NewsLocal News

Actions

Wildlife Safari Park opens for drive-thru visitors Friday

Posted at 3:31 PM, Mar 24, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-24 16:31:26-04

ASHLAND, Neb. (KMTV) — Featuring a four-mile drive through North American wildlife from the comfort of a vehicle, the Wildlife Safari Park in Ashland opens Friday for the 2020 season.

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the safari park will be limited to a drive-through experience until April 30.

Several areas won't be accessible to guests including the hiking trails, Visitor Center, Hands-On Corral, Eagle Aviary, Bison Overlook and Nature Play area.

“All of us at the Zoo and Wildlife Safari Park are thrilled to provide an opportunity for people to ‘escape’ into nature, while still abiding by the recommendations of health and government officials in Nebraska to limit gatherings to less than 10 people,” said Gary Pettit, superintendent of the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park. “We are grateful for the support of our members and the communities in which we all work and live, and hope they will take this opportunity to visit the animals.”

Visitors get a close-up look at animals in their natural habitats, such as deer, elk, Sandhill cranes, trumpeter swans and bison.

The Wildlife Safari Park is operated by Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Zoo memberships will be honored for admittance to the safari park through April 30.

Additionally, prices are being lowered for non-members through April 30.

During this time, adult tickets (ages 12-62) are $6, child tickets (ages 3-11) are $4, senior tickets (62+) are $5 and military personnel will receive $1 off in all categories.

The safari park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located off I-80, Exit 426 near the Strategic Air and Space Museum and Eugene T. Mahoney State Park.

Each visit to the safari park supports conservation efforts around the world, including the on-site Cheetah Breeding Center, a press release from the zoo said. See more information here.