wildlife safari park winston oregon

Exploring The 600-Acre Oregon Wildlife Safari Park

by Danielle Denham | Apr 20, 2023 | Adventures , Entertainment , Family Fun , Southern Oregon , Things To Do , Travel

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.

Written By Danielle Denham

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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 !

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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.

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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

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Thrifty NW Family

The Best Time to Go to Wildlife Safari Oregon

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?

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There's A Wildlife Safari Park Hiding In Winston, Oregon

Sarah McCosham

I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books. I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.

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Oregon is full of surprises, but this park in Winston is easily the wildest and most unexpected. Open year-round, Wildlife Safari is a 615-acre drive-through safari park in Oregon with more than 600 species of animals from all over the planet! If you’re looking for a unique and family-friendly day trip adventure in Oregon, this is it.

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Have you visited Wildlife Safari in Oregon before? What an amazing hidden gem! Learn more and plan your visit at the Wildlife Safari website .

For another unique day trip destination in Oregon, check out The SAGE Center , a hands-on agriculture museum in Morrow County.

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

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Wildlife Safari

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Exhibitions

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Wildlife Safari and its collection

Wildlife Safari is a unique drive-through safari and zoological park located in Winston, Oregon, United States. It offers a unique experience where visitors can drive their own vehicles through the park, allowing for up-close animal encounters and photo opportunities.

Main Attraction of the Park

The main attraction of the park are the 615-acre pastures and field enclosures. Visitors can drive their own vehicles through these areas, providing many opportunities for up-close animal encounters and photo opportunities. This unique feature sets Wildlife Safari apart from many other zoological parks.

Safari Village

In addition to the drive-through safari, Wildlife Safari also has an expansive visitors’ area in its Safari Village. This area contains the park’s retail, dining, and customer service amenities. Unlike the main drive-through safari, the Safari Village is free to explore for guests, adding another layer of experience to their visit.

Unique Animal Species

As of 2021, Wildlife Safari is the only place in Oregon state that maintains captive African elephants and maned wolves. This makes it a unique destination for animal lovers and those interested in these specific species.

Read more…

Nature & Natural History   Nature & Natural History Animals Zoo

#12 Nature & Natural History in Oregon

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Visitor information Wildlife Safari

Opening hours.

Closed Only on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day

We don't have information about the facilities of Wildlife Safari.

Location & Map

1790 Safari Rd, Winston

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Wildlife Safari Reviews

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Frequently asked questions, here are some of our most common questions answered, for any other questions you might have, contact guest services at 541-679-6761..

When are you closed? We are open year-round, and are only closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

When is the best time to come? When are the animals fed? Does the weather affect the animals? Anytime is a good time, though the animals do tend to be closer to the road when its colder out! The animals are all on different schedules and are fed at different times throughout the day. The weather does not affect the park.

Do you need a reservation? No, you can enter the park at any time between open and close.

Do we drive our own car? Yes. Any size vehicle can go through.

How long does the drive thru take? How big is the park? What animals will we see? The drive through takes about 1-2 hours. The park is over 600 acres, the drive is 4.5 miles long, and we have around 100 different species.

Can we touch or feed the animals? The only animals you can touch are in the village petting zoo. You can feed some animals in the Asia section of our drive thru by purchasing feed cups when available in that section. You can feed or get closer to some of our animals by doing an animal encounter.

Can I bring my pet? Why not? Pets are not allowed in the park. It is unsafe for your pet and our animals. Services animals are allowed but have extra rules to follow. We do have a kennel area available for you to keep your pet in while visiting the park.

Are the tickets per carload? No, the tickets for the drive thru and for the encounters are per person.

Are the animal encounters separate from the drive thru? Yes. The animal encounters are separate tickets from the drive thru. The encounters are separate experiences at set times throughout the day.

Do you have train or camel rides? Yes. The train is open year-round, tokens can be purchased in guest services. The camel rides are seasonal and are available Spring-Summer.

Are you a nonprofit? Who owns the park? Yes, Wildlife Safari is an owned and operated 501c3 nonprofit organization. We were opened in 1972 by Frank Hart, but are now managed by a board of directors.

Drive Through Rules & Restrictions

• Wildlife Safari is located in Winston, Oregon, just minutes off of I-5.
• Animal Enrichment Encounter tickets do not include drive-through admission, which is required to participate in Animal Enrichment Encounters.
• Be sure to check out the Always Free Safari Village .
• Mothers get in free on Mother’s Day, fathers get in free on Father’s Day, veterans get in free on Veteran’s Day.

Wildlife Safari gives you the opportunity to take a trip to Southern Oregon to escape on a wild African Safari and get up close to ostrich, Watusi cattle, lions and zebra. Venture through the homes of hippos and the land of the scimitar horned oryx. Your journey will take you through Southern Africa where the Rhino and Giraffe rule. Carry on to interpretive wetlands, cleaning the local waters in reaffirmation of our commitment to the soil before venturing into the land of bears, bison and elk within the sprawling canyon forests of North America. Take a trip past the awe-inspiring African elephants and prepare to enter the land of emu, yak and white naped cranes as your tour of the incredibly diverse wildlife of planet Earth continues on in Asia. Dare yourself to end your journey with a trip through a carnivore loop featuring Wildlife Safari’s top cheetah breeding grounds and ferocious Sumatran Tigers. At Wildlife Safari, adventure rules daily.

• While ticket and enrichment encounter payments are non-refundable, should you need to reschedule our guest services department would be happy to assist you with an alternate time or an upgraded encounter.
• Encounter times subject to change, please call ahead for availability.
• Tickets for drive through admission do not expire, and are valid until redeemed.
• Enter the Wildlife Safari Drive Through Animal Park at your own risk.
• No Open Top Vehicles (Convertibles must have tops up at all times)
• No Motorcycles
• No pets are allowed in the Safari Drive-Through, nor in the Safari Village
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Everyone In Oregon Should Check Out These 10 Tourist Attractions, According To Locals

O regon is well-known for its immense beauty, from its majestic coastline to pristine alpine lakes. But if you live here you might forget to act like a tourist and visit all the cool sights, attractions, and hidden gems our state has to offer. As an almost lifelong Oregonian (I moved here as a kid), I still have a long bucket list of places I want to explore — either for the first time or again.

If you also want to take advantage of Oregon’s great tourist attractions, check out our list of the 10 best places to visit in Oregon.

1. Pittock Mansion, Portland

2. crater lake national park, 3. haystack rock, 4. painted hills, 5. wildlife safari, winston, 6. oregon caves, 7. multnomah falls, 8. oregon dunes national recreation area, 10. pendleton.

For more information, visit the Pittock Mansion , Crater Lake , Haystack Rock , Painted Hills , Wildlife Safari , Oregon Caves , Multnomah Falls , Oregon Dunes , Mt. Hood , and Pendleton websites. If your outing includes a long drive, you may want to stock up on car-friendly snacks and/or bring a lunch to enjoy along the way.

We’d love to know how you enjoyed your trip to any of these attractions, so please leave a comment. Also, feel free to share your favorite tourist spots in Oregon, too. We would love to hear from you.

The post Everyone In Oregon Should Check Out These 10 Tourist Attractions, According To Locals appeared first on Only In Your State ® .