West Coast Game Park Safari
A walk-through zoo known for interactive animal encounters, including petting cubs and feeding free-roaming animals.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer animals
West Coast Game Park Safari
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer animals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A walk-through zoo known for interactive animal encounters, including petting cubs and feeding free-roaming animals.
"Historically a hit for families, but recent welfare concerns and investigations have raised serious questions."
Wear old shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Expect to step in animal droppings from free-roaming animals. Old shoes are a must!
Bring cash for food :moneybag:
Purchase animal feed to get the most out of the interactive experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Petting Area
Throughout the park
Get up close and personal with friendly goats, sheep, and deer eager for a treat.
Cub Encounters
Designated interaction areas
Opportunities to pet baby bears, jaguars, and other cubs (availability may vary).
Diverse Animal Exhibits
Various enclosures
See Bengal tigers, snow leopards, camels, capybaras, and more.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Recent Investigations and Closures
Interactive Animal Encounters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear old shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Expect to step in animal droppings from free-roaming animals. Old shoes are a must!
Bring cash for food :moneybag:
Purchase animal feed to get the most out of the interactive experience.
Check cub availability :baby_chick:
Petting opportunities with cubs are popular but not always guaranteed.
Be prepared for clingy animals :goat:
Deer and goats can be very persistent when they know you have food!
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear old shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Expect to step in animal droppings from free-roaming animals. Old shoes are a must!
Bring cash for food :moneybag:
Purchase animal feed to get the most out of the interactive experience.
Check cub availability :baby_chick:
Petting opportunities with cubs are popular but not always guaranteed.
Be prepared for clingy animals :goat:
Deer and goats can be very persistent when they know you have food!
Verify operational status :information_desk:
Recent investigations mean you should confirm they are open before visiting.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Historically, visitors enjoyed the unique interactive experiences, particularly petting cubs and feeding free-roaming animals, making it a hit for families. However, recent news highlights significant animal welfare concerns, investigations, and animal seizures, casting a shadow over past positive experiences and raising questions about the park's future.
"Visiting from WA for a road trip, Pretty cool place to visit a bunch of different animals & interact with them.
You can buy food to feed them but it can get a lil overwhelming with them surrounding you especially for kids but it's fun
They brought out the baby camel and some type of cubs that were just born.
Mostly every exhibit had something in it.
More than what I thought there would be
Be prepared to step on pebbles of poop everywhere from all the roaming animals haha"
Mariah Brown
"Lots of deer and straight haired sheep (looked like goats to me) that follow you around for food handouts. Our timing wasn't great as the big cat handler wasn't available. We got to pet a baby camel (2 months old), a fox, chickens, goats, and big rodent (don't recall the name). Yes, you'll get poop on your shoes, which should be expected."
Kym
"It was fun. Animals were happy and friendly staff was well educated on Animals and the lady in charge was amazing cool gift shops the deer and goats come right to you and we got to pet a few Animals."
Alivia Watson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
West Coast Game Park Safari is located south of Bandon, Oregon. It's an 8km drive from the town center.
Yes, it's generally well-signposted along the coastal highway. Many visitors include it as part of a larger Oregon coast itinerary.
Most visitors drive to Bandon, as it's a popular destination for road trips. The nearest major airports are in Eugene (EUG) or Medford (MFR), requiring a scenic drive to reach the coast.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, but one reviewer mentioned it cost $129 for their family [^Review]. It's advisable to check their official website or call ahead for the most current pricing information.
Information on online ticket purchasing is not readily available. It's recommended to purchase tickets upon arrival at the park.
Details on discounts are not widely published. It's best to inquire directly with the park about potential offers for groups, seniors, or children.
Operating hours can change seasonally. It's crucial to verify the current hours of operation on their official website or by contacting them directly before your visit.
Due to recent investigations and animal seizures, it is essential to verify the park's current operational status before planning your visit. Some sources indicate it may be closed.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The park features a variety of animals including Bengal tigers, snow leopards, camels, capybaras, emus, and many farm animals like deer, goats, and sheep.
Yes, you can purchase food to feed many of the animals, especially the free-roaming deer and goats. Be prepared for them to surround you!
Yes, it's often described as a fun place for kids due to the interactive nature and opportunities to pet animals.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Be prepared for animal droppings, so wearing older shoes is a good idea [^Review].
Historically, the park offered animal encounters and shows, such as with baby cubs. However, the availability and nature of these may have changed due to recent events.
📸 📸 Photography
The petting areas with the free-roaming animals offer great opportunities for candid shots. Enclosures with larger cats also provide photo potential, though lighting and cage bars can be challenging.
Absolutely! Visitors are encouraged to take photos. Be mindful of any posted restrictions near specific exhibits.
It can be challenging due to animal movement and enclosure designs. Patience and good timing are key, especially for capturing interactions.
Drones are generally not permitted in zoos or wildlife parks due to the stress they can cause animals. Check the park's specific policy.
A zoom lens can be helpful for capturing animals in their enclosures. For close-up interactions, a standard lens or even a smartphone camera will work well.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+2 The free-roaming animals are often a big hit, creating a lively and engaging experience. However, parents should be prepared for the mess – animal droppings are common, so old shoes are a must [^Review]. The sheer number of animals seeking food can also be overwhelming for very young children, so supervising closely is advised. Given the recent welfare concerns and investigations, it's crucial to verify the park's current operational status and animal conditions before planning a family visit.
Budget Travelers
For those seeking more economical animal encounters, researching local parks or sanctuaries with lower admission fees or free viewing areas might be a better alternative. Always check for current admission prices and consider the cost of extras like animal feed when budgeting.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Animal Welfare Concerns and Investigations
Another reel from The Wildcat Sanctuary notes the park's closure and the rescue of wildcats. Reports from the USDA have indicated inadequate staffing, with only one employee responsible for over 300 animals, leading to animal suffering.These issues culminated in investigations and search warrants executed by the Oregon State Police.
+1 In May 2025, a four-day operation resulted in the seizure and relocation of 310 animals to accredited sanctuaries. These events have led to a somber outlook for the park's future and raised questions about its operational practices.+2Interactive Experiences and Visitor Expectations
+4 Reviewers often mention the free-roaming farm animals that eagerly approach visitors for food, creating memorable moments, especially for children [^Review].However, this hands-on approach comes with practical considerations. Visitors are consistently warned to expect animal droppings on their shoes and clothing due to the free-roaming animals [^Review]. Some reviews also point to potential overwhelm with numerous animals surrounding visitors for food, which could be intense for younger children [^Review]. The viewing experience for certain animals, like baby cubs, has also been described as frustrating due to crowd management issues [^Review].
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit