One of the most exciting family attractions in the Shenandoah Valley is the Virginia Safari Park in Natural Bridge, home to so many unexpected residents, including penguins and cheetahs.
At 180 acres, the Virginia Safari Park is a drive-thru adventure and a village walk-thru experience. Grab a bucket of animal feed and serve it by the handful to the emu, llama, cattle, and others that approach your vehicle. Or, hop aboard a tractor-pulled wagon ride and feed them from a higher vantage point, complete with narration from your driver.
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Eighty-five species are at home at Virginia Safari Park, and their residency is largely related to conservation efforts. For example, two king cheetahs can be seen at the park. They are the only two in the United States and among only about 50 worldwide. They’re not a subspecies of cheetah, but recipients of a recessive gene that makes their spots darker, larger, and more linear. It is believed that there are likely only 10 king cheetahs in the wild, and the last wild sighting was reported in 1986.
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White rhinos are also part of the conservation effort at the park. In 2012 two females were brought over from Africa to protect them from poaching, which plays a part in their fast disappearance. Rhinos are killed for their horns, and it’s estimated that one is killed every 10 hours in the wild. Thankfully, the two females at Virginia Safari Park have birthed eight calves since their arrival, ensuring the species continues to flourish into the future.
The Village Walk-Through
Take your time visiting the budgies in the free-flight aviary, visiting the kangaroos, and feeding the giraffe – at eye level! – when you explore The Village Walk-Thru. This is also where the penguins live! And the Bengal tigers, the king cheetah, and farmyard friends in the petting area.
African penguins are among the smallest species of penguins, and they’re endangered. See them splish-splash the day away in their pool. To get up close with them, schedule an Animal Encounter.
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Animal Encounters
The penguins await your arrival at 11:15 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily. You’ll learn about them as well as interact with them. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
The white rhino experience is available each day at 1 p.m., but is only suitable for ages 10 and older. Children 10 to 12 must have an adult with them. This opportunity will expose you to their daily routine of caretaking as well as educate you about their life in the wild.
Save the Date for World Rhino Week festivities September 18-24, 2022 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily
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Lastly, the slow-paced two-toed sloths, Flash and Priscilla, are up for a snack if you’re willing to join them at 2 p.m. Their gentle demeaner or laid-back style make them an ideal candidate for families. Like the others, children under 12 must have an adult join them in the experience.
Plan Your Visit
The Virginia Safari Park is open daily early March through late November. Tickets may be purchased in advance online, and animal encounters may be booked online as well. First Responders, Active Duty Military, and Retired Military receive a $4.00 discount on admission.
Detailed hours and ticketing information
Let us see your Virginia Safari Park images! Tag us on Instagram (@VisitShenandoahValley). Header image courtesy of Virginia Safari Park.