(I found this article helpful in understanding the different types of accreditation and what it means.)Īs of this writing, this list is only of drive through zoos and safaris that are accredited AZA or ZAA establishments or overseen by government wildlife entities. I have intentionally left out a few safari parks, even ones that I have visited because greater research showed that they weren’t accredited by one of those two widely recognized organizations. That said, I do think we need to be careful about which establishments we support, which is why I have included only the zoos and safari parks that are accredited members of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums or the Zoological Association of America.

Although I know many have different views, I see many benefits of these safari and wildlife parks from seeing the simple joy on a child’s face when they see an animal in person that inspires a lifelong interest in animal preservation, to the important research that these parks provide in understanding animal behavior and saving them from extinction.

I constantly struggle with the benefits of zoos versus the negative impacts of keeping animals in captivity. The nice thing about drive through safaris and zoos is that most have acres and acres of land for animals to roam in a much more natural setting. As traditional zoos have transitioned to animal conservation and education over entertainment, there has been a shift to larger, more natural animal habitats and enclosures. After years of traveling around the United States, both with my family and without, I have run across many drive through zoos, safari parks, and wildlife preserves.

Drive through wildlife safari near me