![]() Park officials announced Thursday that they intend to phase out the 100-acre animal preserve at the struggling tourist attraction and replace a portion of it with a major water-theme amusement park. The roar of Lion Country Safari may soon be replaced by a gurgle. On October 27, 1984, in the Los Angeles Times, staff writer Bruce Horowitz wrote about the end of the drive-through safari at Lion Country Safari: Then it reverted to its original name, before closing permanently in 2016. ![]() It was Verizon Wireless Amphitheater from 2000 to 2014. In 1981, Irvine Meadows Amphitheater was added to Lion Country Safari. There was a population boom of lion cubs at the park.įrasier’s sorry visage adorned tee-shirts and other park souvenirs.įrasier sired 35 cubs until his death in June 1972 at 17-20 years of age, equivalent to a human age of 85-100 years.įrasier even inspired a 1973 feature movie, Frasier the Sensuous Lion, rated PG. He may not have been much to look at as far as we humans were concerned, but the lionesses saw him differently. The old cat’s tongue dangled from one side of his mouth, and he had trouble walking. Lion Country Safari was given a big boost by an unlikely star attraction.Īn elderly, nearly toothless lion named Frasier came from a Mexican circus in February 1971. The location in Southern California had a lot going for it-a great climate, a large local population, and a significant tourist base.īut Lion Country Safari had stiff competition from Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and the beach. On June 16, 1970, Lion Country Safari in Irvine opened to the public. Take a Zambezi River Cruise (adults 75 cents, children 50 cents)-the animals along the river are real, unlike those at the Jungle Cruise in that park in Anaheim.Ĭalifornia’s Lion Country Safari entertained visitors from 1970 to 1984. Park your car and visit the Safari Camp and Entertainment Area.įor a larger (1200x1400 GIF) version of this Safari Camp map, click here. When you finish your drive-through tour of the preserve, the fun isn’t over yet. If a 500-pound adult lion dents the hood of your car, how will you explain it to your insurance company? The only thing between you and the ferocious beasts is your car window.Ī lion might even jump on the hood of your car-but, more likely, the well-fed lions will all be on the ground taking it easy. The highlight of your safari is being surrounded by lions. Over 400 animals call Lion Country Safari “home.” ![]() Park guests are glad that the fences are hidden in ditches so that it feels like driving through an African savanna, not through a series of fenced enclosures. The zebras are glad that they’re separated from the lions by fences. Given the size of the elephants and rhinoceroses, nobody should debate this rule. The cheetahs can outrun your Cougar-you have a speed limit, but they don’t.Ĭurious ostriches might peck at your Falcon.Įxperience an authentic safari in your family car. You can drive your Impala among the antelope. You’ll see more than just lions at California’s Lion Country Safari. “Domestic animals are not permitted in automobiles touring the preserve.įirst-rate accommodations are provided for them, free, at the Kal Kan Kennel Club.”Ī ranger watches from a tower to make sure everything is okay. Park your convertible at the Hertz Hut and rent an air-conditioned sedan or safari-type vehicle at nominal charge. (They don’t really want the lions to eat you.) If you’re driving a convertible, you won’t be allowed to drive it through the safari. Violators Will Be Eaten! Lion Country Safari.”Īdults are $3.25 children five through eleven are $1.50 four and under are free. The Irvine Ranch in Orange County, California. Just head down the San Diego Freeway to the Moulton Parkway off-ramp. Lion Country Safari is 40 miles from Downtown Los Angeles or 64 miles from Downtown San Diego, according to the brochure. It’s only a 20-minute drive from Yesterland. You don’t have to go to Africa for this African Safari. Prices and operating hours subject to change without notice.Īccording to the brochure, “Go Wild! Drive thru Lion Country Safari African Wildlife Preserve.” Winter - November 1 to March 31 - 3:30 p.m. until:įall - Day after Labor Day to October 31 - 5:00 p.m. ![]() Open every day of the year, rain or shine, at 9 a.m. ![]() YESTER LION COUNTRY SAFARI (CALIFORNIA) HOURS: ![]()
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