Lion Country Safari in Miami: A Wild Adventure in the Heart of Florida

Lion Country Safari, located in Miami, Florida, is a unique and exciting attraction that offers visitors the opportunity to experience a real African safari without ever leaving the United States. The park is home to over 1000 animals, including lions, zebras, giraffes, and rhinos, which roam free in large, naturalistic habitats that visitors can drive through in their own vehicles.

In addition to the drive-through safari, Lion Country Safari also features a walk-through adventure park with animal displays and encounters, animal feeding experiences, and five rides. Visitors can cool off at the Safari Falls interactive water play area, which includes slides, water sprayers, and dump buckets. The park also offers food, shopping, and other amenities to ensure a memorable experience for all visitors.

Whether you’re a nature lover, animal enthusiast, or just looking for a unique and exciting day out, Lion Country Safari is a must-visit attraction in Miami. With a variety of experiences and activities for visitors of all ages, it’s a great way to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most amazing animals while enjoying a fun-filled day with family and friends.

History of Lion Country Safari

Lion Country Safari is a drive-through safari park and walk-through amusement park located on over 600 acres in Loxahatchee, Palm Beach County, Florida. Founded in 1967, it claims to be the first “cageless zoo” in the United States. The park was founded by a group of South African and British entrepreneurs, led by entrepreneur and conservationist, Michael Hagen.

The park’s initial concept was to allow visitors to observe animals as they would in their natural habitat. The park was designed to allow animals to roam freely, and visitors could drive their cars through the park and observe the animals from the safety of their vehicles. The park was an immediate success and became one of the most popular tourist attractions in South Florida.

Over the years, Lion Country Safari has undergone several changes and renovations. In the 1970s, the park added a walk-through section, allowing visitors to observe animals on foot. The park has also added several new animal exhibits, including a giraffe feeding exhibit and a bird exhibit.

In 2017, after 50 years of ownership, the park was sold to Marcella Leone, founder, and director of the Leo Zoological Conservation Center in Greenwich, Connecticut. The new owners have pledged to continue the park’s mission of conservation and education while also improving the park’s facilities and attractions.

Today, Lion Country Safari remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in Florida, attracting over 500,000 visitors each year. The park has received numerous awards and recognitions for its commitment to conservation and animal welfare, including being ranked as the third-best zoo in the nation by USA Travel Guide in 2009.

Location and Directions

Address

Lion Country Safari is located at 2003 Lion Country Safari Road, Loxahatchee, Florida 33470. It is approximately 20 miles west of downtown West Palm Beach, approximately 59 miles north of downtown Ft. Lauderdale, and approximately 78 miles north of Miami.

How to Get There

Visitors can easily access Lion Country Safari by car or bus. By car, visitors can drive or rent a car to Lion Country Safari. By bus, take Bus Number 40 and get off at Southern BL at Lion Country Safari Rd, 2.3 miles (4 km) from the attraction.

Once visitors arrive at Lion Country Safari, they can easily navigate the park using the provided map. The park offers ample parking for cars and buses.

It is recommended that visitors arrive early to avoid crowds and to maximize their time at the park. Visitors can purchase tickets online or at the entrance. Lion Country Safari is open weekdays from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last car admitted into the preserve at 4:00 PM.

Overall, Lion Country Safari is a must-visit destination for families and animal lovers alike. With over 800 animals, including lions, zebras, chimpanzees, giraffes, and more, visitors are sure to have a wild time.

Attractions

Walk-Through Safari

Lion Country Safari in Miami offers a unique experience to walk through a naturalistic habitat of animals. Visitors can get up close and personal with animals such as giraffes, zebras, and rhinos. The walk-through safari is a great way to learn about the animals and their habitats. Visitors can also feed the animals and take pictures with them.

Drive-Through Safari

The drive-through safari at Lion Country Safari is a must-see attraction. Visitors can drive their own cars through the naturalistic habitats of animals such as lions, tigers, and elephants. The safari is a great way to see the animals up close and personal. Visitors can also take a guided tour bus through the safari if they prefer.

Amusement Park

Lion Country Safari’s amusement park offers a variety of rides and attractions for visitors of all ages. The park has a water park with slides and pools, as well as a carousel and a Ferris wheel. Visitors can also take a train ride through the park and see the animals from a different perspective. The amusement park is a great way to cool off and have fun after a day of exploring the safari.

Overall, Lion Country Safari in Miami offers a variety of attractions for visitors to enjoy. From the walk-through safari to the drive-through safari and the amusement park, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can learn about the animals and their habitats while having fun at the same time.

Animal Species

Lion Country Safari is home to hundreds of animals roaming in open, naturalistic habitats. Here are some of the most popular animal species visitors can see during their visit:

Lions

Lions are the king of the jungle, and visitors can see them up close and personal at Lion Country Safari. These majestic creatures are found in the African Savanna section of the park. Visitors can watch them as they lounge in the sun or play with each other.

Giraffes

Giraffes are one of the most popular animals at Lion Country Safari. Visitors can see them in the African Savanna section of the park. These gentle giants can grow up to 18 feet tall and are known for their long necks. Visitors can watch them as they graze on leaves from the trees or interact with each other.

Zebras

Zebras are another popular animal at Lion Country Safari. Visitors can see them in the African Savanna section of the park. These animals are known for their distinctive black and white stripes. Visitors can watch them as they graze on the grass or interact with other zebras.

Overall, Lion Country Safari is an amazing place to see a wide variety of animals up close and personal. Visitors can learn about these animals and their habitats while enjoying a fun and exciting day out.

Visitor Information

Ticket Prices

Lion Country Safari offers various ticket options for visitors. The prices vary based on age and the type of ticket. Children under the age of 3 get free admission. Adults and children over the age of 10 can purchase a regular admission ticket for $39.99. Children aged 3-9 can purchase a ticket for $31.99. Seniors over the age of 65 can purchase a ticket for $36.99. It is recommended that visitors purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long lines at the entrance.

Opening Hours

Lion Country Safari is open every day of the year, including holidays. The park opens at 9:30 am and closes at 5:30 pm. The last admission is at 4:30 pm. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to have enough time to explore the park fully. The park may close early due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Safety Measures

Lion Country Safari takes the safety of its visitors seriously. Visitors are required to follow the park’s safety rules and regulations. The park has implemented several measures to ensure visitors’ safety, such as requiring all visitors to wear masks indoors and in certain outdoor areas. Visitors are also required to follow social distancing guidelines and wash their hands frequently. The park has implemented enhanced cleaning and sanitization protocols to ensure that all areas are clean and safe for visitors. Visitors are encouraged to check the park’s website for the latest safety guidelines and regulations before their visit.

Special Events

Lion Country Safari is a great place to host special events such as birthday parties, corporate events, and weddings. The park offers unique outdoor spaces that are perfect for hosting memorable events. Here are some of the special events that are available at Lion Country Safari:

Birthday Parties

Lion Country Safari offers a fun and exciting way to celebrate your child’s birthday. The park has a variety of birthday party packages that include a private pavilion, a safari tour, and animal encounters. The party packages also include food and drinks, decorations, and a special gift for the birthday child.

Corporate Events

Lion Country Safari is an ideal location for corporate events such as team building activities, company picnics, and employee appreciation events. The park has a variety of outdoor spaces that can accommodate large groups of people. The park also offers customized catering options and team building activities such as scavenger hunts and animal encounters.

Weddings

Lion Country Safari offers a unique and unforgettable setting for weddings. The park has a variety of outdoor spaces that are perfect for hosting a wedding ceremony and reception. The park also offers customized catering options and wedding planning services to help make your special day unforgettable.

In conclusion, Lion Country Safari is a great place to host special events. The park offers unique outdoor spaces, customized catering options, and a variety of activities to make your event unforgettable.

Conservation Efforts

Lion Country Safari is committed to conservation efforts both locally and globally. They have implemented several initiatives to preserve wildlife and their habitats.

Global Conservation

The Tonkolili Chimpanzee Project (TCP) is a conservation initiative based out of Sierra Leone that Lion Country Safari supports. Founded in 2012, the project’s chief goal is the conservation of chimpanzees and their habitat through local community stewardship. Lion Country Safari provides financial support to the project, which has helped to protect chimpanzees from poaching and habitat destruction.

Local Conservation

Lion Country Safari is also involved in local conservation efforts to restore important wetland habitat. The park’s restoration program involves removing invasive species, trimming existing plants, and removing debris. This will allow native wetland plants to reclaim the land and restore the habitat for Florida’s wildlife.

In addition to habitat restoration, Lion Country Safari has also implemented a conservation committee. The Lion Country Safari Conservation Committee (LCSCC) was formed in 2015 and consists of contributing members from the Wildlife, Marketing, Education, and Retail departments. The committee was created to assist any Lion Country Safari employee in the design, production, and execution of any conservation-related project, fundraising event, or park-wide change.

Lion Country Safari is committed to educating visitors about conservation efforts and the importance of preserving wildlife and their habitats. Through their conservation initiatives and educational programs, they are working to make a positive impact on the environment.

Reviews and Ratings

Lion Country Safari in Miami has received a lot of positive reviews from visitors, making it one of the most popular attractions in the area. The park has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 on Yelp, with over 500 reviews. Visitors have praised the park for its unique experience, vast animal collection, and affordable pricing.

Many visitors have commented on the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Lion Country Safari. They have been praised for their willingness to answer questions and provide information about the animals. The park’s cleanliness and well-maintained facilities have also been commended by visitors.

One of the most popular attractions at Lion Country Safari is the drive-through safari, which allows visitors to see over 1,000 animals from the comfort of their own vehicle. Visitors have enjoyed the up-close encounters with animals such as lions, giraffes, zebras, and rhinoceroses.

Another highlight of the park is the walk-through amusement park, which features a variety of rides and attractions for all ages. Visitors have enjoyed the water park, carousel, and mini-golf course, among other attractions.

Overall, visitors to Lion Country Safari in Miami have had a positive experience, with many recommending it as a must-visit attraction in the area.

Future Plans

Lion Country Safari is constantly looking for ways to improve and enhance the experience for its visitors. The park has several exciting plans for the future that will make it an even more enjoyable destination for families and animal lovers alike.

One of the most anticipated upcoming projects is the addition of a new exhibit featuring African wild dogs. The exhibit will provide visitors with an up-close look at these fascinating animals and will include educational information about their behavior and habitat.

In addition to the African wild dog exhibit, Lion Country Safari is also planning to expand its conservation efforts. The park is committed to protecting endangered species and their habitats, and is working on several initiatives to further this goal.

Another area of focus for Lion Country Safari is improving the overall guest experience. The park is exploring ways to streamline the entry process and reduce wait times, as well as enhancing the food and beverage options available to visitors.

Finally, Lion Country Safari is always looking for ways to innovate and stay ahead of the curve. The park is exploring the use of new technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality, to enhance the visitor experience and provide even more opportunities for education and engagement.

Overall, Lion Country Safari’s future plans demonstrate its commitment to providing a fun, educational, and memorable experience for visitors of all ages.