Wild Animal Safari

wild animal safari in strafford mo

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wild animal safari in strafford mo

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

RoadsideAmerica.com Your Online Guide to Offbeat Tourist Attractions

Attraction:

Strafford, Missouri : Wild Animal Safari

"Meet hundreds of animals from the comfort of your own vehicle." Or, if you don't want your vehicle scratched, rent a safari SUV or ride the tour bus. Five miles of animals.

wild animal safari in strafford mo

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Visitor Tips and News About Wild Animal Safari

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Exotic Animal Paradise has come under new management... again. A lady on our tour reported that it has changed management five times in recent years. It is now called Wild Animal Safari, and if you want to drive through the park in your own car, you are not allowed to roll down your windows or feed the animals. If you want to feed the animals, you have to ride a bus.

The "safari" (bus tour) is not much fun. Picture 30 other people throwing food out of windows continually while yelling and screaming. None of the timid animals, such as deer, will come up to the bus -- nor do they need to do so with all the food being thrown at them. Any animals that do come up to the windows have to be tall if you want to be able to reach them (cattle, bison, camels). If they are not tall (miniature donkeys, pot bellied pigs) you have to just drop the food on the ground from your window.

For my family of four it cost around $100 to do the "safari:" $19.95 each to ride the bus, plus food.

Exotic Animal Paradise closed on October 1st and all the animals were auctioned off on October 13th. No cameras or video were allowed, so news reports consisted of stock footage of animals and one lone Missouri official stating that he was there to make sure purchasers were legally entitled to possess exotic animals. The property had already been sold off before the auction to a land developer and will become a golf course and housing tract. Once again something interesting has been removed and replaced by something tedious.

April 2007: Contrary to this glum assessment, Exotic Animal Paradise has been reopened under new management as Animal Paradise Family Fun Park. The only golf course is miniature.

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wild animal safari in strafford mo

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Wild Animal Safari

wild animal safari in strafford mo

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

wild animal safari in strafford mo

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.

leticia v

Wild Animal Safari - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

  • Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • (2.11 km) Rustic Meadows RV Park
  • (4.82 km) Super 8 by Wyndham Stafford/Springfield Area
  • (8.18 km) Blackberry Creek Retreat
  • (14.92 km) Dickey House Bed and Breakfast
  • (13.77 km) Holiday Inn Express Marshfield (Springfield Area), an IHG Hotel
  • (4.90 km) The Wildseed Restaurant & Bar
  • (4.91 km) Route 66 BBQ & Catfish
  • (5.37 km) Common Grounds Coffee Cafe & Bakery
  • (13.85 km) Grillo's Cafe
  • (4.54 km) Jordan's Inn

Wild Animal Safari

wild animal safari in strafford mo

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

wild animal safari in strafford mo

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.

leticia v

WILD ANIMAL SAFARI: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

  • Sun - Sat 10:00 - 18:00
  • (1.32 mi) Rustic Meadows RV Park
  • (3.01 mi) Super 8 by Wyndham Stafford/Springfield Area
  • (5.11 mi) Blackberry Creek Retreat
  • (9.32 mi) Dickey House Bed and Breakfast
  • (8.60 mi) Holiday Inn Express Marshfield (Springfield Area), an IHG Hotel
  • (3.06 mi) The Wildseed Restaurant & Bar
  • (3.07 mi) Route 66 BBQ & Catfish
  • (3.36 mi) Common Grounds Coffee Cafe & Bakery
  • (8.65 mi) Grillo's Cafe
  • (2.84 mi) Jordan's Inn

kzrg

Wild Animal Safari in Strafford to hold Drive-Thru light event displays

The first day is set for november 26.

Mo Christmaslightscountdown (1)

The Wild Animal Safari in Strafford will hold several Drive-Thru light event displays starting November 26.

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Wild Animal Safari

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Missouri’s largest Wild Animal Safari with more than 650 animals of 65 species. 250-acre drive-thru park with walk-thru areas where you get face to face with animals from all over the world, including lions, tigers, giraffe, camels, zebras and many more! Make sure you visit our all new Safari Adventure Kid’s Zone! We can accomodate groups from 20 to 600.

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Photo of Wild Animal Safari

Wild Animal Safari

124 Jungle Dr, Strafford , Missouri 65757 USA

  • Independent
  • Credit Cards Accepted
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Public Restrooms

Learn more about this business on Yelp .

“Experience a safari here in Missouri!”

Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat” Jones bought several thousand acres of land and relocated his family from Arkansas. The current park still sits upon a portion of the land purchased by Mr. Jones! Originally, the park filled over 500 acres and featured a 9 and ½ mile drive through the scenic landscape. It took 35 full time staffers to manage and run the park, which at its peak was home to over 3,000 animals!  Mr. Jones passed away in the mid 1990’s, just prior to selling the impressive park to Mr. David Dean, who operated the park until 2007 when Mr. Ron Armatige bought the attraction. Mr. Armatige divided up the park and created the 5 mile drive through attraction that it is today.  In 2006 the park was sold and held briefly by Tony Odo before being purchased by Parks! America in March of 2008. Over the course of time, Parks! America has invested over $1,000,000 to improve the grounds and enhance the experience of visitors. Outside of material improvements, we’ve grown the amount of animals to a population of nearly 750 animals spanning over 70 different species. We continue to seek to improve Wild Animal Safari and create an attraction that is educational, fun and beneficial for the animals in our care.

Photo of S S.

Reviewed by S S.

The "safari": Well worth the hour drive if you're staying in Branson. We went first thing in the morning to avoid the heat. Even on a 100* day (90s when we were there) the bus with the windows... Read more

Photo of Jessica S.

Reviewed by Jessica S.

A great place to stop at least once. Especially if you have animal lovers in your family. The walk around has lots of animals who come up for food. The drive thru has triple the amount of animals... Read more

Photo of Abe M.

Reviewed by Abe M.

This place is amazing!!! We been to several drive through encounters and other states like Oregon. By far this is the best one. We even showed up on our rainy day. Lot of the wild animals... Read more

View 67 reviews on

  • Sun - Sat: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

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Wild Animal Safari

wild animal safari in strafford mo

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

wild animal safari in strafford mo

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.

leticia v

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

  • Sun - Sat 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • (2.11 km) Rustic Meadows RV Park
  • (4.82 km) Super 8 by Wyndham Stafford/Springfield Area
  • (8.18 km) Blackberry Creek Retreat
  • (14.92 km) Dickey House Bed and Breakfast
  • (13.77 km) Holiday Inn Express Marshfield (Springfield Area), an IHG Hotel
  • (4.90 km) The Wildseed Restaurant & Bar
  • (4.91 km) Route 66 BBQ & Catfish
  • (5.37 km) Common Grounds Coffee Cafe & Bakery
  • (13.85 km) Grillo's Cafe
  • (4.54 km) Jordan's Inn

IMAGES

  1. Wild Animal Safari (Strafford)

    wild animal safari in strafford mo

  2. Wild Animal Safari (Strafford)

    wild animal safari in strafford mo

  3. Wild Animal Safari Strafford MO

    wild animal safari in strafford mo

  4. Zoo Gallery

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  5. Unexpected fun

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  6. Animal Gallery

    wild animal safari in strafford mo

COMMENTS

  1. Safari Park

    Cruise through the drive through zoo or stroll through the safari zoo on your visit to Wild Animal Safari™. Meet the animal park's adorable residents. Cruise through the drive through zoo or stroll through the safari zoo on your visit to Wild Animal Safari™. ... 859-5300 124 Jungle Rd Strafford, MO 65757 [email protected] TX (979 ...

  2. Wild Animal Safari

    Wild Animal Safari Springfield/Strafford has a full restaurant, free parking, large gift shop and over 250 acres where guests can get up front, close to, and feed many exotic wild animals. The park hosts groups, family reunions, school groups, birthday parties, Jr. Zookeeper Summer Day camps and much more. ... Strafford, MO 65757-8100. Reach ...

  3. Safari Park

    Wild Animal Safari™ is your destination for breathtaking adventures. Skip to content. Toggle Menu. Navigation Close Navigation. Home; Georgia Park Expand Sub Menu. ... 859-5300 124 Jungle Rd Strafford, MO 65757 [email protected] TX (979) 599-5440 18075 FM 974 Bryan, TX 77808 ...

  4. Wild Animal Safari

    Wild Animal Safari - MO, Strafford, Missouri. 29,041 likes · 479 talking about this · 39,394 were here. See and feed hundreds of exotic animals at Wild Animal Safari. Experience both the Drive-Thru...

  5. Strafford Ticketing

    Wild Animal Safari - Strafford/Springfield, Missouri; Aggieland Safari, Bryan-College Station, Texas; Investor Relations; About Us & Employment; Park Rules; Contact Us; ... 859-5300 124 Jungle Rd Strafford, MO 65757 [email protected] TX (979) 599-5440 18075 FM 974 Bryan, TX 77808 ...

  6. WILD ANIMAL SAFARI

    Wild Animal Safari Springfield/Strafford has a full restaurant, free parking, large gift shop and over 250 acres where guests can get up front, close to, and feed many exotic wild animals. The park hosts groups, family reunions, school groups, birthday parties, Jr. Zookeeper Summer Day camps and much more.

  7. Wild Animal Safari

    Specialties: We are Missouri's largest drive through park with over 250 acres and a walk through section as well where you can feed and interact with almost every animal in the park! Established in 1971. Originally founded by Pat Jones (Jerry Jones' father). In 2008 Parks! of America purchased the park and we have been Wild Animal Safari - Springfield/Strafford ever since.

  8. WILD ANIMAL SAFARI

    Feb 27, 2024 - Wild Animal Safari - Springfield/Strafford, Missouri opened in 1951 and was built by Pat Jones, father of Jerry Jones. The park consists of over 250 ...

  9. Strafford, MO

    Or, if you don't want your vehicle scratched, rent a safari SUV or ride the tour bus. Five miles of animals. Address: 124 Jungle Rd, Strafford, MO. Directions: I-44 exit 88. Drive south on Hwy 125, then turn left onto Old Route 66. Drive east three miles, turn right onto Hwy 467, then make a quick left onto Hwy 469.

  10. Review of Wild Animal Safari, Strafford, MO

    Wild Animal Safari: Good day trip! - See 438 traveler reviews, 481 candid photos, and great deals for Strafford, MO, at Tripadvisor.

  11. Wild Animal Safari (Strafford)

    Wild Animal Safari Springfield/Strafford has a full restaurant, free parking, large gift shop and over 250 acres where guests can get up front, close to, and feed many exotic wild animals. The park hosts groups, family reunions, school groups, birthday parties, Jr. Zookeeper Summer Day camps and much more.

  12. Wild Animal Safari

    Wild Animal Safari Springfield/Strafford has a full restaurant, free parking, large gift shop and over 250 acres where guests can get up front, close to, and feed many exotic wild animals. The park hosts groups, family reunions, school groups, birthday parties, Jr. Zookeeper Summer Day camps and much more.

  13. Wild Animal Safari in Strafford to hold Drive-Thru light event displays

    Admin November 16, 2021. The Wild Animal Safari in Strafford will hold several Drive-Thru light event displays starting November 26. The event will be held at 124 Jungle Drive in Strafford, MO. The hours of operation will run Sunday through Thursday from 6 PM - 10 PM. Additionally, Friday through Saturday's schedule is 6 PM to midnight.

  14. Things to Do

    Missouri's largest Wild Animal Safari with more than 650 animals of 65 species. 250-acre drive-thru park with walk-thru areas where you get face to face with animals from all over the world, including lions, tigers, giraffe, camels, zebras and many more! ... Strafford, MO 65757. 417-859-5300 417-859-5300. Visit Official Website. Additional ...

  15. Wild Animal Safari Strafford MO

    Wild Animal Safari Strafford MO | Drive Through TourJohn, Amy and the crew take you on a tour of the Wild Animal Safari in Strafford, Missouri, a short drive...

  16. Wild Animal Safari

    Specialties: We are Missouri's largest drive through park with over 250 acres and a walk through section as well where you can feed and interact with almost every animal in the park! Established in 1971. Originally founded by Pat Jones (Jerry Jones' father). In 2008 Parks! of America purchased the park and we have been Wild Animal Safari - Springfield/Strafford ever since.

  17. Wild Animal Safari, Strafford

    Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. "Pat" Jones bought several thousand acres of land and relocated his family from Arkansas. The current park still sits upon a portion of the land purchased by Mr. Jones! Originally, the park filled over 500 acres and featured a 9 and ½ mile drive ...

  18. Wild Animal Safari: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go ...

    Wild Animal Safari Springfield/Strafford has a full restaurant, free parking, large gift shop and over 250 acres where guests can get up front, close to, and feed many exotic wild animals. The park hosts groups, family reunions, school groups, birthday parties, Jr. Zookeeper Summer Day camps and much more.

  19. Wild Animal Safari

    Wild Animal Safari Springfield/Strafford has a full restaurant, free parking, large gift shop and over 250 acres where guests can get up front, close to, and feed many exotic wild animals. The park hosts groups, family reunions, school groups, birthday parties, Jr. Zookeeper Summer Day camps and much more. ... Strafford, MO 65757-8100. Reach ...

  20. Wild Animal Safari Tickets

    Strafford's Wild Animal Safari is the perfect destination for a breathtaking animal adventure for the whole family. Meet the cutest and cuddliest members of the animal kingdom (as well as a wide range of other species), and enjoy a unique drive-thru safari experience full of freely roaming creatures. ... MO, USA. Kids have their work cut out ...

  21. PDF March 12, 2024

    Wild Animal Safari - Pine Mountain 1300 Oak Grove Road Pine Mountain, GA 31822 (706) 663-8744. Wild Animal Safari - Strafford 124 Jungle Road Strafford, MO 65757 (417) 859-5300. Wild Animal Safari - Aggieland. 18075 FM 974 Bryan, TX 77808 (979) 599-5440. Investment in Park Assets and Amenities: We are committed to updating our park assets ...

  22. WILD ANIMAL SAFARI

    The job listing for Zookeeper in Strafford, MO posted on Feb 6 has expired. Close notice. WILD ANIMAL SAFARI - STR. Zookeeper. Strafford, MO. Apply on employer site ...