An Immersive Wildlife Adventure at Tennessee Safari Park
Experience up-close encounters with over 2,600 exotic animals, family-friendly attractions, and conservation in West Tennessee.
Welcome to Tennessee Safari Park: A Unique Wildlife Experience
Located in the heart of West Tennessee on the historic Conley Family Century Farm in Alamo, Tennessee Safari Park offers visitors the chance to connect with exotic animals from across the globe in interactive, unexpected ways. From a self-drive safari trail winding through herds of camels and zebras to walk-thru aviaries alive with parakeets and an up-close giraffe feeding platform, the park has become a highlight for animal lovers, families, and conservation enthusiasts alike. With over 2,600 animals across 250 acres, it promises adventure and education for every age group.
Park Overview and Attractions
The Tennessee Safari Park blends the excitement of a drive-thru safari with immersive walk-thru and hands-on experiences. Whether you’re hoping to watch a giraffe curiously peer through your car window or enjoy the quiet company of dwarf goats, the park brings you closer than ever to animal wonders from every continent except Antarctica.
- 7.5-mile Drive-Thru Safari with nearly 80 species roaming in naturalized settings
- 20-acre Walk-Thru Zoo with specialty exhibits and petting areas
- Dedicated Giraffe Feeding Station
- Interactive Aviary for feeding parakeets and learning about exotic birds
- Specialty experiences like the Sloth Barn (seasonal), Squirrel Monkey tunnels, and gem mining sluices
Drive-Thru Safari: Up Close With the Wild
Begin your adventure by entering the park’s self-guided drive-thru, a safari spanning 7.5 miles through four distinct animal zones. Visitors can purchase buckets of animal feed at the entrance, adding a memorable interactive element to the journey. Animals from camels to ostriches, wildebeests, zebras, emus, buffalo, alpacas, antelope, rhea, and more approach vehicles with curiosity—sometimes blocking your path in search of a snack. The slow pace of five miles per hour ensures plenty of time for observation, photos, and interaction.
- Caution: Always keep your camera ready—zebras and camels have been known to snatch feed buckets, and giraffes may stretch their necks into your window for a treat!
- Pro Tip: Hold food buckets by the outside and keep fingers away from hungry mouths. Stay inside your vehicle at all times during the drive-thru for safety.
Drive-Thru Safari Key Animal Encounters
- Camels
- Zebras (watch your buckets!)
- Ostriches and Emus
- Antelope
- Wildebeest
- Buffalo
- Rhea
- Alpacas and llamas
- Deer and other hoofed mammals
Walk-Thru Zoo: Hands-On Fun and Learning
After your safari drive, park your car and enter the 20-acre walk-thru zoo, where more interactive wildlife encounters await. This sprawling area offers visitors a chance to stretch their legs and discover more unique species, from playful lemurs to gentle wallabies and small herds of Nigerian dwarf goats. The park’s design allows for hands-on, safe animal encounters in a ranch-style setting.
- Petting Zoo: Meet pygmy goats and Nigerian dwarf goats. Perfect for young children learning to interact with animals.
- Squirrel Monkey Exhibit: Watch energetic squirrel monkeys dash through overhead tunnels and immerse yourself in their playful antics.
- Wallaby and Lemur Encounters: See these unique animals up close and learn about their native habitats.
- Relaxed walking trails, shaded picnic areas, and seasonal educational exhibits.
Giraffe Feeding Experience
One of the most unforgettable moments in the walk-thru area is the giraffe feeding station. Here, visitors can stand on a deck to hand-feed towering giraffes and even snap a selfie with these gentle giants. Some daring guests choose to feed giraffes by holding carrots with their mouths—a challenge that often ends in a memorable, slobbery kiss from an 18-inch tongue! This experience is safe, supervised, and a favorite among children.
Interactive Aviary: Parakeet Landing and More
The Parakeet Landing invites guests to enter an aviary immersed in the flutter and song of colorful parakeets, Australian crested doves, and demoiselle cranes. With a stick of seed, visitors can tempt parakeets to land on their arms, shoulders, or even heads. Feeding and observing these birds in flight is both calming and educational, offering a rare chance to interact with vibrant, free-flying aviary life.
The Sloth Barn and Seasonal Exhibits
The park’s newest feature, the Sloth Barn, grants panoramic, climate-controlled views of Linnaeus’s two-toed sloths alongside equally curious prehensile-tailed porcupines. Designed to educate visitors about South America’s unique species, this exhibit is typically open during warmer months when animal welfare and comfort can be prioritized. During colder periods, alternate viewing methods maintain guest engagement and animal safety.
Additional Activities and Family Amenities
- Gem Mining Sluice: Try your hand at sifting for semi-precious stones in the park’s old-time sluice, a favorite activity for youngsters (open seasonally).
- Gift Shop: Find exclusive plush animals, educational books, snacks, drinks, and souvenirs to remember your wild day.
- Picnic Areas: Shaded picnic tables and benches allow families to relax and take in the scenery between adventures.
- Drive-In Theater: On select evenings, guests can enjoy movies in a unique open-air setting among the wildlife backdrop.
Conservation Commitment
Beneath all the fun, Tennessee Safari Park is serious about its role as a conservational breeding center for rare and endangered animals. Many of the species on the property participate in managed breeding programs to help sustain population numbers and educate the public about global conservation efforts. It’s not uncommon to see baby animals in enclosures, as the park is home to hundreds of off-exhibit breeding animals working to ensure the future of their species.
- Active breeding programs for rare hoofstock, birds, primates, and more
- Educational signage and interactive presentations about the importance of conservation in modern zoos
- Family legacy – The Conley family, now in their sixth generation on the farm, have dedicated years to wildlife preservation and public education
Tips for Visiting Tennessee Safari Park
- Arrive early to avoid midday crowds, especially during weekends or spring break.
- Purchase multiple feed buckets at the entrance—hunger can spark friendly animal chaos, and you’ll want plenty of opportunities for interaction and great photos.
- Follow all park rules for feeding, especially with larger animals. Safety first!
- Bring hand sanitizer and wet wipes, particularly for the petting zoo and after animal encounters.
- Check the weather and dress comfortably; much of the experience is outdoors.
Visitor Stories: Unforgettable Memories
Guests consistently describe Tennessee Safari Park as an inviting, joyous destination that delights both adults and children. The chance to feed animals through the car window, witness rare species up close, and see young family members laugh and learn together creates memories long after the visit. For families facing challenges—like young visitor Beckett, a St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital patient—the park has provided healing breaks and bright moments during tough times. Many visitors return again and again, watching the park grow and evolve under the care of the Conley family.
Getting There and Planning Your Visit
Tennessee Safari Park is located in Alamo, Tennessee, roughly 90 miles northeast of Memphis and easily accessible from Interstate 40. The park operates year-round, with some amenities and exhibits open seasonally.
- Location: Conley Family Century Farm, Alamo, TN
- Hours: Open year-round; hours vary by season—check the park’s official website for current details.
- Admission: Fees are modest, with discounts for children and seniors.
- Accessibility: The park is wheelchair and stroller-friendly, with accessible parking and restrooms available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What animals are you likely to see up close?
Tennessee Safari Park is home to camels, zebras, ostriches, emus, deer, antelope, buffalo, wildebeest, rhea, alpacas, giraffes, lemurs, goats, parakeets, and many other exotic species. Encounters vary throughout the year.
Is it safe to feed the animals from your car?
Yes, if all park rules are followed. Always stay inside your vehicle and keep fingers away from animal mouths. Only hand-feed in designated walk-thru/petting areas.
Can you buy animal feed at the park?
Feed buckets are available for purchase at the drive-thru entrance and walk-thru zoo. It is recommended to buy several buckets for the full experience.
Are there food and drinks available?
The park has a well-stocked gift shop selling snacks and beverages. It’s advised to bring bottled water and light snacks, especially for young children.
What is the best time of year to visit?
Spring and early fall offer mild temperatures and active animals. The park is open all year, but some exhibits, such as the Sloth Barn and gem mining, are seasonal.
Are dogs or pets allowed in the park?
No pets are allowed for the safety of park animals and guests.
Summary Table: Tennessee Safari Park Highlights
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Drive-Thru Safari | 7.5 miles through open-range habitats, feed animals from your car |
| Walk-Thru Zoo | 20 acres of animal encounters, petting zoo, and monkey exhibit |
| Giraffe Feeding Deck | Hand-feed towering giraffes and capture memorable photos |
| Interactive Aviary | Hand-feed parakeets and walk among exotic birds |
| Sloth Barn | Seasonal exhibit with sloths and unique mammals |
| Conservation Focus | Active breeding and education for endangered species |
| Family Amenities | Gift shop, picnic tables, playgrounds, and drive-in theater |
Final Thoughts
Tennessee Safari Park is much more than a zoo; it’s a hands-on, all-ages journey into the world of wildlife, conservation, and family discovery. Whether you come for the selfie with a giraffe, the excitement of feeding buffalo, or the quiet thrill of a parakeet perched on your hand, every visit supports conservation and creates memories that last a lifetime.
