Drive through 350 acres of wildlife at Wild Animal Safari Strafford, Missouri. Perfect for groups and families, this unique park offers close-up animal encounters and a walkabout adventure zoo that makes for an unforgettable outdoor experience.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required beyond walking the zoo section.
Wildlife
History
Wild Animal Safari Strafford celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2021, establishing it as Missouri's largest wild animal drive-thru park.
Conservation
The park emphasizes educational encounters that foster conservation awareness and supports sustainable wildlife management practices throughout their programs.
Wild Animal Safari Strafford
Drive through 350 acres of wildlife at Wild Animal Safari Strafford, Missouri. Perfect for groups and families, this unique park offers close-up animal encounters and a walkabout adventure zoo that makes for an unforgettable outdoor experience.
Wild Animal Safari Strafford is a drive-thru animal park located in Strafford, Missouri, operating across 350 acres and featuring more than 65 species. The park offers self-drive experiences, guided Safari Van rentals, and a range of short, keeper-led animal encounters designed for families, school groups, and wildlife enthusiasts. Encounters include 15-minute sessions such as Sloth Encounter, Giraffe Encounter, Lemur Encounter, Reptile Encounter, Farmyard Encounter, and specialty experiences that place guests close to animals under staff supervision.
General admission grants access to the 350-acre drive-thru area and the Walkabout Adventure Zoo, allowing visitors to view elk, zebras, and a broad variety of species from the safety of a vehicle or on designated footpaths. Group tickets are available for larger parties interested in coordinated visits, and Safari Van rentals provide a 1.5-hour, up to six-person option for visitors who prefer not to drive through the park themselves.
Animal keepers lead the brief encounters, offering information on species, behavior, and basic care while facilitating feeding and interaction when appropriate. Each encounter is intended to be educational and to encourage appreciation for wildlife and conservation. Wild Animal Safari Strafford maintains on-site staff and structured programs aligning with standard practices for public animal experiences. The park’s combination of drive-thru wildlife viewing, curated encounters, and group options makes it a notable destination for family outings and educational visits in the Strafford area.
Seasonal events, on-site amenities, and educational programming support visitor experiences while staff follow established animal care and guest safety procedures throughout the year, too.
Location
Strafford, MO
Central Missouri drive-thru park
Park Size
350 acres
Extensive natural habitats
Species
65+ species
Diverse wildlife residents
Encounter Lengths
15 minutes
Standard encounter duration
Book general admission, reserve a 15-minute encounter, or rent a Safari Van for a memorable, nature-focused outing with family or friends.
Arrive Early
Plan to arrive at least two hours before closing for enough time to complete both the drive-thru and walkabout areas comfortably.
Keep Windows Partially Up
Lower windows enough to feed animals but keep them partially up for safety when animals get very close.
Bring Your Own Snacks
Purchasing animal feed onsite can sometimes lead to long lines; bringing your own approved snacks may speed up your visit.
Wear Comfortable Footwear
The Walkabout Adventure Zoo covers uneven terrain, so sturdy shoes are recommended for walking between animal exhibits.
Binoculars
Great for viewing animals from inside your vehicle and spotting wildlife in distant enclosures.
Sunscreen
Protect your skin during the open-air drive-thru and walks, especially in sunny months.
summer
Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is important, particularly if you plan to walk through the Walkabout Adventure Zoo.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Sturdy shoes improve comfort and safety while navigating the zoo’s terrain.