virginia safari park animals

Southern White Rhino

King cheetah, two-toed sloth, giant anteater, reticulated giraffe, quick facts, featured animals.

Learn more about some of our most popular resident animals – including king cheetahs and rhinos. Discover their diet, their native habitats and what you can do to help them thrive in the wild.

We LOVE Virginia Safari Park. There are so many animals to see and feed,”

Other Animals

In addition to our featured animals above, the Virginia Safari Park is home to 80 other species. You’ll have a chance to observe pythons, monkeys, owls, tortoises and other animals on our grounds.

Our Mission

Children of all ages love to learn about our animals. Print coloring pages and find out about educational group visits. Learn more

Conservation

At Virginia Safari Park, we have continuing partnerships with international organizations that help endangered animals in the wild. Read about these conservation efforts. Learn more

Virginia Safari Park

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

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Virginia Safari Park – 180 Acre Drive-Thru Adventure

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I-81 Exit 180 or 180 B

Safari Village features 10 acres of walk-thru exhibits including Tiger Territory and cheetahs, Giraffe Feeding Station, petting area, Kangaroo Walk-About, free flight bird aviary, reptile house, monkeys & more!

Gift shop, picnic shelter, wheelchair accessible. Credit cards accepted. Adult, senior, child and group rates. Active military discount with ID. No pets allowed; non-smoking facility.

SAFARI DRIVE-THRU

Drive along 3 miles of road in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. With the Blue Ridge Mountains as your backdrop, animals of all sizes, shapes and colors approach your vehicle in search of a tasty bucket of feed!

• Llamas, camels, antelope, deer, bison, ostrich, elk, zebra and many more animals!

SAFARI VILLAGE WALK-THRU AREA & PETTING ZOO

Stroll along the pathways where you will find a wide variety of exhibits everyone can enjoy!

• Feed goats, potbelly-piglets and baby llamas in the petting area.
• Feed giraffes directly out of your hand!
• Enter select habitats for an interactive experience you will never forget!

540-291-3205

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Martinsburg | Berkeley County, WV

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Roanoke | Salem | Roanoke Co.

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Getting To the Valley – Train

Amtrak  – You can reach the Valley directly by train by traveling to the Amtrak station in Staunton, or indirectly by traveling to stations in short driving distance in Charlottesville, Lynchburg, the Washington, D.C. area, and in Harpers Ferry and Martinsburg, West Virginia.  Also see  Amtrak Virginia .

Getting To the Valley – Plane

Airports within the Shenandoah Valley

If you are travelling by air, you can skip the rental car and schedule a private car service with Shenandoah Shores Management Group (SSMG). Our experienced drivers will pick you up from the airport and drop you off at your destination. And they can safely drive you to any other locations in the area.

Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport  Weyer’s Cave, VA (SHD) Roanoke Regional Airport   Roanoke, VA (ROA)

Airports a short driving distance from the Shenandoah Valley Baltimore Washington International Airport  (take I-70 west to I-81, then go south) Ronald Reagan National Airport  (Arlington) (take US-50, Va-7, or I-66 west to the Valley) Washington Dulles Airport  (take US-50, Va-7, or I-66 west to the Valley) Richmond International Airport  (take I-64 west to the Valley) Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport  (take I-64 west to the Valley) Blue Ridge Regional Airport  (Martinsville, Virginia)

Getting To the Valley – Car

Interstate 81 is the main north-south route to and through the Shenandoah Valley.

From the Northeast take Interstate 76 or Interstate 78 west to Interstate 81 south.

From the Northwest take Interstate 76 east to Interstate 70. At Hagerstown, MD take Interstate 81 south into the Shenandoah Valley.

To reach the Valley from the east, the main highways are Interstate 66, which brings you directly from the Washington, D.C. area and connects with I-81 near Strasburg, VA.

Interstate 64, which brings you directly from Richmond and connects with I-81 near Staunton. From the west, I-64 is again the most direct route, coming from West Virginia and linking to I-81 near Lexington, VA.

The Unique Park Everyone In Virginia Should Visit At Least Once

A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Charlottesville. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.

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From the coastline to the mountains, Virginia has no shortage of beautiful parks . These preserved areas give us a chance to explore the natural landscape in a way that is so important for our appreciation of this state. While many are familiar with the State Park system, fewer realize there’s actually a Safari Park located right in Lexington. And it’s every bit as exotic as it sounds. For a chance to gaze at some truly extraordinary animals in a beautiful setting, you’ll want to make the trip to this magical safari park soon.

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Have you visited this magical animal encounter in Virginia before? If so, be sure to tell us about your experience there — we’d love to hear from you! For more information, you can visit the official Safari Park website .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Are there any zoos in Virginia?

If you're someone who loves learning about animals, you'll be delighted to hear that Virginia is home to some of the most impressive zoos in the country. One of the best zoos in Virginia is the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk. Home to over 700 animals, this destination is entertaining for visitors of all ages. From interactive exhibits to tours, fascinating displays, and the chance to admire beautiful animals, a trip to the Virginia Zoo won't disappoint. Learn more about the Virginia Zoo , home to animals from all over the world.

Where else can I find animal experiences in Virginia?

For a one-of-a-kind animal experience in Virginia, be sure to visit Lower Sherwood Farm in Charlottesville. This lovely destination offers guided llama hikes through the woods. Strolling through the forested countryside with your llama companion, you'll feel connected to nature in the most unforgettable way. And just think about the photo ops! If you're curious about this animal experience, be sure to learn more about these unique llama treks in Virginia .

What are some fun things to do in Virginia with kids?

If you're wondering what to do with the kiddos, rest assured that Virginia offers plenty of exciting adventures for all ages. Perhaps you and your family can travel to Historic Jamestowne, where all kinds of demonstrations like glassblowing promise to entertain. Or, perhaps you can take a scenic drive to Shenandoah National Park, where family-friendly trails like Story Of The Forest Trail are appropriate for even the youngest hikers.

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10 Animals You'll See At The Virginia Safari Park

Virginia Safari Park is home to numerous exotic animals, including tigers, cheetahs, and giraffes.

Virginia Safari Park is a drive-through safari adventure with a Village Walk-Thru option. This wildlife safari park is a great attraction to add to your bucket list.

What sets this safari park apart from zoos and other parks is its mission. Virginia Safari Park emphasizes the importance of conservation, and the animals in their care are not there solely for entertainment purposes but for conservation and education purposes as well.

Of course, the wide array of animals is also an appeal. With over 80 different species, Virginia Safari Park cares for a wide variety of animals, including birds, cats, turtles, monkeys, rhinos, and kangaroos. This article includes a list of ten amazing animals you will see when visiting Virginia Safari Park.

• Address: 229 Safari Ln, Natural Bridge, VA 24578
• Hours: Monday-Sunday 9 am-5 pm
• Cost: Adult (13-64)- $26.95, Senior (65+)- $24.95, Children (2-12)- $18.95, Under 1-free
• Nearby hotel: Natural Bridge Historic Hotel and Conference Center, 15 Appledore Ln, Natural Bridge, VA 24578

Related: The Best U.S. Zoos Offer More Than Self-Guided Tours

One of Virginia Safari Park’s featured animals is the giraffe, more specifically, the reticulated giraffe. This type of giraffe is known for being the smallest of the nine giraffe subspecies.

When visiting the safari park, visitors are able to feed the giraffes while embarking on the Village Walk-Thru. Romaine lettuce leaves are available for purchase, and many visitors enjoy feeding these leafy greens to the animals. When feeding these gentle giants, simply place the lettuce in your hand, and the giraffes will scoop it up with their long tongues!

9 African Penguin

Another must-see animal at Virginia Safari Park is the African penguin. This park is home to a whole group of penguins. Something special about this safari park is visitors have the option to meet the penguins up close! For $40, an animal care specialist will take you inside the penguin enclosure. While interacting with the penguins, the animal care specialist will share information on how the birds are cared for. This special meet-and-greet option is titled Penguin Encounter.

• Times: 11:15 am and 3 pm daily
• Cost: $40 per person
• Important: check in 30 minutes before the scheduled Penguin Encounter

Virginia Safari Park is also home to the Southern White Rhino. The Southern White Rhino is native to Africa and has a typical lifespan of 40-50 years. This magnificent creature is also the second largest land mammal on Earth !

Similar to the African penguins, visitors can also meet the Southern White Rhino up close. The park’s Rhino Encounter package retails for $50, including a close-up encounter with the stunning animal and an information session with an animal care specialist. While some people opt for overnight zoos , these animal encounters offered at Virginia Safari Park are a great, beginner-friendly way to interact with wildlife.

• Time: 1 pm daily
• Cost: $50 per person
• Important: check in 30 minutes before the scheduled Rhino Encounter

The safari park also boasts adorable marsupials, such as the kangaroo. Part of the park’s Village Walk-Thru trail is the Kangaroo Walk-About, an area where you can observe these cute creatures. The Walk-About features a viewing area where you can watch the kangaroos jump and prance around.

Both mother kangaroos and joeys (their babies) can be spotted at the safari park. A joey typically sits inside its mother’s pouch, so keep an eye out for babies poking out of the mother kangaroos’ pouches.

6 Giant Anteater

Virginia Safari Park also cares for many giant anteaters, also known as ant bears. Native to Central and South America, this mammal can survive in various habitats. Giant anteaters also have quite an appetite, eating around 35,000 ants and termites each day !

Giant anteaters are currently considered a vulnerable species due to their native habitat declining in size. Virginia Safari Park, among other parks and organizations, works to protect this species and give them access to a safe space to live.

Related: These Are The World's Best Zoos To Visit In 2022

5 King Vulture

This Central and South American bird, scientifically known as sarcoramphus papa, can also be found at Virginia Safari Park. King vultures can grow to 2.5 feet tall and weigh 8 pounds, making them one of the largest New World vultures .

With unique physical features and coloring, these king vultures are a must-see. These birds don black, white, and gray feathers, but the most striking feature is their colorful faces. Their faces and beaks include hues of purple, red, orange, blue, and yellow.

4 Dromedary Camel

Virginia Safari Park is also home to the dromedary camel, the tallest species of camel. These mammals are over 7 feet tall and can weigh up to 1,600 pounds . One of the park's resident camels is Jasper, a charming animal and fan favorite on the park's Instagram account.

Having adapted to the desert landscape, dromedary camels have two rows of eyelashes to keep sand out of their eyes. Their footpads are also designed to walk over the desert sands. Virginia Safari Park works hard to ensure their dromedary camels are comfortable in their park environment.

Related to the anteater, the sloth is another animal found at Virginia Safari Park. Two sloths, Flash and Priscilla, currently reside at the park. These two sloths engage in typical sloth behavior, including moving at a slow pace, hanging onto tree branches upside down, and sleeping.

Sloths are also part of the Animal Encounter program. Visitors who sign up for the Sloth Encounter can meet and feed Flash and Priscilla, as well as learn more about these creatures from an animal care specialist.

• Time: 2 pm daily
• Important: check-in 30 minutes before the scheduled Sloth Encounter

2 Bengal tiger

Arguably one of the coolest animals at the safari park is the Bengal tiger. Virginia Safari Park’s mission is to help conserve wildlife and protect species. The Bengal tiger is a prime example of one such species that is currently endangered and needs protection. In India, where these tigers live in the wild, tiger reserves are created . At Virginia Safari Park, the tigers live in carefully crafted habitats that are kept up by care specialists. The two tigers currently residing at the park are named Nikita and Indira.

1 King Cheetah

The number one must-see animal at Virginia Safari Park is the king cheetah. In fact, Virginia Safari Park is the only zoo in America with a king cheetah. It is also estimated that there are as few as ten king cheetahs left in the wild . King cheetahs are endangered and the rarest African cat.

Virginia Safari Park actually cares for two king cheetahs, siblings Sully and Shani. Instead of sporting typical cheetah spots, these king cheetahs’ coats display splotchy patterns.

Specials & Packages

Natural bridge hotel amenities & policies, about the natural bridge hotel in virginia, weddings & elopements, natural bridge event planning & catering, family / military reunions, colonial dining room at natural bridge hotel, visit the red fox tavern in natural bridge, things to do in natural bridge, the caverns at natural bridge, visit the history museum at natural bridge, the virginia opry in natural bridge, events & happenings, trademark collection, join wyndham rewards, experience the unique virginia safari park.

There is so much to do when you visit Natural Bridge, including exploring the Virginia Safari Park ! This Natural Bridge zoon is drive -thru a zoo with hundreds of free-roaming animals.   This unique experience gives you the opportunity to  get up close and personal with the animals and feed the m  right from your car.  From a farm petting zoo to penguins to rhinos,  this safari park packs a lot into a day at the zoo .  

You can easily spend an entire day at the safari, but you’ll need to fi ll  the rest of your trip to  the Blue Ridge  Mountains . Get our complimentary Vacation Guide to start planning your wildest getaway yet!

GET THE VACATION GUIDE TODAY!  

Everything  Y ou  N eed to  K now  About   Virginia Safari Park  

What to  expect.

The  park  is 180 acres with the main attraction being the  3+ mile  S afari  D rive-thru.   There is also the Safari V illage which is more like a traditional zoo where you walk around and view the animals.  

What Can You  Do?  

When you first enter the park, buy some animal feed  and hit  the  Safari Drive-thru. Feed the free-roaming animals like camels ,  elk , and  ostriches.   This can take a while because the animals are known to lay in the middle of the road for as long as they like.  Once you make it through, park  your  car  and enter the S afari Village. You’ll have the chance  to feed gira ffes and budgie s, observe the tiger territory, pet farm animals, visit the penguins, and walk among kangaroos! For an extra fee, you can also have an up-close encounter with rhinos, sloths, or penguins. If you get hungry, there is a café with concession stand food.

How Much Is It?  

Adults are $29.95, while seniors 65 and older sa ve two dollars on their tickets. Kids between the age s of two and 12 are $21.95, and k ids under two are free. Prices can vary by the season, so be sure to check their website for any changes to their tickets.

When Can You Go?  

Virginia Safari Park is open seven days a week from March t hrough  November.  Hours vary based on the season, but the park always opens at 9 a.m. and closes anytime between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The last car is typically admitted an hour and a half before closing.   C heck  the hours  and get details before your visit .  

What Else Do You Need to Know?  

Your  ticket is  g ood all day, so you can leave the park for lunch and come back.  For  the Safari Drive-thru, a ll cars must have doors, and doors must remain closed. You can’t bring in your own animal feed or any pets.  

Relax at the Natural  Bridge Hotel

After you take a walk on the wild side, you’ll want a place to rest. Natural Bridge H otel is perfect because we’re just five miles from Virginia Safari Park! To make the most out of your adventure with the family , we recommend our Family Fun Outdoor Package . This package includes overnight accommodations, breakfast each morning , and two adult and two  child   tickets to the Natural Bridge State Park and the Caverns at Natural Bridge. If it’s just you and that special someone, we have several   other packages available.

We offer comfortable  Main Inn Rooms ,  Premium Second-Floor Balcony Rooms ,  Guest Rooms on Cottage Hill , and Veranda Rooms . With more than 150 rooms to choose from, you’re sure to find  the  one  for you !

Check our availability to start planning your adventure in Natural Bridge!

Virginia Safari Park

229 Safari Lane, Natural Bridge, VA 24578 Phone: (540) 291-3205

www.virginiasafaripark.com

180 Acre Drive-Thru Adventure featuring over 1,000 free roaming animals from around the world. Come feed, pet, and enjoy!

Drive through or take a public tractor-driven wagon.

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Virginia Safari Park

Get up close and personal with animals during this drive-thru adventure..

Written by Hope S. Philbrick, editor Foodie Travel USA.

A llama will stare you down as you enter Virginia Safari Park, whether you drive through the 180-acre zoo in your own vehicle or hop aboard a wagon ride. “The llamas have the most personality and are a big hit with people,” says Sarah Friedel, director.

“They’ll stand in front of your car and stop you. They stop every car!” They know you have food.

Buckets of animal feed are sold alongside admission tickets to the only drive-thru zoo in Virginia. Feeding animals through your car windows or while riding in a wagon (that holds up to 35 people) is a memory-making way to interact with these magnificent creatures. The llamas routinely stake out the entrance, and in doing so have gained the playful reputation of serving as the “llama mafia” since paying them off with a little food is the easiest way to get in.

The park’s 1,000 animal residents—including elk, camels, deer, bison, ostrich, zebra, antelope, and many more!—are free to roam as you navigate three miles of gravel road, stopping to watch and feed them along the way. The animals may block your path, so it’s best not to be in a hurry. “All the animals roam and eat as they choose,” says Friedel. “The animals know they can come up to guests and feed that way.” Moving as herds throughout the park during the day, the animals graze, lounge, nap, play, feed, and act as they please.

Virginia’s drive-thru safari park is split into two sections, plus there’s a ten-acre walk-thru zoo called Safari Village that’s included as part of the admission price. Feed for animals in the walk-thru area—where you can see tigers and penguins plus interact with kangaroos and other animals—is available for purchase at strategically-placed coin machines.

Buy a feed stick in the aviary and a budgie may land on your finger to snag some seeds. Get a lettuce cup and you might feel a giraffe’s tongue on your hand.

New residents include the four cheetah cubs born at Virginia Safari Park this year. “We have one male and three female cheetah cubs,” says Friedel. “We also have Ruppell’s Griffon Vultures successfully breeding every year now—not many zoos have this luck! We’re also getting a new giant anteater exhibit since we have a breeding pair and our female is due in a couple of months we hope.”

Your admission price helps fund Virginia Safari Park’s wildlife conservation efforts, which include public education, captive breeding programs, habitat preservation, and financial support for a range of programs including rhinoceros and elephant anti-poaching units, artificial nest sites for wild penguins, and giraffe relocations to boost sustainable genetics.

While the llamas make sure they get attention from all guests, every animal deserves notice. Each year on September 22, World Rhino Day is celebrated worldwide to raise awareness about critical conservation efforts needed to protect these magnificent creatures. “We do ‘World Rhino Day’—and, in fact, celebrate it for a week, with a portion of all proceeds supporting rhino conservation efforts—but the rhinos probably don’t get much attention,” says Friedel. So, don’t skip the rhinos! Even if they don’t block your car, they want your love, too.

Fun for all ages, Virginia Safari Park is open daily from mid-March through November. The state’s only drive-thru safari adventure offers discount rates for groups of 15 or more.

With its abundant animal encounters and spectacular backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you can build memories and snap some unique photos at Virginia Safari Park. Of course, the “Llama Mafia” T-shirts are optional, but they do consistently rank among the gift shop’s most popular items. Because it’s not every day you face off with a llama.

Virginia Safari Park is located at 229 Safari Lane in Natural Bridge, VA. Call 540-291-3205 for details. Virginia Safari Park is just one of the many great reasons to visit Lexington, Virginia.

Updated February 29, 2024

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Natural Bridge Zoo Would Like to Thank Everyone That Has Supported Our Communities Zoological Facility!

About the zoo.

The Natural Bridge Zoo Park is and always has been privately owned and has never accepted any sort of federal, state, or local funding. The Natural Bridge Zoo opened its doors to the general public in 1972 and has been growing ever since. The main purpose for Natural Bridge Zoo has always been the propagation and rearing of threatened or endangered species. We try to offer students and the general public the opportunity to learn about the living animals, birds, and reptiles that share the earth with us. Many children have little or no contact with natural living things in their daily lives. 

Many uninformed, but well meaning people, believe that all exotic animals belong free in their natural habitat. What they don’t realize is that in many instances, the wild habitat has been degraded due to lumbering, poaching, agriculture, and human encroachment. We, at the Natural Bridge Zoo, have been breeding threatened and endangered species for over 50 years.

‘It just grabbed her’: Giraffe picks up toddler during family trip to drive-thru safari

GLEN ROSE, Texas ( KWTX /Gray News) - A family in Texas says they went through quite the scare when recently visiting a wildlife center.

According to the Toten family, a giraffe accidentally picked their toddler up out of the bed of their truck when they were visiting the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center on June 1.

KWTX reports that park visitors get to drive themselves along a path where exotic and endangered animals roam free at the center.

Visitors are also allowed to feed the animals.

The family said Paisley, 2, was in the back of the pickup truck with her mom feeding the animals when the giraffe grabbed her shirt and lifted the little girl into the air.

Paisley’s father, Jason Toten, said the incident was caught on video by a car behind them.

“We stopped to feed the giraffes and I turned around to look out the back window,” he said. “That’s when I saw the giraffe kind of digging around and then it just grabbed her.”

According to the Toten family, it appeared to be a complete accident and they didn’t break any rules.

“Paisley was holding the bag, and the giraffe went to go get the bag, not her, but it ended up getting her shirt too and picked her up,” Toten said.

Thankfully, Paisley didn’t get too high up before the giraffe dropped her.

“As soon as she went up, her mom yelled, ‘Hey!’ and the giraffe let go,” Toten said.

Paisley’s father said she ended up falling into her mother’s arms without anyone getting hurt, but it still was a scary moment.

“My heart stopped, my stomach dropped … it scared me,” Toten said.

Afterward, Toten said they went to the gift shop and got Paisley a toy giraffe because “she deserved it.”

The family said they do plan on returning to the park in the future.

According to the wildlife center, visitors are allowed to ride in the bed of a truck if an adult is riding in the back with them and everyone is safely inside the vehicle.

Copyright 2024 KWTX via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Animal Encounters at Virginia Safari Park

Get up close during animal encounters with two-toed sloths, African penguins, and rhinos at Virginia Safari Park in Natural Bridge.

Rhino Encounter

What to know before you go.

• Rhino Encounter Time – 1 PM Daily, weather permitting.
• Encounter is limited to 10 participants for each time slot.
• Participants under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
• Not suitable for children under the age of 10 - no exceptions.
• Please check in 30 minutes prior to the scheduled encounter time.
• The encounter begins promptly at the assigned time. Late arrivals will not be permitted to join the experience.
• Encounters are outdoors, weather permitting.
• Closed-toe shoes highly recommended.
• Duration and availability of encounters are subject to change without notice; payments are forfeited in the event of no-shows and late arrivals.

Penguin Encounter

Are you passionate about penguins?

• Penguin Encounter Time – 11 AM and 3 PM daily, weather permitting
• Participants under the age of 12 must be accompanied by paying adult.
• Closed-toe shoes are highly recommended.

Sloth Encounter

Meet our cute and gentle Linnaeus's two-toed sloths, Flash and Priscilla, during a sloth encounter experience. You' 'll be able to get up close to feed them while learning about these slow-movers who are loaded with personality. Whether they are just hanging out, taking a snooze, or moseying along to reach a tasty treat, they are as delightful as sloths can be. Being notoriously slow makes them great for posing for photos, so bring your camera! Cost: $40.00 per person  

• Sloth Encounter Time – 10 AM and 2 PM daily, weather permitting
• Encounter is limited to 10 participants for each slot.

2024 Park Hours

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10 cuter-than-cute animals from Primorsky Safari Park

What’s that you’ve brought me? A raccoon at Primorsky Safari Park in the village of Shkotovo.

For many years now, the most popular place for a family holiday in the Primorsky Territory has been the safari park near the village of Shkotovo (4,000 miles east of Moscow, 55 miles from Vladivostok). The famous nature reserve celebrated its tenth anniversary on Feb. 7.

Primorsky Safari Park is an enclosure inside the Ussuri taiga forest. Visitors can observe the wild inhabitants without fences or screens in conditions as natural as can be. Injured animals are nursed back to health by staff. The park has a high turnover rate: once fully recuperated, animals are released back into the wild, and their place is taken by others.

The park became famous for two local “residents”: Amur the tiger and Timur the goat. The story of their unusual friendship began in November 2015, when the cloven-hoofed one had a “dinner date” with the predator. However, Timur didn’t take kindly to being on the menu and managed to keep Amur at hoof’s length, after which they began spending time together. In late January 2016 the friends had a slight altercation, resulting in Timur being mauled for his shameless behavior. After rehabilitation, Timur was resettled. In March 2016 he received a mail-order bride all the way from Moscow — a nanny goat by the name of Merkel (no relation of the German chancellor, we presume). On January 25 Timur became the happy father of a kid, quite literally.

The young tigress Ussuri, born June 3, 2014, at the Moscow Zoo nursery, was brought to Primorsky Safari Park on October 17, 2015, as a partner for Amur. On September 18, 2016, she gave birth to a cub called Shere Khan.

The park is home to 15 species of birds of prey: hawks, owls, black kites, tawny owls, eagle owls, to name a few. A guided tour with a professional ornithologist gets you closer to the action. Some birds will even perch on your arm.

The safari park also houses foxes, badgers, minks, wolves and Amur leopards. The different species get along well.

The ungulates have an enclosed forest area of around five hectares all to themselves. Three parks in total: one winter, two summer. The animals move from park to park to give the plants time to grow. Five species of wild ungulates from the Primorsky Territory are free to roam this area, along with waterfowl and tame rabbits.

The park for ungulates now contains Manchurian wapiti, sika deer, roe deer and wild boars. The tame animals are quite happy to approach people. It’s even possible to hand-feed and stroke them, and have your picture taken together.

Dholes, or red wolves, are the rarest of animals. Once native to the Primorsky Territory, now they have all but disappeared. The last sighting of this rare species in the Primorsky Territory was back in 1973. In his Mowgli stories, Kipling described the dholes as an all-destroying, fearsome avalanche attacking the jungle. Dholes do indeed live in packs, but not as large as the fictional ones. Primorsky Safari Park currently counts three dholes in residence.

Along the perimeter of the leopard enclosure runs a six-meter high bridge offering views of leopards in their natural habitat — with no wire fencing in front of the eyes. It is currently home to one leopard, who will soon be joined by a female of the species.

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Virginia's Only Drive-Thru Safari

Virginia safari park is home to king cheetah, africa's rarest cat, fun for the entire family, experience unique animal encounters, explore our 180-acre safari drive-thru, stroll through our 10-acre village walk-thru, extended summer hours are here plan your visit, attractions.

You can interact with our animals safely from your vehicle while exploring our drive-thru safari, on foot walking through our village walk-thru, or up close during a special, behind-the-scenes encounter with sloths, rhinos, or penguins.

Safari Drive-Thru

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Important information.

The VIRGINIA SAFARI PARK, a 180-acre drive-through zoo located in Natural Bridge, VA, is NOT associated with the Natural Bridge Zoo, which is also located in Natural Bridge.

Unfortunately, with the recent legal issues and press coverage surrounding the Natural Bridge Zoo we have found it necessary to post this clarification. We have been contacted by many sources that have inadvertently confused the two zoos.

Our official website is www.virginiasafaripark.com. Please beware of copycat imitations. Again, the VIRGINIA SAFARI PARK is NOT associated with the Natural Bridge Zoo and never has been.

Thank you for your understanding.

Events & news, featured animals.

Get to know our resident animals. We spotlight a few featured animals and teach you about their eating habits, their status in the wild and statistics, like their average weight, height and more.

Giant Anteater

King Cheetah

The Virginia Safari Park is hands down one of the best zoo experiences I’ve ever had!,”

Jahmelia B.

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Our Mission

Virginia Safari Park is dedicated to wildlife conservation. We serve this mission by educating our visitors, caring for our resident animals and supporting organizations. Learn more

Our Zoofari Parks Conservation Grants program helps fund wildlife and habitat programs in the U.S. and abroad. Learn about the latest recipients and how to apply for a grant. Learn more

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M-F Open 9a - 5:30p * Last car admitted 4p

Sat & Sun Open 9a - 6:30p * Last car admitted 5p

Wildlife Parks & Zoos

Not all of Idaho’s wildlife exists in the deep woods. Many bird and animal species can be seen in Idaho’s zoos, and in wildlife parks, preserves and management areas. The fastest animal in the world, the Peregrine Falcon, can be seen at the World Center for Birds of Prey, along with raptors from around the globe. See grizzlies and black bears up close at Yellowstone Bear World and experience another side of Idaho’s wildlife.

Featured Travel Tips

Let the Kids Explore: History and Adventure Around Boise

Did you know.

Get an up-close view of free-roaming wildlife at Yellowstone Bear World, a drive-thru wildlife park.

Zoo Boise is home to over 300 animals from 100 various species.

The Aquarium of Boise houses over 35,000 gallons of saltwater and over 250 species of animals and marine life.

The Wolf Education & Research Center of Winchester, Idaho started in 1996 caring for the wolves of the Nez Perce aka the Sawtooth Pack.

Featured Adventures

The Wolf Education and Research Center

Yellowstone Bear World

Aquarium of Boise

Zulu Safari Lodging Adults Only

Kilimanjaro Suite at the Zulu Lodge

Pets Prohibited

Starting at $200 per night | Ages 18+ only | 2 guests | No pets

• The Kilimanjaro suite offers a luscious, exotic palette of color throughout. Delicately carved African masks adorn the cabin as well as the art of Lisa and D. Arthur Wilson. The large, rustic entertainment unit is home to familiar games and books as well as Scott Smith’s charming photos of some of the residents at TCWR! The private deck of this suite boasts views of the sprawling valley and beautiful sunrises.
• This suite sleeps 2 guests above the age of 18-years old.
• The Refuge is a nonprofit organization and the cost of your stay goes toward the care of our animal residents.

Congo Suite at the Zulu Lodge

• The Congo Suite offers a beautiful reminder of Africa. The color scheme is tan with pops of color in the art that D. Wilson and Lisa Wilson placed throughout. With the rolling hills of Ozarks surrounding the Congo, you will get the full “Africa in the Ozarks” experience! The private deck of this suite boasts views of the sprawling valley and beautiful sunrises.

Okavango Suite at the Zulu Lodge

Starting at $200 per night | Ages 18+ | 2 guests | Ramp-Accessible (not ADA)

• The Okavango suite is artistically styled with a beautiful blue hue and aluminum colors providing you with a feeling of relaxation and rejuvenation. Meerkats are waiting to greet you in D. Arthur Wilson’s “No Meer Family” giclee print. The spacious bathroom offers a shower large enough for two people. A shower seat is available if needed. Also available if needed are the toilet safety frame and rails in the shower. Both decks are charming with the back deck boasting lovely views of the sprawling valley and beautiful sunsets.

Serengeti Suite at the Zulu Lodge

Starting at $200 per night | Ages 18+ | 2 guests | Sunset motifs

• The Serengeti suite is designed in a purple and red combination delivering the colors of our breathtaking Ozark sunsets. This suite’s artwork by D. Arthur and Lisa Wilson might have you believe you are actually in Africa! The presentation of Lisa’s Mixed Media original art, Passion 2 and Passion 4, hangs over the Queen size bed. The Serengeti suite has many giclee prints like along with a beautiful male lion print over the love seat. Wildebeest, zebras, and giraffes fill this room along with fantastic photographs taken by Scott Smith, our TCWR resident photographer. The private deck of this suite boasts both views of the sprawling valley and beautiful sunrises.

Kalahari Suite at the Zulu Lodge

• The Kalahari suite is a cozy escape with an exotic theme of bamboo and jewel tones throughout. The artistic bamboo headboard above the Queen bed is complemented by original abstract art from Lisa Wilson and D. Arthur Wilson’s Wild Expressionism limited editions. As you relax on either the front or back decks, the gentle caroling of the big cats is music to your ears!
• This suite sleeps 2 guests above the age of 18 and is open from March until November.