News

Lion Country Safari is hosting an event in honor of World Lion Day on August 8th, 2022, from 11:00AM to 3:00PM. This year’s event will feature crafts, educational displays, a raffle, and special VIP tours (limited space) that guests can participate in for an additional fee, which will be donated to lion conservation.

World Lion Day is a celebration of lions and an opportunity to raise awareness about the vital need for worldwide participation in their protection and conservation in the wild.

African lions are currently listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN); populations have been severely diminished in the past 25 years, due largely to habitat loss and conflict with humans.

Lion Country Safari cares for 9 lions in multiple social groups, including young lions born at the park in late 2019. Lion Country Safari is proud to support lion conservation and to participate in several of AZA’s Species Survival Plan (SSP) and Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) programs to save species.

Lion Country Safari ranked 5^th among the top 10 safari parks in the United States by the USA Today’s “10Best” Readers' Choice contest. Ranked by popular vote, supporters chose from 20 of the top nominated wildlife parks selected by experts in the zoo and travel field. Lion Country Safari is the only park in Florida to be named among the top 10 safari parks and has earned a spot on the list five years in a row.

The list, released on June 3rd, 2022, on 10best.com, ranks the top 10 parks to view exotic and endangered species from around the world. Lion Country Safari has been bringing the safari experience to families from across the country and across the world since 1967. Lion Country Safari is also unique in that the park not only displays animals in large herds, as many safari and wildlife parks do, but is also currently home to the largest herd of zebra on record in the western hemisphere, one of the largest herds of giraffe in the United States, and a large herd of rhinos with a long history of breeding success.

Read more here: https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-safari-park-2022/

Lion Country Safari, Zoo Miami and Cox Science Center and Aquarium will be offering a ‘Summer Savings Pass’ for the twelfth year in a row. The Summer Savings Pass will give pass holders unlimited admission to all three attractions throughout the summer!

The Summer Savings Pass will be available for purchase at each of the participating parks beginning on May 27, 2022 and will be valid for admission to each of the attractions until August 31, 2022. Lion Country Safari, Zoo Miami, and Cox Science Center and Aquarium will also have the passes for sale online at their respective websites: www.LionCountrySafari.com, shop.zoomiami.org, and coxsciencecenter.org. 

At $59.99 plus tax, per adult and $49.99 plus tax, per child (ages 3-12), this pass grants unlimited admission through August 31, 2022 at Lion Country Safari, Zoo Miami, and Cox Science Center and Aquarium. Annual Pass holders of these attractions will be eligible to purchase this pass for only $34.99 plus tax, per adult, and $24.99 plus tax, per child. For more information on the Summer Savings Pass visit www.summersavingspass.com

Lion Country Safari

Lion Country Safari is Florida’s largest drive-through safari and is home to over 900 animals, including the world’s most iconic species (such as giraffe, rhinos, lions, chimps and zebra), roaming wide open natural habitats in large herds. Admission includes entry to Safari World Adventure Park with animal encounters (giraffe feeding and petting zoo) and demonstrations, kid’s train, carousel, paddle boats, water spray ground, games, shopping, food, and thrills. We recommend about 4-6 hours to fully experience Lion Country Safari and you are welcome to drive through the safari more than once on the day of your visit. Lion Country Safari is located on Southern Boulevard (SR80), just 15 miles west of I-95/10 miles west of the Turnpike. The park is open daily. For more information, call (561) 793-1084 or visit www.LionCountrySafari.com

Zoo Miami

Travel the world in one day by foot, on a safari cycle or on a tram tour! With almost 750 acres and 4 miles of walkways, Zoo Miami is home to more than 3,000 animals representing more than 500 different species. From jaguars in the Amazon, tigers in Asia, to koalas in Australia and crocodiles in The Florida Everglades, a trip to Zoo Miami will transport you around the globe. Don’t forget to visit the Conservation Action Center, a new indoor interactive exhibit where you can crawl through a python to learn about invasive species, whack out environmental threats in “Habitat Whack A Mole” or race to scoop the “poop” in a composting game. Plus, enjoy water play areas and up close animal encounters and feedings! Zoo Miami is located at 12400 SW 152 Street: Miami, FL 33177. Hours are 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; ticket booths close at 4 p.m.  Parking is free.  For more information, please visit www.zoomiami.org or call (305) 251-0400.

Cox Science Center and Aquarium

The Cox Science Center and Aquarium features more than 100 hands-on, indoor and outdoor educational exhibits, a 10,000-gallon fresh and saltwater aquarium, digital planetarium, Pre-K focused “Discovery Center,” conservation-themed Mini Golf Course and quarter-mile-long outdoor science trail with a new splash pad! One of its celebrated displays includes “Journey Through the Human Brain,” a permanent exhibit that features the most advanced neuroscience research in the world. This summer’s special traveling exhibition is “Mindbender Mansion,” an eclectic place full of brainteasers and interactive challenges. We welcome guests of all ages to visit and learn new things all summer long. Cox Science Center and Aquarium is located at 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach, FL 33405. Hours are 9AM – 5PM Monday through Friday and 10AM – 6PM Saturday and Sunday. For more information, please visit www.coxsciencecenter.org or call 561-832-1988.

Media Contacts:

Haley McCann, Lion Country Safari 561-793-1084 ext. 2238 pr@lioncountrysafari.com

Andrea Obregon, Zoo Miami 305-328-8840 aobregon@zoomiami.org

Kaley Grau, Cox Science Center and Aquarium 561-370-7730 kgrau@coxsciencecenter.org

On Friday, May 6^th, 2022, Lion Country Safari welcomed a male baby Plains zebra to its herd. The foal and mom are spending quality time together and are visible to guests from their cars in the Hwange section of the safari, along with the rest of the zebra herd. Lion Country Safari is home to largest herd of zebra on record in the United States with nearly 60 zebra under its care.

Plains zebra are listed as Near Threatened with a decreasing population by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Of the three species of zebra (Plains, Mountain, and Grevy’s), the Plains zebra is the most abundant, but all 3 species are in peril due mostly to poaching and habitat loss.

Lion Country Safari Earns AZA Accreditation

Lion Country Safari announced today that it was again granted accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s independent Accreditation Commission.

“We are honored to be accredited by the AZA, representing the leading zoological institutions in the Country, meeting their high standards of animal care and welfare,” stated Marc Unterhalter, CEO at Lion Country Safari. “The accreditation of our facility is a testament to the dedication of our team.” Lion Country Safari is proud to continue its accreditation status with the AZA and looks forward to continued partnership in the zoological community and participation in many of the AZA’s programs, included efforts to save species from extinction.

Points of particular achievement, noted by the Inspection Team, included:

• Quality of animal care, veterinary care, hoofstock and rhino care and management
• On-site conservation programs and education programs
• New leadership and the staff’s passion for the park’s mission and objectives

A facility seeking accreditation undergoes a thorough investigation every 5 years to ensure that it has and will continue to meet ever-rising standards in animal and veterinary care, conservation, education and safety. During the accreditation process, Lion Country Safari completed a detailed application and hosted a team of inspectors for a meticulous multi-day inspection of the park’s facilities and operations.

About Lion Country Safari

Lion Country Safari is Florida’s largest drive-through safari and is home to over 900 animals, including the world’s most iconic species, roaming wide open natural habitats in large herds. Lion Country Safari continuously strives to be a leader in animal care, conservation, and education to inspire people through connections with wildlife in a family-friendly environment. For more information, please call the main office at (561) 793-1084 or visit us online at www.lioncountrysafari.com.  

About the Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science, and recreation. AZA is the accrediting body for the top zoos and aquariums in the United States and 12 other countries. Look for the AZA accreditation logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The AZA is a leader in saving species and your link to helping animals all over the world. To learn more, visit www.aza.org.

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Rare Baby Chimpanzee Born at Lion Country Safari

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Lion Country Safari welcomed a baby chimpanzee to its troop on Dec. 30, the first born at the facility in over 16 years and the only one born in 2021 at an AZA-accredited zoological park. The baby is making his debut on the island habitats in the preserve, and guests driving through the safari may see him clinging to mom.

This baby is a significant part of chimpanzee conservation, contributing to the Chimpanzee Species Survival Plan (SSP), a national collaboration to save them from extinction. Chimpanzees are listed as endangered and critically endangered in some regions by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with populations decreasing due to habitat loss, poaching and disease.

Due to the status of chimpanzees in the wild and the low number of births in the population, this birth is especially rare and significant for the conservation of the species.

The baby is Irene’s first, and for the duration of the pregnancy, Lion Country Safari’s chimpanzee care team worked closely with Irene to prepare her for motherhood. Through voluntary training sessions, Irene participated in ultrasounds, infant heartbeat detection monitoring and practiced holding a stuffed animal baby to her chest for nursing.

The little one has been named “Tonk,” in honor of the Tonkolili Chimpanzee Project, a conservation initiative in Sierra Leone. The Tonkolili project was co-founded by Lion Country Safari’s own Dr. Tina Cloutier Barbour, Curator of Conservation, Research and Chimpanzees and Chimpanzee SSP Coordinator.

Tonk joins a family of 2 males and 2 females. His aunt Juniper, Irene's sister, is very interested in the baby, remaining close to Irene’s side. The new mom is protective but has let Juniper touch the baby at times, and Aunt Juniper will go get food and then recline next to Irene and the baby. It’s clear Irene is enjoying her group being nearby as she embraces motherhood.

Chimpanzee gestation is approximately 8 months. At birth, chimpanzees weigh approximately 4 pounds (1.8 kg). Infants cling to their mothers off and on for the first few years but will stay closely attached for the first four months before becoming more independent.

Lion Country Safari is home to 17 chimpanzees and is a proud participant in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Chimpanzee Species Survival Plan and the Chimpanzee Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) Program. Lion Country Safari is also proud to support the Tonkolili Chimpanzee Project.

West Palm Beach, FL – It’s another big baby – and he is a big deal!

Lion Country Safari welcomed a male Southern White Rhinoceros calf to its herd on November 17^th, 2021, the second calf born at the park this year. He is a significant contribution to the White Rhinoceros Species Survival Plan, a national collaboration to save the imperiled species from extinction. Both the calf, named Josh, and mom are spending some quality time bonding together in a maternity area, which is visible to guests from their cars in the drive-through safari.

Lion Country Safari cares for one of the largest herds of rhinoceros in the country with a long history of breeding success. The baby is the 5th offspring born to 22-year-old mom Bloom and he is the 38^th rhino calf to be born at the park since 1979. Bloom’s family line is considered underrepresented in the population; each offspring’s genes are important to the overall diversity and health of the population under human care and to the conservation of the species.

During the 1970s, this species was teetering on the edge of extinction with less than 1,000 individuals left on the planet. Today, thanks to multi-national collaborative breeding and protection efforts, there are an estimated 20,000 white rhinos and each new birth contributes to their continued conservation.  

Rhino mothers give birth to a single calf weighing between 88 and 132 pounds (40-60 kg). The calf is expected to gain 3-4 pounds (1-2kg) a day from his mother's milk, and will gain about 1,000 pounds (450 kg) a year for the first three years. Baby rhinos nurse for almost two years.

Of the five species of rhinos (White, Black, Indian, Sumatran and Javan), the white rhino is the most abundant, but all 5 species are in peril due mostly to poaching. Lion Country Safari is home to 15 White Rhinos – 11 females and 4 males and is a proud participant of the White Rhinoceros Species Survival Plan (SSP), a program of the Associations of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The SSP ensures that a genetically sound population of White Rhinos survives should threats worsen in the wild.

For more information on rhinos, visit the International Rhino Foundation www.rhinos.org and Save the Rhinos www.savetherhino.org.

West Palm Beach, FL – In a very special celebration on World Rhino Day, Lion Country Safari welcomed a female Southern White Rhinoceros calf to its herd on Sept. 22, 2021.

This big baby is also a very big deal in the conservation world. She is a significant new part of the White Rhinoceros Species Survival Plan, a national collaboration to save this imperiled species from extinction. In celebration of the birth and in honor of World Rhino Day, Lion Country Safari is making a donation to the International Rhino Foundation.

Both the calf and mom are spending quality time bonding in a maternity area, which is visible to guests from their cars in the drive-through safari. Lion Country Safari is one of only a few drive-through safari experiences in the United States.

The baby, named Aziza (meaning precious), is the second offspring born to 8-year-old mom Anna. She is the 37^th rhino calf born at the park since 1979. During the 1970s, this species was teetering on the edge of extinction with less than 1,000 individuals left on the planet. Today, thanks to multi-national collaborative breeding and protection efforts, there are an estimated 20,000 white rhinos and each new birth contributes to their continued conservation.  

Lion Country Safari’s veterinary team monitored Anna’s health with regular ultrasound exams and blood tests to ensure that mom and calf were progressing well throughout the 16-month pregnancy.

Rhino mothers give birth to a single calf weighing between 88 and 132 pounds (40-60 kg). Aziza is expected to gain 3-4 pounds (1-2kg) a day from her mother's milk, and will gain about 1,000 pounds (450 kg) a year for the first three years. Baby rhinos nurse for almost two years.

Of the five species of rhinos (White, Black, Indian, Sumatran and Javan), the white rhino is the most abundant, but all 5 species are in peril due mostly to poaching. The Southern White Rhinoceros is the only species of rhino that eats just grasses; the others also browse on trees and shrubs.

Lion Country Safari is home to 14 White Rhinos – 11 females and 3 males and is a proud participant of the White Rhinoceros Species Survival Plan (SSP), a program of the Associations of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The SSP ensures that a genetically sound population of White Rhinos survives should threats worsen in the wild.

For more information on rhinos, visit the International Rhino Foundation: www.rhinos.org and Save the Rhinos www.savetherhino.org.