How old do you have to be to participate in the lemur encounter?

Participants must be at least 10 years old to join the encounter.

Can we feed the lemurs during the encounter?

Yes, feeding the lemurs is part of the experience and guided by animal keepers.

Are reservations required?

Reservations are strongly recommended as encounters have limited availability.

Is general park admission included with the encounter?

General admission is required but sold separately from the encounter booking.

What should I wear to the encounter?

Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing; no special gear is required.

How does the safari support conservation?

The park educates visitors on wildlife conservation and supports efforts to protect endangered species like lemurs.

Lemur Encounter at Wild Animal Safari Strafford | Zoo

Located in Strafford, Missouri, Wild Animal Safari Strafford offers a distinctive wildlife adventure that breaks from traditional outdoor activities—called the Lemur Encounter. This is a short but immersive 15-minute experience that provides direct interaction with ring-tailed lemurs, a rare species native exclusively to Madagascar. These charismatic primates are instantly recognizable by their striking striped tails and expressive eyes. The lemur sanctuary within the safari park creates an accessible doorway to an important story: the ongoing conservation challenges faced by these endangered animals.

Visitors are greeted by knowledgeable keepers who guide the encounter, offering detailed insights into lemur behavior, social structure, and their fragile natural habitat. Beyond observation, guests actively participate by feeding the lemurs, an experience that builds a genuine connection to wildlife. For families, animal lovers, and conservation enthusiasts alike, this is more than just an animal interaction; it’s an educational journey that highlights what it takes to protect species teetering on the edge.

Wild Animal Safari Strafford stands out in Missouri’s outdoor recreation scene because it fuses wildlife education with hands-on encounters. Unlike traditional hikes or canoe trips nearby, this activity allows visitors to engage directly with exotic fauna without travelling overseas. The park, situated at 124 Jungle Road, also hosts other wildlife encounters that celebrate biodiversity and foster respect for nature.

The Lemur Encounter offers a fresh way to engage with nature indoors and out, melding fun and learning seamlessly. Strafford’s mix of natural beauty and this unique safari experience creates a notable destination for travelers seeking an interactive and meaningful wildlife adventure. Whether you’re a local or passing through, this encounter adds distinctive value to your outdoor recreation options in southwestern Missouri.

About Wild Animal Safari Strafford

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.