Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo
Explore 210 acres of wildlife at Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo, featuring interactive feeding and a thrilling drive-thru safari with over 260 animals.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore 210 acres of wildlife at Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo, featuring interactive feeding and a thrilling drive-thru safari with over 260 animals.
"The staff were courteous and helpful, making our first impression feel welcomed and our kids loved feeding the giraffe!"
🎯 Feed the Giraffes First!
Staff recommend feeding giraffes early. They eat special food, so ask about it!
🚗 Drive-Thru Fun
Animals might stick their heads in your car! Be prepared for close encounters.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Giraffe Feeding Encounter
Giraffe Feeding Area
Get up close and personal to feed these gentle giants. A truly memorable experience for all ages!
Drive-Thru Safari Adventure
Designated Drive-Thru Route
Embark on a unique drive-thru experience, with animals often coming right up to your vehicle!
Diverse Animal Encounters
Various Habitats
From buffalo and tigers to zebras and sloths, discover a wide array of fascinating creatures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Feed the Animals!
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Feed the Giraffes First!
Staff recommend feeding giraffes early. They eat special food, so ask about it!
🚗 Drive-Thru Fun
Animals might stick their heads in your car! Be prepared for close encounters.
☀️ Beat the Summer Heat
It gets hot! Animals might be in water. Go early or late for cooler temps.
📝 Animal Checklist
Use the provided checklist to track all the animals you see on your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Feed the Giraffes First!
Staff recommend feeding giraffes early. They eat special food, so ask about it!
🚗 Drive-Thru Fun
Animals might stick their heads in your car! Be prepared for close encounters.
☀️ Beat the Summer Heat
It gets hot! Animals might be in water. Go early or late for cooler temps.
📝 Animal Checklist
Use the provided checklist to track all the animals you see on your visit.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Playgrounds and slides are available in the walking area for extra fun.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo for its friendly staff, interactive animal feeding experiences, and the unique drive-thru safari. Many highlight the variety of animals and the kid-friendly atmosphere, making it a great family outing. Some mention that summer visits can be hot, and animals might be less active during the hottest parts of the day.
"Great! Saw a lot of animals, and was able to feed animals. You get a check list to check off animals you seen(A Driving and walking list), There was an area with sloths, another with reptiles/snakes, etc. Not to much people when I went (Went on 5/29/2025 around 10:30?) Had a gift shop, Had a collectible souvenir coin (?), Plush, small farm/animal figures and a little bit more. (Overall, Would recommend!)"
Mia Slagle
"Went on a weekday in the summer. It was hot so many animals were in the water but we did have some come eat. It was fun. Didn't do the walk through as it was closing shortly. I recommend checking it out."
Kri (Klmbean)
"The staff was friendly and informative. The entire place seemed to be kid friendly, no matter the age of the kid. All animals looked healthy, with clean environments. We were surprised at how many and the variety of animals they had. We will definitely go back."
cindy holmes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo is located in Tupelo, Mississippi. It's easily accessible by car. Many visitors arrive as part of a day trip or weekend getaway to Tupelo.
Yes, ample parking is typically available at the Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo is a popular destination for day trips, especially for families and animal lovers looking for a unique experience.
The park offers both a drive-thru tour and a walking area. Many visitors recommend doing both to experience the full range of animals and attractions.
Yes, Hotel Tupelo offers a special package that includes accommodations and zoo tickets, making it a convenient option for visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While specific prices can vary, visitors can expect to purchase admission tickets and potentially feed buckets for animal encounters. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current pricing information.
It's generally recommended to check if advance ticket purchase is available or necessary, especially during peak seasons or holidays, to ensure entry and potentially save time.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. Visitors should consult the official Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo website or social media for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times.
Yes, Hotel Tupelo offers a package that includes accommodations and zoo tickets, providing a convenient and potentially cost-effective option for visitors.
Yes, feeding the animals is a highlight! Buckets of feed are available for purchase, allowing for interactive experiences, particularly with giraffes and other friendly residents.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a wide variety of animals, including buffalo, tigers, giraffes, zebras, sloths, reptiles, and more. The park boasts over 260 animals across 210 acres. +1
Absolutely! The park is very kid-friendly, with opportunities to feed animals, a playground, slides, and a variety of animals to observe. Staff are also noted for being helpful with families.
The drive-thru tour is a unique experience where animals, like bison, may approach your vehicle looking for food. It's an exciting way to see wildlife up close.
Yes, in addition to the drive-thru, there's a walking portion of the zoo that includes animal exhibits, a playground, and slides for children.
The park has a gift shop selling souvenirs, plush toys, and small animal figures. Restrooms and other amenities are also available for visitor convenience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While specific dining facilities might be limited, visitors can often purchase snacks or drinks. It's advisable to check their current offerings or consider bringing your own snacks.
Generally, parks allow visitors to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages. It's always a good idea to confirm their specific policy upon arrival or on their website.
Tupelo offers a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to sit-down restaurants. The Neon Pig is mentioned as a nearby attraction.
Information on a full-service restaurant within the park is not widely available. Visitors may find snack bars or limited concessions.
Concessions typically offer standard park fare like snacks, drinks, and possibly light meals. Specifics would need to be confirmed with the park.
📸 📸 Photography
The drive-thru safari offers unique opportunities for close-up shots of animals, while the giraffe feeding area provides memorable interactions. The diverse animal exhibits also make for great photo ops.
Yes, photography is generally encouraged. However, always be mindful of animal welfare and avoid using flash photography if it might disturb them.
Most wildlife parks and zoos have strict regulations against drone usage to protect the animals and ensure visitor safety. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
A zoom lens is highly recommended for capturing clear shots of animals from a distance. For close-up encounters during feeding, a standard lens or even a smartphone camera can work well.
While general photography is allowed, be respectful of the animals and other visitors. Avoid intrusive behavior or flash photography that could startle the animals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Staff are noted for being welcoming and helpful, particularly when assisting families with young children. 🚗 Day-Trippers
+1 You can combine your visit with other Tupelo attractions, such as the Elvis Presley Birthplace, for a well-rounded itinerary. The drive-thru safari provides a unique experience that sets it apart from typical zoos, making it a worthwhile stop. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Having a camera with a good zoom lens is highly recommended to get clear shots of animals from your vehicle. The interactive feeding sessions, particularly with giraffes, provide excellent opportunities for candid shots and memorable interactions. Remember to be respectful of the animals and avoid disruptive photography practices. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Drive-Thru Safari Experience
This close proximity can be both thrilling and a little intimidating, providing a unique perspective on animal behavior. It's essential to keep windows rolled up as much as possible and avoid feeding animals outside of designated feeding areas to ensure both your safety and the animals' well-being. This experience is particularly popular with families and offers fantastic photo opportunities. The sheer variety of animals encountered during the drive-thru, from large herbivores to potentially more curious creatures, makes it a memorable part of any visit. Remember to have your camera ready and enjoy the unexpected interactions that can occur.
Interactive Animal Encounters
Beyond feeding, the park's design encourages observation of animals in environments that allow for natural behaviors. The staff are often praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, guiding visitors on the best times and ways to interact with the animals.
Planning Your Visit: Tips from Travelers
For families, the park offers more than just animal viewing; the walking area includes a playground with slides, providing additional entertainment for younger visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit