On Safari in Florida Lion Country Safari Brings the Veldt Close to Home

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explorer On Safari in Florida Lion Country Safari brings the veldt close to home

Be prepared for up-close- and-personal experiences with wild (and not-so- wild) animals.

Lion Country Safari is one of Palm Beach County’s largest tourist attractions and a model of wildlife conservation. Each year approximately 500,000 visitors experience the thrill of up-close viewing of magnificent animals in a natural and open envi- ronment. In addition to the wildlife preserve, Lion Country Safari also includes a walk-through area called Safari World. This area has more than 230 campsites, six stores, two food outlets, a veteri- by Glenn Ostle Lion Country was the brainchild of a nary hospital, an animal demonstration f you have ever dreamed of joining a group of South African and British entre- theater, a summer day camp, a gas sta- safari across the African veldt but have preneurs who wanted to bring the experi- tion, and 160 employees who care for been limited by your pocketbook, ence of an African game park to families animals and operate the facility. you’ll be happy to know that Florida who would otherwise not be able to offers an affordable alternative. experience it. WILDLIFE PRESERVE IJambo! Welcome to Lion Country In 1967 they opened their new “cage- The wildlife preserve is divided into Safari, America’s first drive-through less zoo” in what was then rural western seven sections, connected by a five-mile wildlife preserve where more than 1,000 Palm Beach County to take advantage of road. Each section is designed to simu- exotic animals and one hundred different the area’s growing population, plentiful late a different type of habitat and species roam free over 350 acres. Most land, year-round mild climate, and influx includes its appropriate flora and fauna. of the animals can be viewed from the of tourists from all over the world. Areas include: Las Pampas, Ruaha

safety of your own vehicle. Now in its 38th year of operation, National Park, Kalahari Bushveld, Gir SAFARI OF LION COUNTRY COURTESY PHOTOS

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Wish you were here?

Our beaches are more beautiful than ever... and the shelling is spectacular! Sanibel Holiday has 1, 2 & 3 bedroom condos and homes ready for weekly & monthly stays. Call us at 1-800-572-6423 for discounts off our already discounted rates!

~ All units fully furnished & equipped A waterbuck relaxes in the Florida sun at Lion Country Safari. ~ Complimentary newspapers & guest internet access at our office Forest, Gorongosa Reserve, Serengeti concrete patio, and picnic tables. Other Plains, and Hwange National Park. local amenities include a general store, ~ Non-smoking & pet friendly Safari World is the walk-through area gas-heated swimming pool, handi- units available of the park and includes a petting zoo, capped-accessible restrooms, shuffle- carousel, boat rides, mini-golf, a dinosaur board, basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, exhibit, and aviaries. There are also bird, playgrounds, laundry, picnic area, and a Visit us online at reptile, alligator, and squirrel monkey pavilion. www.sanibelholiday.com exhibits, as well as daily animal presenta- tions at noon, 1:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and CONSERVATION-MINDED 4:00 p.m. daily. Lion Country Safari has become a leader For those who crave an exciting in conservation and today protects many wildlife adventure, Lion Country Safari endangered or threatened species that also features a full-service and award- live and reproduce there. It is also dedi- winning KOA campground located adja- cated to the captive breeding of a number cent to the wildlife preserve. Campers of rare or endangered species. In 2001 can fall asleep to the sounds of nighttime the park was accredited by the American Africa and wake up to the roar of lions. Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA). Campground facilities include full Their conservation program helps ensure

PHOTO BY GLENN7 OSTLE PHOTO hook-up, shady pull-through sites with the survival of many wildlife species

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explorer

South American macaws and African giraffes live side-by-side at Lion Country Safari.

including lions, white rhino, African ele- from each other and from visitors’ vehi- ticipant in ChimpanZoo, an observation phants, chimpanzees, zebra, and giraffes. cles by water-filled canals. The social program of captive chimpanzees headed structure of the island communities is by world-renowned chimp expert, Dr. WHITE RHINOS quite similar to that found in the forests Jane Goodall. ChimpanZoo observers are The White Rhinoceros is one of Africa’s of central Africa and is unique among trained to observe and record individual best-known endangered animals. captive chimpanzee groups found and group behavior which provides valu- Weighing 5,000 pounds or more and throughout the world. able information that enhances under- standing 6 feet tall at the shoulder, it is Lion Country Safari is an active par- standing of the habits of captive chimps. also among the largest and the most sig- nificant attractions at the preserve. The unique safari-style presentation Want to Go? of the rhinos, where the people are caged ion Country Safari is located in West provided for a five-dollar refundable deposit. in their vehicles as they drive through the Palm Beach, Florida. It is easily accessible For more information about special circum- rhino’s territory, allows for the opportu- L from the Florida Turnpike or Interstate stances, visit the Lion Country Safari web- nity to get unusually close to these 95. It is located approximately 20 miles west site: www.lioncountrysafari.com. remarkable creatures. To experience an of downtown West Palm Beach, 59 miles animal of this size grazing a few feet north of downtown Ft. Lauderdale, and Lion Country Safari from your car window, or to have a moth- approximately 78 miles north of Miami. 2003 Lion Country Safari Road er and her calf lumber across the road Lion Country Safari is open every day of Loxahatchee, FL. 33470 just inches in front of you, are thrills that the year from 9:30 to 4:30, rain or shine. Phone: 561-793-1084 should not be missed. Please note that there are some restrictions. E-Mail: [email protected] Your vehicle should be in good shape and able to be closed at all times during the KOA Campground & R.V. Resort CHIMPANZEES safari. Convertibles or soft-top vehicles are 2000 Lion Country Safari Road Lion Country Safari boasts one of the not permitted into the preserve. In the sum- Loxahatchee, FL 33470 largest captive populations of chim- mer, air conditioning in your vehicle is a Phone: 561-793-9797 panzees in North America. Four distinct must.Also, pets are not allowed in your Reservations only: 1-800-562-9115 populations inhabit large islands within vehicle during safaris.Temporary kennels are E-Mail: [email protected]

the preserves. The groups are separated BY GLENN OSTLE PHOTOS

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Herds of zebras run free in the safari lands—and no two have matching stripes.

ZEBRAS from the Miami MetroZoo. A second Lion Country Safari is home to the baby giraffe, named Tanga Tanga, was largest herds of zebras in the world out- born earlier that same month. side of Africa. Eighty zebras roam free Lion Country Safari is a licensed reha- on over 60 acres of property at Lion bilitation facility that takes in injured Country Safari’s drive-through preserve. wildlife and offers care and/or placement in The common zebra stands approxi- a more appropriate facility or return to the mately 45 inches tall at the shoulders and wild. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service weighs between 400 and 850 pounds. permits Lion Country to keep brown peli- Males are larger than females, and there can and roseate spoonbill species, releasing is a lot of geographical variation in their the offspring of these birds into the wild or stripe patterns. No two zebras have the placing them in an appropriate facility if same stripe patterns. Lion Country Safari release is not possible. maintains a photo identification system to identify each zebra in its collection. STILL GROWING Zebras reproduce year round with a In the future, Lion Country Safari will peak during the rainy season. Gestation is embark on a major expansion of the between 360-396 days. Safari World walk-through area. The area will increase in size by 50 percent and GIRAFFES will see the addition of numerous On the morning of December 18, 2004 attractions, including a new alligator Lion Country Safari welcomed a 5-foot- exhibit, new giraffe feeding exhibit, a 10-inch baby giraffe following a gesta- children’s play area, water play area, and tion period of 15 months. The 169-pound facilities for large groups. n male giraffe calf was born in the Hwange National Park area of Lion Country Glenn Ostle is a freelance writer and pho- Safari. His very attentive mom, Pauwa, tographer, avid traveler, and a lover of wild came to Lion Country Safari in 1987 places and the creatures that live in them.