Wild Animal Safari Springfield
Experience hundreds of wild animals up close on a 5-mile drive-thru safari or through interactive walk-through encounters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Wild Animal Safari Springfield
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience hundreds of wild animals up close on a 5-mile drive-thru safari or through interactive walk-through encounters.
"It was thrilling to be so close to the animals, and feeding a giraffe by hand is something I will never forget."
🚗 Rent a Safari Vehicle
Protect your car! Renting a vehicle is recommended as animals can get very close and potentially cause minor damage.
🍎 Bring or Buy Feed
Animals are eager for treats! Purchase feed bags or bring your own approved items for interactive feeding.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Drive-Thru Safari
Hundreds of wild animals roam freely; get up close and personal from your car or a rented vehicle.
Giraffe Feeding
Hand-feed giraffes in the walk-through area for an unforgettable, up-close interaction.
Walk-Through Encounters
Explore areas to feed pygmy goats, see tigers, lions, and more in dedicated zones.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for Close Encounters
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rent a Safari Vehicle
Protect your car! Renting a vehicle is recommended as animals can get very close and potentially cause minor damage.
🍎 Bring or Buy Feed
Animals are eager for treats! Purchase feed bags or bring your own approved items for interactive feeding.
⏰ Allow Plenty of Time
The drive-thru alone can take 1.5 hours. Factor in time for the walk-through areas too.
🚽 Restroom Check
Some visitors note the restrooms could be improved; consider stopping beforehand.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rent a Safari Vehicle
Protect your car! Renting a vehicle is recommended as animals can get very close and potentially cause minor damage.
🍎 Bring or Buy Feed
Animals are eager for treats! Purchase feed bags or bring your own approved items for interactive feeding.
⏰ Allow Plenty of Time
The drive-thru alone can take 1.5 hours. Factor in time for the walk-through areas too.
🚽 Restroom Check
Some visitors note the restrooms could be improved; consider stopping beforehand.
📸 Capture the Moment
Keep your camera ready! Animals will approach your vehicle, offering unique photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the thrilling drive-thru experience and the incredible opportunity to get up close with animals, especially feeding giraffes. While the main safari is a hit, some reviews mention concerns about the small enclosures for tigers and lions, and the condition of the restrooms.
"The Wild Animal Safari and Drive-Thru Safari were a completely unplanned stop on our trip. We saw the signs on the way home and decided to check it out, and I’m so glad we did. You can purchase feed to give to the animals, which makes the experience much more interactive and fun.
We did both the walk-through and the drive-thru portions. The drive-thru was definitely a little intimidating—the animals come right up to your vehicle, stick their heads inside, and sometimes even block the road. Patience is key, especially if they know you still have food (they’re in no rush to move on). We tried to ration the feed so we could give a little to as many animals as possible. Once the next car approached, the animals would slowly make their way down the line.
All in all, it was absolutely worth the stop. It was thrilling to be so close to the animals, and feeding a giraffe by hand is something I will never forget."
SR
"The safari was a great time, our kids really enjoyed it as did we. It was easy to book with them and they were very accommodating when my original planned trip got derailed due to illness.
I highly recommend renting one of their vehicles to drive through the safari. The animals are friendly and have no issue coming up to your windows, but some of the bigger ones with horns don’t always know how big they are and may damage your car by accident. Again, they aren’t aggressive or trying to though. We rented an old Tahoe for $20 and it was well worth it. Do temper your expectations on the rental, they aren’t renting out new vehicles here. They are safari vehicles and will likely be rough. Not a big deal and to be expected, I think.
The walk about section wasn’t huge but I believe they are working on this and adding more and more. Definitely a fun time but the main attraction is the safari. This section could use a bit of shaded seating near the playground which I hope is in the works. Also maybe a water refill station.
Overall it was a fun part of our mini trip to Springfield and we would go back when in the area again in the future."
Mike Blosser
"This place was truly magical for the kids & us adults liked it as well. Its so cool to be so close to zebras & other wildlife. Feeding & petting them is so incredible! I would say though the bathrooms are terrible so stop at gas station 1st. Also their tiger & lion enclosures are beyond upsetting they are just so small. Seems silly to have all that land for the other animals like goats, camels, & cows but then to have this tiny little cage for the 3 biggest animals there. We did enjoy the rest so much & will for sure be going back. Praying one day they will expand those enclosures though for sure."
Nicki Bird-Condarco
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wild Animal Safari is located in Strafford, MO, just a short drive (about 10 minutes) east of Springfield. It's easily accessible by car and is a popular stop for those traveling to or from Branson. 
Yes, Wild Animal Safari is located just outside of Springfield, making it a convenient stop for those visiting or traveling to Branson, Missouri.
The safari is located off I-44. Follow signs for Wild Animal Safari from the highway. It's a straightforward drive from Springfield.
Public transportation options are limited for reaching Wild Animal Safari. It is best accessed by private vehicle.
Yes, ample parking is available for visitors at the Wild Animal Safari.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is typically around $27.00 per person, with additional costs for animal feed. Rental vehicles are also available for an extra fee.
While not explicitly stated, it's always a good idea to check the official Wild Animal Safari website for online ticket purchasing options to save time.
Information on discounts is not readily available, but it's worth checking their website or social media pages for any promotions.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official Wild Animal Safari website or their social media for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Booking in advance is not always necessary, but it can be helpful, especially during peak seasons or holidays, to ensure entry and potentially secure a rental vehicle.
🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience
You can see a wide variety of animals including zebras, bison, llamas, giraffes, tigers, lions, and many more in the drive-thru and walk-through areas. +1
The drive-thru is a 5-mile loop where animals roam freely. They will approach your vehicle, especially if you have food, offering an immersive experience.
Yes, you can purchase feed to give to many of the animals, making the experience interactive and memorable.
The walk-through area allows for closer encounters, including feeding giraffes, petting pygmy goats, and visiting reptile exhibits.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic experience for children who love animals, offering educational and exciting encounters.
There are no specific age restrictions mentioned for visiting Wild Animal Safari, making it a family-friendly destination.
Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended, especially if you plan to explore the walk-through areas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While specific dining options are not detailed, most safari parks offer concessions or snack bars. It's advisable to check their website or call ahead.
Bringing your own food and drinks is generally allowed at outdoor attractions, but it's always good to confirm their specific policy.
Information about a full-service restaurant is not readily available. Concessions for snacks and quick bites are more likely.
📸 📸 Photography
The drive-thru offers unique opportunities as animals approach your vehicle. The giraffe feeding area in the walk-through is also excellent for photos.
Yes, you can take photos from your car during the drive-thru portion. Be ready for animals to get very close!
Drones are typically not permitted at wildlife parks for the safety of the animals and visitors. Check their specific rules.
A camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing animals from a distance, but even a smartphone can capture amazing close-ups.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 It's an educational and exciting experience that kids will talk about long after you leave. Tips for families: Consider renting a safari vehicle to protect your car. Bring or buy plenty of animal feed for interactive moments. Allow ample time, as the drive-thru alone can take over an hour.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
The drive-thru experience is a memorable way to stretch your legs and encounter wildlife. It's also a great stop for those heading to or from Branson, Missouri, as it's a relatively short detour.
The safari provides a fun and engaging activity that breaks up long drives and creates lasting memories. 💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
To manage expenses, consider bringing your own snacks and drinks if allowed. Focus on the drive-thru experience, which is the main draw, and be selective about purchasing extra feed if on a tight budget. Compare the cost of renting a vehicle versus the potential risk of damage to your own car. For some, the rental fee might be a worthwhile investment to avoid costly repairs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Drive-Thru Safari
To enhance this experience and protect your own vehicle, renting one of their safari vehicles is highly recommended. These vehicles are designed to withstand close encounters. Visitors who have rented these vehicles report it was well worth the cost, preventing potential damage to their personal cars from curious animals.
Pro-tip: If you're driving your own car, be prepared for it to get covered in animal slobber! It's a sign of a successful and interactive safari experience.
Engaging Walk-Through Experiences
In the walk-through, you can also pet baby pygmy goats, which are always a hit with families.
+1 Other exhibits may include a reptile house and smaller animal enclosures. While this section might not be as expansive as the drive-thru, it offers a different kind of engagement and is a great complement to the main safari experience. Some visitors have noted that the walk-through area could benefit from more shaded seating and water refill stations, suggesting potential areas for future development.
Conservation and Education
Many of the animals seen at the safari are part of breeding programs, contributing to the preservation of various species. The close proximity allows for a more impactful learning experience than a traditional zoo setting might offer.
Visitors often leave with a greater understanding of animal behavior and the importance of conservation efforts. The interactive nature of the safari encourages a personal connection, which can inspire a lifelong interest in protecting wildlife.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit