), think again. I'll probably never get to visit Africa in my lifetime, so this may be the closest I'll ever come to a real safari.

As you drive through the park in your own vehicle, you'll have the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the most magnificent animals on the planet.

Imagine watching as a majestic Southern White Rhino grazes mere feet away from your car, or spotting a herd of Damara Zebras frolicking in the open fields. The experience is nothing short of breathtaking.

And let's not forget about the Brindled Wildebeest, one of the park's most striking residents. These fascinating creatures, with their distinctively patterned coats and impressive horns, are a sight to behold. Seeing them in their natural habitat is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In addition to the Damara Zebra, Southern White Rhino, and Brindled Wildebeest, visitors can also see a variety of other African animals such as giraffes, cheetahs, lions, and elephants.

Among my favorite exhibits are the American Bison, Brown Bear, Ringtail Lemurs, Budgie Aviary, Sumatran Tiger, and the Safari's world-famous Cheetahs.

Wildlife Safari boasts one of the top cheetah breeding research centers on the planet and is the number one cheetah breeding facility outside of Africa and number two on Earth. Only around 10,000 cheetahs still exist in the wild, so the 219 cubs born at WS since 1972 are helping to keep this endangered species alive. You may even catch a glimpse of KJ and Rhino, the unlikely lifelong friendship between a big cat and a dog.

Watch out for the Australian Emus toward the end of your car ride, haha. They are extremely unafraid of humans, even when you're obeying the rules of keeping your hands inside the vehicle at all times.

Bombarded from all sides, this Emu took a turn at my dad as captured in this adorable video below!

Always Free Safari Village

Embark on an exciting adventure at the Always Free Safari Village, a destination that offers visitors a unique and immersive experience, open daily for all ages. This enchanting locale showcases a stunning botanical wonderland alongside a diverse range of captivating animal exhibits, including cheetahs, alligators, red pandas, and more. Throughout the day, you can enjoy informative keeper talks, interact with animals at the children's petting zoo, and explore various attractions without spending a dime.

Cheetah Encounters

Get up close and personal with Wildlife Safari's Ambassador Cheetahs at the Cheetah Spot, located within the Safari Village. The cheetahs rotate regularly to provide off-display animals with the opportunity to sprint and frolic in the cheetah drive-through. You might even spot a skunk or cavy in the area during your visit.

Camel Adventures

Experience the graceful stride of the one-humped Dromedary Camel, native to the Arabian Peninsula. Climb aboard for a memorable ride and don't forget to smile for the camera—these camels certainly will! Camel rides are available during the spring and summer seasons, weather permitting.

Safari Gift Shop

Don't leave without a souvenir to remember your Safari Village adventure! The Safari Gift Shop offers a wide range of merchandise, from t-shirts and jackets to collectible rocks, plush animals, and toys.

Satisfy Your Hunger at the Safari Grill

Treat yourself to the best burger in town at the Safari Grill. Complete your meal with delicious sides like onion rings or a chili dog, and savor your lunch either indoors or in one of the charming outdoor picnic areas.

Children's Petting Zoo

The Wildlife Safari provides a hands-on experience with friendly goats and adorable donkeys. For just 50 cents, you can even feed the animals!

Australian Walkabout

Explore the wonders of Australia by visiting the Wallaroos and the bird aviary. Be sure to greet the Kookaburra outside the Walkabout, and for just $1, you can purchase an aviary feed stick for a truly interactive experience.

Feed the Koi Fish

For only 50 cents, grab some fish feed and enjoy feeding the koi fish. Be quick, though, as the ducks might snatch up the feed before the fish get a chance!

Village Train Station

All aboard the village train for a scenic tour around the Safari Village. Members are entitled to complimentary train rides, so don't miss out on this delightful experience.

Admission Rates

Visitors can choose from the following admission rates:

Adults: 23.95

Children: 17.95

Seniors: 20.95

Upon admission, visitors will receive a map of the park to enhance their experience and help identify animals in nature.

Group Rates

Wildlife Safari offers group rates for groups of 12 or more. For more information on group rates, please contact guest services at 541.679.6761 or email them at [email protected] .

Drive-Thru Experience

Driving through Wildlife Safari typically takes about 1-1/2 hours to complete. During the drive, visitors can observe a variety of animals such as lions, tigers, bears, zebras, and more.

Come and experience Wildlife Safari's unique Drive-Thru animal park and get a chance to witness different animals in their natural habitats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the wildlife safari located.

The Wildlife Safari is located at 1790 Safari Road in Winston, OR 97496.

Navigating to the safari park is simple. Input the address into your GPS to guide you to the park entrance. Keep in mind that some GPS devices may become less reliable once inside the park, so be sure to follow the posted signs. To reach the park from Interstate 5 (North or South), take Exit 119 heading west toward Winston. Continue along Highway 42/99 for roughly 2 miles, then turn right onto Lookingglass Road. Watch for the signs on the right to direct you to your destination.

Contact info

Website:  https://wildlifesafari.net

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Wildlife.Safari.Oregon/

Phone: (541) 679-6761

When is the Optimal Time to Visit Wildlife Safari Oregon?

One of the prime times to explore Wildlife Safari Oregon is during the winter months, according to Destiny Molatore, who is the development director of the safari park. As the temperatures drop, the animals become more active, offering a livelier experience for visitors.

Additionally, the park tends to be less crowded in the winter, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the wonders of the safari. While Wildlife Safari is open throughout the year, the winter season presents a unique opportunity to truly appreciate the park's splendor.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Stay a night in an authentic railroad caboose in oregon, with stunning valley views, eugene voted best in oregon and named among best places to live in u.s., a remote pizza joint in oregon, ike’s makes some tasty pies and mouthwatering chicken, it’s impossible not to love this breathtaking wild flower trail in oregon.

Oregon Coast Aquarium Recognized by Newsweek Among Best in the U.S.

• Shipping & Returns

WELCOME   to the West Coast Game Park Safari located in Bandon, Oregon.

Thanks entirely to visitors attendance, west coast game park safari has become oregon's largest, totally self-supporting wildlife attraction, dedicated to propagation, preservation and education, while reminding all that extinction lasts forever, learn about an exotic animal, daily animal presentations, 7 days a week, 10am - 5pm last entry 4:30pm.

Free Roaming Animals

When you first enter the front gates  you will be immediately immersed among hundreds of free-roaming animals including: goats, sheep, deer, and peacocks! We offer "cones" with grain in the gift shop to allow visitors to feed and get some great photo opportunities.

Meet our Ambassadors

Each day we present interactions with multiple ambassador animals. Scratch a belly, take some photos, learn about these animals and their conservation, and have the experience of a lifetime.

Interact, play, and photograph animals up close!

A handler will present our ambassador animals for specific interaction with visitor groups. Visitors will be allowed time to visit, pet, play, and photograph our ambassador animals within each given presentation area. See our featured animals under the "Presentations" tab above.

Over 450 Animals to see!

Walk the park and see over 75 species of animals.

Visitors have the ability to free roam the zoo much like the goats and deer! No matter which turn you take you'll see plenty of beautiful animals including Tigers, Lions, Leopards, Caracals, Elk, Reindeer, Bison, Camels, Wallabies, Lemurs, Chimpanzees, and many more!

• BUCKET LISTS
• TRIP FINDER
• DESTINATIONS
• 48HR GUIDES
• EXPERIENCES

• DESTINATIONS South Carolina 3 Ways to Get Wet and Wild in Myrtle Beach BY REGION South America Central America Caribbean Africa Asia Europe South Pacific Middle East North America Antarctica View All POPULAR Paris Buenos Aires Chile Miami Canada Germany United States Thailand Chicago London New York City Australia
• EXPERIENCES World Wonders 14 Landmarks That Should Be Considered World Wonders BY EXPERIENCE Luxury Travel Couples Retreat Family Vacation Beaches Culinary Travel Cultural Experience Yolo Winter Vacations Mancations Adventures The Great Outdoors Girlfriend Getaways View All POPULAR Cruising Gear / Gadgets Weird & Wacky Scuba Diving Skiing Hiking World Wonders Safari
• TRIP FINDER Peruvian Amazon Cruise BY REGION South America Central America Caribbean Africa Asia Europe South Pacific Middle East North America Antarctica View All POPULAR Colors of Morocco Pure Kenya Costa Rica Adventure Flavors of Colombia Regal London Vibrant India Secluded Zanzibar Gorillas of Rwanda
• Explore Bucket Lists
• View My Bucket Lists
• View Following Bucket Lists
• View Contributing to Lists

A Hands-on Safari Experience Without Leaving the U.S.

Are you looking for a crazy wildlife experience without leaving the continental United States? Established in 1968 as a humble roadside attraction with a few deer, fast forward 50+ years and West Coast Game Park Safari in Oregon is king of the jungle. 450 animals are available for viewing and interacting (most free-range), affording you a hands-on experience with 75 exotic species.

Family Values

The West Coast Game Park Safari is not only a great experience for the entire family, but it's very existence is rooted in family values. Ever since 1968, the park has emphasized the importance of conservation and education about these beautiful creatures. In 1972, Bob and Mary Tenney made it their mission to expand the walk-through area with improved treatment of the animals the primary intention. Upon retirement in 2009, they passed the park on to their son, Brian, who kept up the tradition. Several of these animals were born into this park through the extensive all-natural breeding program with the purpose of revitalizing endangered species—including the majestic snow leopard.

Make a New Friend

While all of these stunning creatures are available for viewing and photography in their respective habitats, many are roaming freely and available to be fed and pet by visitors. Purchase a cone of food from the gift shop, and you'll quickly learn just how friendly alpacas and raccoons can be. Whenever you come, you're guaranteed a remarkable and memorable experience with an assortment of animals!

How to Do It

80 miles south of Eugene in Bandon, West Coast Game Park is open seasonally . Various animals are brought out throughout the day to interact with the guests as "ambassadors." These may include Lexi, the Canadian lynx, Honey, the black bear cub, Catniss, the frisky African serval, or baby ferrets, skunks, opossums, foxes, coatis, and lambs from the nursery. Stop by for the unexpected experience of feeding a bottle to a baby tiger!

The Perfect Pairing? An Oregon Brewery where the Sea Lions are Patrons Too

Smith rock state park: birthplace of american climbing, oregon travel guide, about the author, kelly neenan.

Writer, occasional traveler, and cat owner.

Luxury Travel

Nontraditional luxury getaways you probably haven't considered...but should, see europe's only free-living monkeys in gibraltar, a nepal safari: in pictures, world wonders, these are the most peaceful countries on the planet, the great outdoors, deserts in bloom: 6 spots for springtime wildflower watching, how to plan a luxury safari to africa, british columbia, yoho national park is the most incredible place you've never heard of.

• Editorial Guidelines
• Submissions

The source for adventure tourism and experiential travel guides.

Wildlife Safari

Top ways to experience Wildlife 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 wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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

Exploring Wildlife at Safari Park Oregon: A Unique Wilderness Encounter

The Pacific Northwest offers an array of outdoor activities. However, none quite compare to the unique experience proffered by Safari Park Oregon. The park provides an opportunity for visitors to interact with exotic wildlife in a natural setting. This self-guided, wildlife tour promises an immersive and educational adventure that will leave you with a renewed sense of the intricate biodiversity that our world offers.

A Close Encounter with Wildlife

Located in Southern Oregon’s expansive land, Safari Park Oregon is a dream come true for animal lovers. The park is home to over 550 animals from six continents. These animals can be spotted from the comfort of your vehicle, giving you a unique ‘safari’ experience.

What Animals Can You Expect to See?

From zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, and lions to bison, elk, and deer native to North America, the park boasts an impressive diversity of species. In addition, the park is home to some threatened species, allowing visitors a rare look at animals such as the endangered white rhino and the majestic African elephant.

Visitor Friendly, and Education-Focused

Safari Park Oregon truly is a place for all ages. Whether you’re a thrill-seeking adventurer, an animal enthusiast, or just looking for a family-friendly day out, there’s something for everyone.

What Activities Are Offered at the Park?

Apart from the self-guided tour in your vehicle, the park offers guided bus tours, providing an informative commentary on the animals and their habitats. For the more adventurous, there are camel rides, and for the little ones, a petting zoo.

Education is a key aspect of Safari Park Oregon’s mission. They offer school field trip programs as well as summer camps, where children can learn more about animal behavior, conservation, and ecology while having fun.

Conservation-Oriented

One of the core missions of Safari Park Oregon is to conserve and protect species through education and engagement. The park’s animals are not just for entertainment; they are ambassadors for their species, teaching visitors about the beauty of biodiversity and the importance of conservation.

How Does Safari Park Oregon Contribute to Conservation?

The park actively participates in species survival plans, breeding programs designed to prevent extinction and increase the population of threatened and endangered species. Additionally, they support numerous conservation projects both locally and globally, focusing on habitat preservation, research, and community education.

Conclusion: An Unforgettable Adventure

Exploring Safari Park Oregon is more than just an afternoon excursion; it’s an experience of a lifetime. It’s not every day you get to come face-to-face with a majestic lion or feed a towering giraffe. Safari Park Oregon provides a unique platform to interact with a vast array of wildlife, while promoting education and conservation. Whether you’re fascinated by the cunning fox or thrilled by the speed of the cheetah, a day at Safari Park Oregon guarantees a wild and unforgettable adventure.

So, are you ready to embark on a wilderness encounter like no other? Pack your enthusiasm for wildlife, and head to Safari Park Oregon for a stirring and inspirational journey through the heart of nature ’s wonders!

Related Posts

Tree Climbing Harness

A tree climbing harness is a piece of equipment that is used to help climbers…

Experience the Thrill of Sandboarding in Peru

Are you ready to experience the thrill of sandboarding in Peru? Peru is one of…

Exploring the World of Outdoor Jungle Gyms for Toddlers

In recent years, we have witnessed a rise in the popularity of outdoor jungle gyms…

Get Travel Southern Oregon highlights delivered to your inbox

There is a lot to do in Southern Oregon! Be the first to hear about local events, seasonal highlights and a get local’s perspective on the region.

Search the Site

Wildlife safari: where the wild things are.

Open year-round, Wildlife Safari also hosts a walk-though exhibit displaying some of the zoo’s smaller animals. Other amenities at its Safari Village include a children’s petting zoo, a village train, a full-service cafeteria and gift shop. Keeper talks are offered daily.

During the 4.5-mile drive-through loop, we’re treated to close-ups of wildebeests, hippopotamuses, grizzly bears, lions, elephants and even the new national mammal, the American bison.  As Mate, the 18-foot male giraffe lumbers up the road ahead of us, tour guide Sheilah Swanson explains that the animal activity at the park changes throughout the day. Sheilah recommends visitors get to the park first thing in the morning, take the tour, and go around again the end of the day.

“It’s like seeing a whole bunch of different animals,” she says. On this summer day, baby animals, including six lion cubs and eight bison, remain close to their mothers. Just two months earlier, on May 15, they were joined by the park’s newest celebrity, baby Kelley, the first giraffe born in the park’s 44-year history. “We got the call that the legs started poking out at 6 a.m. Sunday morning,” explains Benji Alcantar, one of the park’s two onsite veterinarians. “We’re here at 6:10 – the ungulate (hoofed mammal) staff and ourselves.”  Kelley was born at 8 a.m. At birth, the male calf weighed 175 pounds and stood 6 foot three inches from head to toe.

“We were a bunch of first-timers,” says Benji. “Kelley was the first giraffe born in the park. First for the vets. It was my dream to see a giraffe born.” Kelley ventured outside with mom Miya approximately one month after his birth, and is now one of the park’s major attractions. He’s also part of the park’s emphasis on species preservation. “Being able to help with the giraffe population species is very exciting for us,” says keeper Sylvia Molina.Later in the day we pose for photos with Mchumba, one of the park’s three cheetah ambassadors.  Mchumba represents the long line of nearly 200 cheetahs born at the park since it opened in 1972.

With cheetah numbers dwindling in the wild, having successful breeding programs allows zoos to educate their guests and conduct research that helps the endangered species. Through its partnership with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan for cheetahs, cubs born at the park have populated zoos across the U.S.“Wildlife Safari is one of the leading centers for cheetah breeding in the world, and the most successful in the United States,” says Benji.

Pancake, another of the park’s ambassadors and one of 17 cheetahs in residence, lays in the shade next to her canine companion, Dayo the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Born on the same day in February, 2015 this unusual pairing makes appearances in the community and at school assembly programs. While Dayo interacts with kids, Pancake shows off her unique cheetah traits during their visits. They also help spread the conservation message. In Africa, conservationists use livestock guard dogs to keep wild cheetahs away from local farms. This effort helps lower the annual number of cheetahs being shot in those regions.

While driving through Wildlife Safari allows you to view the animals from the comfort of your own vehicle, Sheilah Swanson recommends you take time to add on one of the park’s many close-up encounters. Park keepers provide commentary as you feed a giraffe, examine the dental hygiene of a hippo, or greet one of the Sumatran tiger sisters. Close-up encounters with cheetahs like Mchumba and baby Kelley and mom Miya are part of this program.“ For the guest, it’s fun,” explains Steve Tranter, park trainer. For the staff, “it’s our way of giving the animals a non-cursory examination. It’s a bonding experience that keeps the animals healthy and engaged.” According to Benji Alcantar, “Wildlife Safari is a unique and magical place for all of us.” We couldn’t agree more.

Find Out More Here

Guest Author

Review of Wildlife Safari, Winston, Oregon: Up-close cheetahs, giraffes + more

If you’ve met my 6-year-old Maxine, you’re sure to notice how much she loves animals. She can’t go anywhere without becoming BFFs with dogs, cats, lizards, tadpoles, grasshoppers—you name it! You don’t have to be as obsessed with animals as Maxine is to put the Wildlife Safari in Winston, Oregon on your must-do list!

This animal park is one of the most fun things to do near Eugene, Oregon . Just 1.5 hours south on I-5, it’s a unique experience your kids will talk about for years.

Wildlife Safari is a 600-acre park where the animals roam free as you drive past them. You’ll get incredibly close to many species, from hippos and ostriches to cheetahs and giraffes.

This is also a COVID-friendly and socially distanced activity, since you explore the park from inside your car.

To get your own up-close-and-personal experience with amazing animals, read on all about Wildlife Safari. In this guide, I cover

• Wildlife Safari prices and Groupons
• How to feed the animals
• When to visit Wildlife Safari
• Where to stay and hotels in Winston, Oregon

Wildlife Safari: One-of-a-kind experience for families

You and your kids won’t soon forget Wildlife Safari’s drive-through experience. Once you pay admission, you’ll drive along a one-way route that takes you past all sorts of animals. You’re asked to drive 10 mph or less and honestly, you won’t want to go faster. You want to see all the creatures!

Because they’re roaming free , you’re not guaranteed to get a close-up view of most animals. I had been excited to see rhinos but barely spotted them in a patch of shade high up on a hill. Try not to build up expectations of seeing certain animals so you and your kids aren’t disappointed.

As you drive through Wildlife Safari, car passengers are allowed to ride without seatbelts and with windows open. (Keepers ask that you close windows if animals approach your car, except in the animal feeding section—more on that below.)

Maxine and Edie couldn’t believe they could ride without seatbelts—honestly, I think it was one of the more memorable parts of the adventure.

What animals will you see?

I was much more interested in all the creatures we saw! The park is laid out by continent, so you’ll drive through Africa, Asia and the Americas. Some of the animals you’ll see:

• Many hoofed species, including Sika deer, Tibetan yak, wildebeest and oryx
• Ostriches and emus
• and of course cheetahs, the animal the park is best known for

Some sections of the route allow you to circle popular animal enclosures, such as the lions, as many times you like. This helps prevent a bottleneck of cars and allows you to spend more time with these beautiful creatures.

We were lucky enough to see not only cheetahs but a mama with three little cubs! You should have heard all the excited squeals coming from my minivan.

Wildlife Safari is the second-most successful cheetah breeding program in the world . 231 cheetahs (and counting!) have been born here. The breeding program is designed to maximize genetic diversity among a species in danger of inbreeding.

Wildlife Safari prices

Instead of paying per carload, as some drive-through attractions do, you pay per person. Wildlife Safari prices range from $16 to $22, depending on your age.

• Wildlife Safari tickets for adults: $22
• Wildlife Safari tickets for children ages 3-12: $16
• Wildlife Safari tickets for babies and toddlers 0-2: free

It is very likely you can also find a Wildlife Safari Groupon ! Look for options that fit your family, and buy a combination of discounts that works for your family.

I bought a Wildlife Safari Groupon for one adult at $11.60 and an additional one for two children at $14. That’s a savings of $29—more than 50 percent!

Feeding animals at Wildlife Safari in Oregon

One of the biggest highlights of our visit to Wildlife Safari was feeling the animals ! At first I thought they’d discontinued this activity since I last visited, when I was a kid. It turns out that the section of the park where you can feed animals is more than halfway through the drive-through safari. You’ll know you’re close when you pass the elephant habitat.

Once you arrive, get ready for a mob of animals! These critters know precisely what they’re in for: delicious food. (Well honestly, the kibble-like feed doesn’t actually look that appetizing, but maybe it’s considered a delicacy by Sika deer, emu and yaks.)

To feed the animals, pause at the booth. Feed is $5 per cup. I recommend buying one cup per person, plus an extra for every two children in the car. We bought 4 cups at $20. After Maxine and Edie had given out all their feed, I split the extra between the two of them. This was clutch because they were quite disappointed their feed was gone so quickly!

After all, these animals are hungry! Sika deer walk right up to your car and even stick their noses in through open windows. Hold onto those cups tight because the animals will knock them right out of your hands. Don’t be surprised if one of the deer licks you to get every last crumb of feed!

Emus might eat the feed, too. Make sure to feed them out of the cup, not your hand, as they can bite!

Free Safari Village Attractions

The drive-through safari is hands-down the park’s major attraction. By the end of all that driving, though, you’ll want to stretch your legs. Thankfully, you can park after completing the drive-through safari and walk around the free area.

Paths wind through the free Safari Village so you can wander past small animal enclosures, a flamingo-filled pond, and the lion viewing area. You’ll also find a very small petting zoo, though I think it’s more like a set of farm animal stalls with an opportunity to feed goats. After spending $20 on animal feed in the drive-through safari, Maxine and Edie couldn’t talk me into shelling out more to feed the goats!

You’ll also find clean restrooms, which you’ll probably need after driving around. Then let the kids run off some steam at the playground, or watch a zookeeper talk. When we visited, it was lemur feeding time. Cute!

Wildlife Safari Cafe

Hungry? You can order typical kid food (burgers, fries and mac n cheese) at the cafe. You can eat indoors, at one of a few picnic tables in the Safari Village, or—this is what I recommend—get it to go to eat in the picnic area just past the parking lot. These tables are located under enormous oak trees, giving you plenty of shade—and no crowds.

My kids say the best part of the cafe was fresh-scooped ice cream! Local brand Umpqua ice cream satisfied Maxine and Edie on a super-hot day. I was satisfied at the very reasonable $1.50 price for a single scoop.

Hotels in Winston, Oregon

You’ll notice that the address of Wildlife Safari is in Winston, Oregon. But if you’re looking for hotels near Wildlife Safari , focus on nearby Roseburg, Oregon.

(Winston is so little that you won’t find many lodging options.)

In Roseburg, don’t expect fancy lodgings. That means, though, that your visit to Wildlife Safari can be even more budget-friendly! Here are ideas to find hotels near Wildlife Safari:

Weather in Winston, Oregon (+ When to Go to Wildlife Safari)

Overall, weather in Winston, Oregon is mild. Winter weather tends to average in the 50s; you’ll also see rainy days about half the time.

Summer can get quite hot and dry. June through September, expect high temperatures in the 80s and between one and four days of rain per month.

If you’re hoping to visit the park in the summer, keep wildfire season in mind. Oregon has been experiencing unusually hot and dry conditions, which often lead to wildfires. These are more common in late summer. If you plan a trip to Winston, Oregon to see the animals, keep an eye on wildfire conditions.

Finally, one more tip related to the weather in Winston, Oregon: Visit Wildlife Safari earlier in the day during the hot summer months. Animals will feel more comfortable and be more active before temperatures hit their highs.

Your Wildlife Safari questions: answered!

Admission to Wildlife Safari costs $22 for adults, $16 for children and $19 for seniors. That said, you can often find Wildlife Safari tickets through Groupon. On our recent visit, I paid a total of $25 for one adult and two children through a Wildlife Safari Groupon deal.

You’ll need 1.5 to 2 hours to drive through Wildlife Safari in Winston, OR. When my kids and I recently went, we explored at a leisurely pace, which took 2 hours. Budget additional time if you want to go to the Free Safari afterward.

Dogs are not allowed in the drive-through Wildlife Safari. If you come with a pet, you’ll need to leave any animals in the on-site kennels. It is free to use the kennel, but if you don’t have a padlock, you’ll need to buy one for $5.

From everything I saw, yes, Wildlife Safari treats animals well. Animals have ample space to roam and exercise. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which means it meets professional and humane standards set by zoo and aquarium experts. Consider, too, that the Wildlife Safari cheetah breeding program is one of the most successful in the world, so it contributes to the viability of a majestic (and threatened) species.

Wildlife Safari in Winston, Oregon is only a few miles south of Roseburg, Oregon. The park is about 1.5 hours from Eugene, OR and 3 hours from Portland. Wildlife Safari is less than 5 miles off I-5, which makes it a terrific break on a road trip!

Are you so excited to go to Wildlife Safari and see all these animals firsthand? If you’re not ready to tick off your list of things to do near Eugene, Oregon, don’t forget to pin this post for later !

PS – If you’re in the area, check out my posts on family-friendly restaurants in Eugene , Oregon and a self-guided street art tour of Downtown Eugene !

Previous Post Staycation Quotes: 27 Inspiring Quotations for Your Next At-Home Vacation

Next post fun family staycation: 5 ways to plan the ultimate vacation at home, you may also like.

Christmas in the Garden: Oregon Garden lights in Silverton Christmas Market

How cool is this! I have never been to a safari park, but now I’m intrigued. Thanks for sharing.

Wildlife Safari is such a cool experience! I definitely recommend you go when you have the chance.

This looks so fun! I had no idea there was a safari park in Oregon! I love being able to see animals roaming a little more free than in a zoo setting.

Wildlife Safari is SUCH a family favorite! I couldn’t believe how close we got to some of the animals.

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

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

TO & FRO FAM

This family travel blog is written for you—a mom who wants quality time and memorable vacations with her kids. I’m one of those moms, so I get that you want to leave your stress at home. I crafted (and tested!) these travel hacks and destination ideas to help the whole crew make the most of your time together. xo, Catherine

Drop me a line if you want to collaborate, connect or simply say hello.

[email protected]

• Disclosures + Privacy Policy

Family Travel Checklist

• Midwest USA
• East Coast USA
• South America
• Getting there
• Hotel & rental travel hacks
• Ultimately fun activities
• Delicious travel tips
• Travel gear

To & Fro Fam

• Charming Long Beach + Seaview, Washington: 9 fun things to do
• Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden: Best things to do in Hilo, HI
• Quirky Sou’wester Lodge: Glamping trailers + unique places to stay
• Goblin Valley State Park, Utah Guide: Hikes, hoodoos, camping + more
• 5 Best Hotels for Kids in Vegas, plus family-friendly casinos
• Ogden Dinosaur Park: Life-size dinos, paleontology museum + more in Utah
• Stunning Dead Horse Point State Park near Moab: Alternative to Arches
• 38 Unique Girls Trip Destination Ideas for 2022: Serious Inspiration!
• Kraft Boulders and Kraft Mountain Loop: Kid-friendly hiking near Las Vegas

Thrifty NW Family

The Best Time to Go to Wildlife Safari Oregon

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.

We are the kind of family that is up for an adventure at the drop of a hat. Our first trip to Wildlife Safari in Winston, Oregon was because I spotted a deal on Groupon late one night, so my hubby and I bought the tickets and we woke the kids up early the next morning and headed out. Did I mention that Winston is over 3 hours away from where we live?

We are also the kind of family that happily shares all about our adventures with others. Whether we are telling our dearest friends, inviting family members to come along next time or sharing about our trip on social media, we don’t like to keep our adventures a secret. This goes for great adventures that we loved and adventures that we wouldn’t do again. Yes, we share the bad too.

As a consumer I always like to have knowledge of how a place is going to be, so I figure others feel the same way. If I don’t know someone personally who can give me their review of the place, I look it up. I am definitely a “let’s look up reviews” kind of person before a new adventure. Are you?

After that initial trip to Wildlife Safari we have actually been 3 more times in the last 3 or so years. We loved it. I have shared with many people I know, but I would also love to share with you, my readers so that you could have an idea of what Wildlife Safari in Winston, Oregon is like. But first, let’s get some basics out of the way.

What is Wildlife Safari in Oregon?

Wildlife Safari is a drive through animal park . It is about 600 acres in size With a paved road leading you through the park, you will drive your own vehicle and on average it takes an hour or two to get through (depending on how often you stop to watch the animals). Upon admission the staff will offer you a map of the park which helps you to identify the animals as you move through the park.

In addition to the drive through park,  you will also find at Wildlife Safari, the “ Always Free Safari Village .” This is a fun area filled with animal exhibits (alligators, cheetahs, cougars, snakes, flamingos, and more), a botanical garden, a petting zoo and more.

You will also find snack stands and a restaurant in case you are hungry.

Where is Wildlife Safari in Oregon?

Okay, we have already covered that Wildlife Safari is located in Winston , but Winston is a small town here in Oregon, so just hearing that helps very few people. For a matter of reference, Wildlife Safari is about 15 minutes southwest of Roseburg in the southern part of Oregon.

How much does it cost to get into Wildlife Safari in Oregon?

The prices at Wildlife Safari are as follows:

• Adults: $23.95
• Children: $17.95
• Seniors: $20.95

However, as mentioned already in this post and in an earlier post I wrote , I highly recommend checking out Groupon . They almost always have deals on Wildlife Safari admission. Today for example, you can get 2 adult passes for $24 total and 2 kids passes for $17 total. That means for a family of 4 it would only cost $41!

Can you get close to the Animals?

Yes and no. Some of the animals stay far away from your vehicle, while many others will come nearby. You need to keep your hands in the vehicle except for the specific animals that you are allowed to feed from a feeding cup.

You can also pay extra to have animal encounters. They have a cheetah encounter, a bear encounter and others. You can even pay to have an elephant wash your car! How fun is that?! You can also pay to ride a camel. I haven’t done it personally, but we did pay to have our kids and my daughter’s friend ride a camel on one of our trips a couple of years ago and they loved it.

I have personally never done any of the animal encounters, but I am strongly hinting to my husband to buy me the bear encounter for Christmas. 🙂

Our Wildlife Safari Review

Well, obviously we love Wildlife Safari or we wouldn’t have went on multiple occasions. It is beautiful there. The landscape is gorgeous and the animals are breathtaking to see in real life.

I’ve never been a big fan of zoos because of the small spaces that these animals are kept in. This is not the case with the animals at Wildlife Safari at all. Of course, some of them are kept in separate enclosures (these are wild animals after all), but even those enclosures are spacious.

I love the map that you are given at the beginning of the safari. Many of these animals are animals I know nothing about so when the kids ask what each animal is, I can look down at the map and tell them exactly what we are looking at.

Our family favorites at the park include the following:

Bear Exhibit

As you may have noticed from my statement above, I (mom) am a huge bear fan and I absolutely love the brown bears. There is a water play area for them there and my favorite thing is to watch them play in the water. It is adorable!

The lions are so playful and fun to watch. The last time we were there, there were 3 females and one male and the male is typically kept in a separate enclosure of his own. Be warned though, on our first visit, it was mating time for the lions so we got to do a little sex ed lesson to our then 8 year old son.

Interesting fact: Wildlife Safari in Winston, Oregon has the most successful cheetah breeding program in the Western Hemisphere , and 2nd most successful on earth. There have been 210 cheetahs born at Wildlife Safari, which is amazing considering that cheetahs have been labeled as “vulnerable” by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Giraffes are just fun to see and let’s face it, living in North America, we don’t often get the chance to see these amazing creatures.

Elephants are awesome. Simply awesome and to see them so close is a very exciting experience.

Trust me, we will be visiting Wildlife Safari again soon. We love it there and with the non-stop awesome deals on Groupon , how could we say no?! If you live in Oregon, or, if you are planning a visit soon, I would recommend putting Wildlife Safari in Winston on your list of places to visit in Oregon.

When is the Best Time to Go to Wildlife Safari Oregon?

We have actually visited Wildlife Safari at different times during the year. Our first visit was in the month of February (it was actually on my hubby’s birthday that we went), but it was a sunny and beautiful day and we saw all of the animals. They were all out to play. I was suprised as it was technically still winter so I think I expected the animals to be holed up.

We have visited during the fall and it was a lot of fun then too. The animals weren’t as playful as they were on that early spring-like day, but they were out and about.

We have visited several times during summer too and while it was fun, it was actually the times that I found to be the least fun. I’m assuming it was because of the heat, as many of them were hanging out under the shade trees.

What time of day is best to visit?

Our most recent visit was in late August in the morning and many of the animals were still resting. In fact, we didn’t see the bears at all (and that is my favorite part, remember?). While I don’t think the fact that it was summertime had anything to do with this, I think it was mainly the time of day. We happened to be on a road trip headed out of town and had a rest night nearby so this was our first fun stop of the day.

Due to that experience, we will probably not go in the morning again. The next time we go, we will be waiting for mid-afternoon when the animals are well rested and have already been fed.

We haven’t experienced long lines or extensive waiting times no matter what time of day we have arrived.

Our recommendations for a Wildlife Safari trip

While we may not be Wildlife Safari pros, we are pretty experienced at visiting now and we have a good idea of what works and what doesn’t work when it comes to a trip to Wildlife Safari:

Do Not Show Up When They First Open

Like mentioned above, we just didn’t get to see very many animals when we did this. As a matter of fact, our entire trip through the park took less than an hour because many of the animals were being fed, or were still resting so we just drove right through them.

Bring a Lunch

Between the drive through park and the Village, there is plenty to do to keep you busy enough for the kids to get hungry. Make sure to pack a lunch or plan to splurge at the Wildlife Safari cafe.

Don’t Let the Little Ones “Drive”

Okay, this might just be our toddler, but we took our trip there 2 months ago and daddy let him sit in the driver’s seat with him (you never go over 5-10 miles per hour and a car seat is simply a hindrance for him to experience the park). First of all, he was so excited about holding the steering wheel that he didn’t really even notice the animals. Plus, ever since that trip, that child cries to “drive” every time we get into our vehicle. I’m over it. Next time he stays in the backseat with his big sister and brother.

Stretch Your Feet at the Park

If you have been driving for a while, be sure to let the kids burn off some energy at the park inside of the free village. Our 3 year old had more fun at that playground than anywhere else in the whole place. Plus, when it was time to leave, he was ready. He had burned off all of that energy that came from sitting in the car for an hour in the park.

Grab a Souvenir

We LOVE souvenirs. We don’t however, love useless souvenirs that are just going to take up space. Whenever we buy souvenirs from anyplace, it is typically a magnet or a shotglass. My teenaged daughter would buy a hoodie at every location we ever stopped at if she could, but I am cheapskate. If you are on a budget and you are looking for a smaller souvenir that you can keep forever, a Wildlife Safari Pressed Penny is the perfect choice!

A Wildlife Safari Pressed Penny souvenir is right up my alley and only $0.51 typically, so everybody has one.

So, what do you say? Will you be making a trip to Wildlife Safari soon?

Similar Posts

Wineries on the Oregon Coast

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.So you are heading to the Oregon Coast for a day trip and you are wondering what wineries you can visit while there. I’ve got you! I have put together a great list of quite a few wineries that will each be the…

10 Fun Things to Do at McPhillips Beach on the Oregon Coast

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.Are you looking for a new go-to beach to visit on the Oregon Coast? McPhillips Beach is a wonderful beach located in the Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area. This happens to be our family’s favorite beach on the entire Oregon Coast (and we…

A Fun Trip to Thor’s Well (Yachats, Oregon)

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.If you have plans to be along the central Oregon coast anytime soon, you absolutely must take a trip to Thor’s Well. First of all, it is located right outside of the town of Yachats, which is an adorable stop all on its…

20 Camping Items to get from the Dollar Tree

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.When it comes to buying camping gear, I’m usually a proponent of using high quality gear that you’ll be able to reuse over and over again. However, sometimes when it comes to price and convenience, Dollar Tree is just the clear winter. If…

The Best Camping Gifts for Kids 

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.Are you looking for something great to gift the kids this year? Something other than a toy that will get tossed aside or the newest tech that your kids will be staring at for hours on end? Check out this list of camping…

Lakes Near Florence, Oregon

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.Have you spent much time exploring all of the great lakes near Florence, Oregon? Let me tell you, there are some really great ones! Who knew that this great town located next to the Pacific Ocean, home to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation…

One Comment

• Pingback: The 10 Best Things To Do & See In Oregon - Thrifty NW Family

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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

Make A Donation Today!

Item added to your cart

Safari village, the always free safari village.

The Always Free Safari Village is open daily and features a botanical wonderland, animal exhibits including cheetahs, alligators, red pandas & more. There are keeper talks throughout the day, a children’s petting zoo and more, all for free!

Cheetah Spot

Meet one of Wildlife Safari’s Ambassador Cheetahs just inside the Safari Village! Our Ambassador Cheetah’s are constantly switched out to allow off-display cheetahs the chance to sprint and play in the cheetah drive through, so don’t worry if you see a skunk or cavy in this area instead!

Camel Rides

Hop on the one hump Dromedary Camel and experience the gait of the Arabian beauties. Smile for the camera, the camels sure will!

Available Spring and Summer. Weather dependent! Call in advance to verify schedule.  

Currently available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays

Safari Gift Shop

Be sure to stop in the gift shop to fill all your Safari gear needs! From t-shirts, to rocks, to coats to stuffed animals and toys, the Safari Gift Shop has something for you!

Safari Grill

Stop in for the best burger in town! Grab some onion rings or a chili dog and enjoy lunch in the restaurant or in one of the outdoor picnic areas!

Safari Grill Menu

Children’s Petting Zoo

Feed the goats and pet a donkey in the Wildlife Safari Children’s Petting Zoo farm! Feed available for just 50 cents!

Austrailian Walkabout

Journey into Australia and meet Wallaroos and experience the bird aviary! Make sure to stop outside of the Walkabout to meet the Kookaburra!

Aviary is currently open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays

Feed the Koi Fish

Fish feed is available for 50 cents. Make sure to feed the fish, before the ducks steal your feed!

Village Train Station

Hop on a village train tour at the train station! The train will take you on a tour of the village. Members get free train rides!

For the safety of our animals and yours, NO pets are allowed in the Safari Village nor the Wildlife Safari Drive Through. Wildlife Safari offers free onsite (unsupervised) kennels for pets, and sells locks for the kennels for a $5 fee at guest services, inside of the gift shop.

• Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
• Opens in a new window.

Portand Mural Initiative

Relocation & Travel Guide for Portland Oregon

• Search for:

Wildlife Safari in Oregon

A couple of weeks ago, we took a road trip down the Oregon Coast – to visit some of the beaches on the coast, the Oregon Coast Aquarium, and on the way, we even drove through the Redwood Forest.

The Wildlife Safari

Wildlife Safari opened over 40 years ago, as the only drive-through wild animal park in Oregon. Nestled in a large wooded valley, the park features over 550 animals from around the world. You can view over 76 species from your car including tigers, giraffes, zebras, lions, elephants, bison, elk, and bears.

5 Reasons you NEED to visit Wildlife Safari

Beyond being an attraction for visitors, Wildlife Safari is also dedicated to conservation, education, and research of native and exotic wildlife. Helping educate the public about the status of animals around the world.

Personal Animal Encounters

An animal encounter is a perfect way to spend some up-close and personal time with these amazing creatures! They include things like: feeding the animals, elephant car wash, photo with a cheetah, lion tug-0-war, camel rides, and so much more.

My girls picked the camel rides for their animal encounter, and still talk about how great it was, and how they want to do it again.

Double the Experience

When you purchase your admission tickets to the drive-through park, you get to go through not once, but twice in one day. When we went, we drove through the park first, did the animal encounter, visited in the village, eat lunch, then drove through again before leaving for the day.

Wildlife Safari Village

The Village area is free for guests throughout the day. They offer a beautiful walk-through area with over 300 smaller animals, a cafe, a playground area, a petting zoo, and the Gift Shop.

This made for the great in-between times.

Camping & RV Park

Enjoy a truly wild family camping experience at Wildlife Safari. You get to camp at night, where lions and bears roam during the day. You also get to go inside bear and lion dens and meet these amazing animals face to face.

Wildlife Safari RV Park is located just ¼ mile from Wildlife Safari on Safari Rd. There are 15 sites that are first-come, first-serve, with no reservations. If you’re on a road trip with your family in an RV, this is a perfect place to stop on your way.

Unlike any Zoo

Wildlife Safari is unlike any zoo experience ever. You get to see these beautiful creators in their own habitats, among the wild. You can take your time visiting each of the kingdoms, take photos of your family among the animals. It’s just a unique experience for everyone, especially children.

They also have a ton of events going on monthly.

I wish we were closer, so we could visit often. But it will be on our to-do list next time we’re in Oregon!

You can find more info about the park, hours, prices, and more at WildlifeSafari.net

Family-operated wineries near Newberg, Oregon, feature world-class, handcrafted wine. Stay in area hotels or B&Bs; dine out and travel by Read more

Newport, Oregon Travel Guide Newport, Oregon (the Dungeness Crab Capital of the World) is a great base from which to Read more

The Oregon Coast is a vacation destination for thousands of tourists. There are plenty of campgrounds, from primitive to pristine, Read more

Oregon's secluded South Coast overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is where many vacationers go hiking, fish, camp, and observe the Read more

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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

Wildlife Safari welcomes new Wallaroo joey

WINSTON Ore. (KPTV) - Wildlife Safari announced a new addition to the Australia walkabout. The new Joey was born in July, 2023, to mother Kari.

When born, Wallaroo joeys are less than one inch long and spend up to 270 days in their mother’s pouch.

“An interesting fact is that the joey crawls from the birth canal into the pouch on its own,” Dan Brands, Curator at Wildlife Safari said. “At just the size of a jelly bean, it follows a trail of the mother’s saliva, using scent to navigate to the pouch since its eyes are not fully developed.”

Around six months of age joeys begin taking trips out of the pouch and by nine months, they are out and exploring the world.

“We are overjoyed to welcome this new joey to our Wildlife Safari family,” Rachael Mohlman, Village Supervisor at Wildlife Safari said. “Now that the joey is out of the pouch, we are excited to see how its personality grows.”

In a statement, Wildlife Safari said, “This birth is not only a cause for celebration but also a testament to our ongoing efforts in wildlife conservation and education. It provides visitors with a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of nature up close and learn about the importance of protecting these incredible animals and their habitats. Wildlife Safari remains committed to providing a safe and enriching environment for all its inhabitants while offering visitors unforgettable experiences that foster a deeper connection with wildlife.”

Copyright 2024 KPTV-KPDX. All rights reserved.

Body found in Beaverton creek area near Elmonica MAX station

Skateboarder seriously hurt after crashing into MCSO Search and Rescue car in Corbett

School district cancels lesson on pronouns after staff receives threats

Man in critical condition after being ejected from car in Crook County

Police: Man tries to stab officer, leads chase through Oregon City shops, traffic

Latest news.

1 year later, families of 5 women found dead are still looking for an arrest

PPS officials brace for ‘painful’ cuts to be announced this week

Vancouver officer found not guilty of threatening to tase man’s genitals