Discover Missouri’s largest drive-thru animal park at Wild Animal Safari Strafford. Encounter over 65 species in expansive habitats and enjoy interactive animal experiences in a scenic outdoor setting.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; no special physical conditioning needed
Wildlife
History
The park has been operating since 1971, built to foster wildlife awareness and conservation education.
Conservation
The park actively participates in habitat preservation efforts and supports species recovery programs.
Wild Animal Safari Strafford
Discover Missouri’s largest drive-thru animal park at Wild Animal Safari Strafford. Encounter over 65 species in expansive habitats and enjoy interactive animal experiences in a scenic outdoor setting.
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.
Drive slowly and stay attentive
Keep your eyes peeled for animals near the vehicle and follow park guidelines for a safe experience.
Bring snacks and water
Having refreshments on hand makes your wildlife drive more enjoyable, especially on hot days.
Visit in the early morning or late afternoon
Animals are most active during these times, increasing your chances of seeing diverse species.
Respect animal boundaries
Avoid sticking objects or hands out of the vehicle to ensure safety for all.
Driver's license or ID
Necessary for park entry and to comply with visitor policies.
Sunscreen and hat
Protects against sun exposure during your outdoor driving adventure.
summer
Binoculars
Enhances viewing of distant or shy animals.
Camera or smartphone
Capture memorable moments of animals and scenery.