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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wild Animal Safari</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>124 Jungle Drive</div> <div> <span>Strafford</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>65757</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://animalsafari.com/MO/" target="_blank">Wild Animal Safari</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 417-859-5300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wild+Animal+Safari%2C+124+Jungle+Drive%2C+Strafford%2C+MO+65757" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat” Jones bought several thousand acres of land and relocated his family from Arkansas. The current park still sits upon a portion of the land purchased by Mr. Jones!</p> <p>Originally, the park filled over 500 acres and featured a 9 and ½ mile drive through the scenic landscape. It took 35 full time staffers to manage and run the park, which at its peak was home to over 3,000 animals!</p> <p>Mr. Jones passed away in the mid 1990’s, just prior to selling the impressive park to Mr. David Dean, who operated the park until 2007 when Mr. Ron Armatige bought the attraction. Mr. Armatige divided up the park and created the 5 mile drive through attraction that it is today.</p> <p>In 2006 the park was sold and held briefly by Tony Odo before being purchased by Parks! America in March of 2008. Over the course of time, Parks! America has invested over $1,000,000 to improve the grounds and enhance the experience of visitors.</p> <p>Outside of material improvements, we’ve grown the amount of animals to a population of nearly 750 animals spanning over 70 different species. We continue to seek to improve Wild Animal Safari and create an attraction that is educational, fun and beneficial for the animals in our care.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/strafford-mo/report/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/strafford-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-balance-mobility-class-1142024-z8nxfnz8fr3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-BALANCE-MOBILITY-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-STABILITY">Balance & Mobility Class: Strengthen Your Stability</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1142024-ddnv6xvqlt6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-A-LOWIMPACT-WORKOUT">Moving With Milly: A Low-Impact Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-STRAFFORD-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-STRAFFORD-MO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Missouri</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MOAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">MOAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/missouri/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Missouri</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/missouri/contact-aarp-missouri-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-STRAFFORD-MO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmontana/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Wild Animal Safari - Strafford, MO</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Wild Animal Safari - Strafford, MO"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”" name="description"/> <meta content="Wild, Animal, Safari, Strafford, MO" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Wild Animal Safari"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Wild Animal Safari"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="37.2714"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-93.055801"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wild Animal Safari</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>124 Jungle Drive</div> <div> <span>Strafford</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>65757</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://animalsafari.com/MO/" target="_blank">Wild Animal Safari</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 417-859-5300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wild+Animal+Safari%2C+124+Jungle+Drive%2C+Strafford%2C+MO+65757" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat” Jones bought several thousand acres of land and relocated his family from Arkansas. The current park still sits upon a portion of the land purchased by Mr. Jones!</p> <p>Originally, the park filled over 500 acres and featured a 9 and ½ mile drive through the scenic landscape. It took 35 full time staffers to manage and run the park, which at its peak was home to over 3,000 animals!</p> <p>Mr. Jones passed away in the mid 1990’s, just prior to selling the impressive park to Mr. David Dean, who operated the park until 2007 when Mr. Ron Armatige bought the attraction. Mr. Armatige divided up the park and created the 5 mile drive through attraction that it is today.</p> <p>In 2006 the park was sold and held briefly by Tony Odo before being purchased by Parks! America in March of 2008. Over the course of time, Parks! America has invested over $1,000,000 to improve the grounds and enhance the experience of visitors.</p> <p>Outside of material improvements, we’ve grown the amount of animals to a population of nearly 750 animals spanning over 70 different species. We continue to seek to improve Wild Animal Safari and create an attraction that is educational, fun and beneficial for the animals in our care.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/strafford-mo/report/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/strafford-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-balance-mobility-class-1142024-z8nxfnz8fr3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-BALANCE-MOBILITY-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-STABILITY">Balance & Mobility Class: Strengthen Your Stability</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1142024-ddnv6xvqlt6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-A-LOWIMPACT-WORKOUT">Moving With Milly: A Low-Impact Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-STRAFFORD-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-STRAFFORD-MO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Missouri</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MOAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">MOAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/missouri/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Missouri</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/missouri/contact-aarp-missouri-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-STRAFFORD-MO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmontana/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Wild Animal Safari - Strafford, MO</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Wild Animal Safari - Strafford, MO"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wild Animal Safari</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>124 Jungle Drive</div> <div> <span>Strafford</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>65757</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://animalsafari.com/MO/" target="_blank">Wild Animal Safari</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 417-859-5300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wild+Animal+Safari%2C+124+Jungle+Drive%2C+Strafford%2C+MO+65757" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat” Jones bought several thousand acres of land and relocated his family from Arkansas. The current park still sits upon a portion of the land purchased by Mr. Jones!</p> <p>Originally, the park filled over 500 acres and featured a 9 and ½ mile drive through the scenic landscape. It took 35 full time staffers to manage and run the park, which at its peak was home to over 3,000 animals!</p> <p>Mr. Jones passed away in the mid 1990’s, just prior to selling the impressive park to Mr. David Dean, who operated the park until 2007 when Mr. Ron Armatige bought the attraction. Mr. Armatige divided up the park and created the 5 mile drive through attraction that it is today.</p> <p>In 2006 the park was sold and held briefly by Tony Odo before being purchased by Parks! America in March of 2008. Over the course of time, Parks! America has invested over $1,000,000 to improve the grounds and enhance the experience of visitors.</p> <p>Outside of material improvements, we’ve grown the amount of animals to a population of nearly 750 animals spanning over 70 different species. We continue to seek to improve Wild Animal Safari and create an attraction that is educational, fun and beneficial for the animals in our care.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/strafford-mo/report/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/strafford-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-balance-mobility-class-1142024-z8nxfnz8fr3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-BALANCE-MOBILITY-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-STABILITY">Balance & Mobility Class: Strengthen Your Stability</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1142024-ddnv6xvqlt6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-A-LOWIMPACT-WORKOUT">Moving With Milly: A Low-Impact Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-STRAFFORD-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-STRAFFORD-MO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Missouri</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MOAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">MOAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/missouri/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Missouri</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/missouri/contact-aarp-missouri-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-STRAFFORD-MO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmontana/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Wild Animal Safari - Strafford, MO</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Wild Animal Safari - Strafford, MO"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”" name="description"/> <meta content="Wild, Animal, Safari, Strafford, MO" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Wild Animal Safari"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Wild Animal Safari"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="37.2714"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-93.055801"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wild Animal Safari</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>124 Jungle Drive</div> <div> <span>Strafford</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>65757</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://animalsafari.com/MO/" target="_blank">Wild Animal Safari</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 417-859-5300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wild+Animal+Safari%2C+124+Jungle+Drive%2C+Strafford%2C+MO+65757" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat” Jones bought several thousand acres of land and relocated his family from Arkansas. The current park still sits upon a portion of the land purchased by Mr. Jones!</p> <p>Originally, the park filled over 500 acres and featured a 9 and ½ mile drive through the scenic landscape. It took 35 full time staffers to manage and run the park, which at its peak was home to over 3,000 animals!</p> <p>Mr. Jones passed away in the mid 1990’s, just prior to selling the impressive park to Mr. David Dean, who operated the park until 2007 when Mr. Ron Armatige bought the attraction. Mr. Armatige divided up the park and created the 5 mile drive through attraction that it is today.</p> <p>In 2006 the park was sold and held briefly by Tony Odo before being purchased by Parks! America in March of 2008. Over the course of time, Parks! America has invested over $1,000,000 to improve the grounds and enhance the experience of visitors.</p> <p>Outside of material improvements, we’ve grown the amount of animals to a population of nearly 750 animals spanning over 70 different species. We continue to seek to improve Wild Animal Safari and create an attraction that is educational, fun and beneficial for the animals in our care.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/strafford-mo/report/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/strafford-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-balance-mobility-class-1142024-z8nxfnz8fr3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-BALANCE-MOBILITY-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-STABILITY">Balance & Mobility Class: Strengthen Your Stability</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1142024-ddnv6xvqlt6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-A-LOWIMPACT-WORKOUT">Moving With Milly: A Low-Impact Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-STRAFFORD-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-STRAFFORD-MO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Missouri</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MOAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">MOAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/missouri/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Missouri</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/missouri/contact-aarp-missouri-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-STRAFFORD-MO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmontana/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Wild Animal Safari - Strafford, MO</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Wild Animal Safari - Strafford, MO"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”" name="description"/> <meta content="Wild, Animal, Safari, Strafford, MO" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Wild Animal Safari"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wild Animal Safari</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>124 Jungle Drive</div> <div> <span>Strafford</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>65757</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://animalsafari.com/MO/" target="_blank">Wild Animal Safari</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 417-859-5300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wild+Animal+Safari%2C+124+Jungle+Drive%2C+Strafford%2C+MO+65757" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat” Jones bought several thousand acres of land and relocated his family from Arkansas. The current park still sits upon a portion of the land purchased by Mr. Jones!</p> <p>Originally, the park filled over 500 acres and featured a 9 and ½ mile drive through the scenic landscape. It took 35 full time staffers to manage and run the park, which at its peak was home to over 3,000 animals!</p> <p>Mr. Jones passed away in the mid 1990’s, just prior to selling the impressive park to Mr. David Dean, who operated the park until 2007 when Mr. Ron Armatige bought the attraction. Mr. Armatige divided up the park and created the 5 mile drive through attraction that it is today.</p> <p>In 2006 the park was sold and held briefly by Tony Odo before being purchased by Parks! America in March of 2008. Over the course of time, Parks! America has invested over $1,000,000 to improve the grounds and enhance the experience of visitors.</p> <p>Outside of material improvements, we’ve grown the amount of animals to a population of nearly 750 animals spanning over 70 different species. We continue to seek to improve Wild Animal Safari and create an attraction that is educational, fun and beneficial for the animals in our care.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/strafford-mo/report/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/strafford-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-balance-mobility-class-1142024-z8nxfnz8fr3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-BALANCE-MOBILITY-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-STABILITY">Balance & Mobility Class: Strengthen Your Stability</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1142024-ddnv6xvqlt6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-A-LOWIMPACT-WORKOUT">Moving With Milly: A Low-Impact Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-STRAFFORD-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-STRAFFORD-MO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Missouri</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MOAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">MOAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/missouri/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Missouri</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/missouri/contact-aarp-missouri-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-STRAFFORD-MO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmontana/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Wild Animal Safari - Strafford, MO</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Wild Animal Safari - Strafford, MO"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”" name="description"/> <meta content="Wild, Animal, Safari, Strafford, MO" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Wild Animal Safari"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Wild Animal Safari"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="37.2714"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-93.055801"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wild Animal Safari</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>124 Jungle Drive</div> <div> <span>Strafford</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>65757</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://animalsafari.com/MO/" target="_blank">Wild Animal Safari</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 417-859-5300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wild+Animal+Safari%2C+124+Jungle+Drive%2C+Strafford%2C+MO+65757" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat” Jones bought several thousand acres of land and relocated his family from Arkansas. The current park still sits upon a portion of the land purchased by Mr. Jones!</p> <p>Originally, the park filled over 500 acres and featured a 9 and ½ mile drive through the scenic landscape. It took 35 full time staffers to manage and run the park, which at its peak was home to over 3,000 animals!</p> <p>Mr. Jones passed away in the mid 1990’s, just prior to selling the impressive park to Mr. David Dean, who operated the park until 2007 when Mr. Ron Armatige bought the attraction. Mr. Armatige divided up the park and created the 5 mile drive through attraction that it is today.</p> <p>In 2006 the park was sold and held briefly by Tony Odo before being purchased by Parks! America in March of 2008. Over the course of time, Parks! America has invested over $1,000,000 to improve the grounds and enhance the experience of visitors.</p> <p>Outside of material improvements, we’ve grown the amount of animals to a population of nearly 750 animals spanning over 70 different species. We continue to seek to improve Wild Animal Safari and create an attraction that is educational, fun and beneficial for the animals in our care.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/strafford-mo/report/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/strafford-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-balance-mobility-class-1142024-z8nxfnz8fr3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-BALANCE-MOBILITY-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-STABILITY">Balance & Mobility Class: Strengthen Your Stability</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1142024-ddnv6xvqlt6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-A-LOWIMPACT-WORKOUT">Moving With Milly: A Low-Impact Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-STRAFFORD-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-STRAFFORD-MO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Missouri</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MOAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">MOAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/missouri/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Missouri</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/missouri/contact-aarp-missouri-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-STRAFFORD-MO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmontana/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Wild Animal Safari - Strafford, MO</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Wild Animal Safari - Strafford, MO"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wild Animal Safari</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>124 Jungle Drive</div> <div> <span>Strafford</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>65757</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://animalsafari.com/MO/" target="_blank">Wild Animal Safari</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 417-859-5300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wild+Animal+Safari%2C+124+Jungle+Drive%2C+Strafford%2C+MO+65757" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat” Jones bought several thousand acres of land and relocated his family from Arkansas. The current park still sits upon a portion of the land purchased by Mr. Jones!</p> <p>Originally, the park filled over 500 acres and featured a 9 and ½ mile drive through the scenic landscape. It took 35 full time staffers to manage and run the park, which at its peak was home to over 3,000 animals!</p> <p>Mr. Jones passed away in the mid 1990’s, just prior to selling the impressive park to Mr. David Dean, who operated the park until 2007 when Mr. Ron Armatige bought the attraction. Mr. Armatige divided up the park and created the 5 mile drive through attraction that it is today.</p> <p>In 2006 the park was sold and held briefly by Tony Odo before being purchased by Parks! America in March of 2008. Over the course of time, Parks! America has invested over $1,000,000 to improve the grounds and enhance the experience of visitors.</p> <p>Outside of material improvements, we’ve grown the amount of animals to a population of nearly 750 animals spanning over 70 different species. We continue to seek to improve Wild Animal Safari and create an attraction that is educational, fun and beneficial for the animals in our care.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/strafford-mo/report/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/strafford-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-balance-mobility-class-1142024-z8nxfnz8fr3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-BALANCE-MOBILITY-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-STABILITY">Balance & Mobility Class: Strengthen Your Stability</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1142024-ddnv6xvqlt6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-A-LOWIMPACT-WORKOUT">Moving With Milly: A Low-Impact Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-STRAFFORD-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-STRAFFORD-MO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Missouri</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MOAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">MOAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/missouri/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Missouri</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/missouri/contact-aarp-missouri-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-STRAFFORD-MO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmontana/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Wild Animal Safari - Strafford, MO</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Wild Animal Safari - Strafford, MO"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”" name="description"/> <meta content="Wild, Animal, Safari, Strafford, MO" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Wild Animal Safari"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Wild Animal Safari"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="37.2714"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-93.055801"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wild Animal Safari</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>124 Jungle Drive</div> <div> <span>Strafford</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>65757</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://animalsafari.com/MO/" target="_blank">Wild Animal Safari</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 417-859-5300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wild+Animal+Safari%2C+124+Jungle+Drive%2C+Strafford%2C+MO+65757" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat” Jones bought several thousand acres of land and relocated his family from Arkansas. The current park still sits upon a portion of the land purchased by Mr. Jones!</p> <p>Originally, the park filled over 500 acres and featured a 9 and ½ mile drive through the scenic landscape. It took 35 full time staffers to manage and run the park, which at its peak was home to over 3,000 animals!</p> <p>Mr. Jones passed away in the mid 1990’s, just prior to selling the impressive park to Mr. David Dean, who operated the park until 2007 when Mr. Ron Armatige bought the attraction. Mr. Armatige divided up the park and created the 5 mile drive through attraction that it is today.</p> <p>In 2006 the park was sold and held briefly by Tony Odo before being purchased by Parks! America in March of 2008. Over the course of time, Parks! America has invested over $1,000,000 to improve the grounds and enhance the experience of visitors.</p> <p>Outside of material improvements, we’ve grown the amount of animals to a population of nearly 750 animals spanning over 70 different species. We continue to seek to improve Wild Animal Safari and create an attraction that is educational, fun and beneficial for the animals in our care.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/strafford-mo/report/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/strafford-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-balance-mobility-class-1142024-z8nxfnz8fr3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-BALANCE-MOBILITY-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-STABILITY">Balance & Mobility Class: Strengthen Your Stability</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1142024-ddnv6xvqlt6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-A-LOWIMPACT-WORKOUT">Moving With Milly: A Low-Impact Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-STRAFFORD-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-STRAFFORD-MO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Missouri</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MOAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">MOAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/missouri/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Missouri</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/missouri/contact-aarp-missouri-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-STRAFFORD-MO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmontana/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Wild Animal Safari - Strafford, MO</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Wild Animal Safari - Strafford, MO"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. 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Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat” Jones bought several thousand acres of land and relocated his family from Arkansas. The current park still sits upon a portion of the land purchased by Mr. Jones!
Originally, the park filled over 500 acres and featured a 9 and ½ mile drive through the scenic landscape. It took 35 full time staffers to manage and run the park, which at its peak was home to over 3,000 animals!
Mr. Jones passed away in the mid 1990’s, just prior to selling the impressive park to Mr. David Dean, who operated the park until 2007 when Mr. Ron Armatige bought the attraction. Mr. Armatige divided up the park and created the 5 mile drive through attraction that it is today.
In 2006 the park was sold and held briefly by Tony Odo before being purchased by Parks! America in March of 2008. Over the course of time, Parks! America has invested over $1,000,000 to improve the grounds and enhance the experience of visitors.
Outside of material improvements, we’ve grown the amount of animals to a population of nearly 750 animals spanning over 70 different species. We continue to seek to improve Wild Animal Safari and create an attraction that is educational, fun and beneficial for the animals in our care.
Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT
Online Event
Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT
Zoom
Online Event
Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT
Zoom
Online Event
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wild Animal Safari</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>124 Jungle Drive</div> <div> <span>Strafford</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>65757</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://animalsafari.com/MO/" target="_blank">Wild Animal Safari</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 417-859-5300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wild+Animal+Safari%2C+124+Jungle+Drive%2C+Strafford%2C+MO+65757" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat” Jones bought several thousand acres of land and relocated his family from Arkansas. The current park still sits upon a portion of the land purchased by Mr. Jones!</p> <p>Originally, the park filled over 500 acres and featured a 9 and ½ mile drive through the scenic landscape. It took 35 full time staffers to manage and run the park, which at its peak was home to over 3,000 animals!</p> <p>Mr. Jones passed away in the mid 1990’s, just prior to selling the impressive park to Mr. David Dean, who operated the park until 2007 when Mr. Ron Armatige bought the attraction. Mr. Armatige divided up the park and created the 5 mile drive through attraction that it is today.</p> <p>In 2006 the park was sold and held briefly by Tony Odo before being purchased by Parks! America in March of 2008. Over the course of time, Parks! America has invested over $1,000,000 to improve the grounds and enhance the experience of visitors.</p> <p>Outside of material improvements, we’ve grown the amount of animals to a population of nearly 750 animals spanning over 70 different species. We continue to seek to improve Wild Animal Safari and create an attraction that is educational, fun and beneficial for the animals in our care.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/strafford-mo/report/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/strafford-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-balance-mobility-class-1142024-z8nxfnz8fr3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-BALANCE-MOBILITY-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-STABILITY">Balance & Mobility Class: Strengthen Your Stability</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1142024-ddnv6xvqlt6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-A-LOWIMPACT-WORKOUT">Moving With Milly: A Low-Impact Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-STRAFFORD-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-STRAFFORD-MO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Missouri</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MOAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">MOAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/missouri/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Missouri</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/missouri/contact-aarp-missouri-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-STRAFFORD-MO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmontana/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Wild Animal Safari - Strafford, MO</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Wild Animal Safari - Strafford, MO"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”" name="description"/> <meta content="Wild, Animal, Safari, Strafford, MO" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Wild Animal Safari"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Wild Animal Safari"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="37.2714"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-93.055801"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wild Animal Safari</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>124 Jungle Drive</div> <div> <span>Strafford</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>65757</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://animalsafari.com/MO/" target="_blank">Wild Animal Safari</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 417-859-5300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wild+Animal+Safari%2C+124+Jungle+Drive%2C+Strafford%2C+MO+65757" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat” Jones bought several thousand acres of land and relocated his family from Arkansas. The current park still sits upon a portion of the land purchased by Mr. Jones!</p> <p>Originally, the park filled over 500 acres and featured a 9 and ½ mile drive through the scenic landscape. It took 35 full time staffers to manage and run the park, which at its peak was home to over 3,000 animals!</p> <p>Mr. Jones passed away in the mid 1990’s, just prior to selling the impressive park to Mr. David Dean, who operated the park until 2007 when Mr. Ron Armatige bought the attraction. Mr. Armatige divided up the park and created the 5 mile drive through attraction that it is today.</p> <p>In 2006 the park was sold and held briefly by Tony Odo before being purchased by Parks! America in March of 2008. Over the course of time, Parks! America has invested over $1,000,000 to improve the grounds and enhance the experience of visitors.</p> <p>Outside of material improvements, we’ve grown the amount of animals to a population of nearly 750 animals spanning over 70 different species. We continue to seek to improve Wild Animal Safari and create an attraction that is educational, fun and beneficial for the animals in our care.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/strafford-mo/report/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/strafford-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-balance-mobility-class-1142024-z8nxfnz8fr3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-BALANCE-MOBILITY-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-STABILITY">Balance & Mobility Class: Strengthen Your Stability</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1142024-ddnv6xvqlt6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-A-LOWIMPACT-WORKOUT">Moving With Milly: A Low-Impact Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-STRAFFORD-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-STRAFFORD-MO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Missouri</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MOAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">MOAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/missouri/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Missouri</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/missouri/contact-aarp-missouri-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-STRAFFORD-MO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmontana/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Wild Animal Safari - Strafford, MO</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Wild Animal Safari - Strafford, MO"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?>
<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wild Animal Safari</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>124 Jungle Drive</div> <div> <span>Strafford</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>65757</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://animalsafari.com/MO/" target="_blank">Wild Animal Safari</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 417-859-5300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wild+Animal+Safari%2C+124+Jungle+Drive%2C+Strafford%2C+MO+65757" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat” Jones bought several thousand acres of land and relocated his family from Arkansas. The current park still sits upon a portion of the land purchased by Mr. Jones!</p> <p>Originally, the park filled over 500 acres and featured a 9 and ½ mile drive through the scenic landscape. It took 35 full time staffers to manage and run the park, which at its peak was home to over 3,000 animals!</p> <p>Mr. Jones passed away in the mid 1990’s, just prior to selling the impressive park to Mr. David Dean, who operated the park until 2007 when Mr. Ron Armatige bought the attraction. Mr. Armatige divided up the park and created the 5 mile drive through attraction that it is today.</p> <p>In 2006 the park was sold and held briefly by Tony Odo before being purchased by Parks! America in March of 2008. Over the course of time, Parks! America has invested over $1,000,000 to improve the grounds and enhance the experience of visitors.</p> <p>Outside of material improvements, we’ve grown the amount of animals to a population of nearly 750 animals spanning over 70 different species. We continue to seek to improve Wild Animal Safari and create an attraction that is educational, fun and beneficial for the animals in our care.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/strafford-mo/report/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/strafford-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-balance-mobility-class-1142024-z8nxfnz8fr3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-BALANCE-MOBILITY-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-STABILITY">Balance & Mobility Class: Strengthen Your Stability</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1142024-ddnv6xvqlt6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-A-LOWIMPACT-WORKOUT">Moving With Milly: A Low-Impact Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-STRAFFORD-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-STRAFFORD-MO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Missouri</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MOAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">MOAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/missouri/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Missouri</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/missouri/contact-aarp-missouri-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-STRAFFORD-MO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmontana/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Wild Animal Safari - Strafford, MO</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Wild Animal Safari - Strafford, MO"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”" name="description"/> <meta content="Wild, Animal, Safari, Strafford, MO" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Wild Animal Safari"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Wild Animal Safari"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="37.2714"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-93.055801"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wild Animal Safari</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>124 Jungle Drive</div> <div> <span>Strafford</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>65757</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://animalsafari.com/MO/" target="_blank">Wild Animal Safari</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 417-859-5300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wild+Animal+Safari%2C+124+Jungle+Drive%2C+Strafford%2C+MO+65757" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat” Jones bought several thousand acres of land and relocated his family from Arkansas. The current park still sits upon a portion of the land purchased by Mr. Jones!</p> <p>Originally, the park filled over 500 acres and featured a 9 and ½ mile drive through the scenic landscape. It took 35 full time staffers to manage and run the park, which at its peak was home to over 3,000 animals!</p> <p>Mr. Jones passed away in the mid 1990’s, just prior to selling the impressive park to Mr. David Dean, who operated the park until 2007 when Mr. Ron Armatige bought the attraction. Mr. Armatige divided up the park and created the 5 mile drive through attraction that it is today.</p> <p>In 2006 the park was sold and held briefly by Tony Odo before being purchased by Parks! America in March of 2008. Over the course of time, Parks! America has invested over $1,000,000 to improve the grounds and enhance the experience of visitors.</p> <p>Outside of material improvements, we’ve grown the amount of animals to a population of nearly 750 animals spanning over 70 different species. We continue to seek to improve Wild Animal Safari and create an attraction that is educational, fun and beneficial for the animals in our care.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/strafford-mo/report/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/strafford-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-balance-mobility-class-1142024-z8nxfnz8fr3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-BALANCE-MOBILITY-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-STABILITY">Balance & Mobility Class: Strengthen Your Stability</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1142024-ddnv6xvqlt6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-A-LOWIMPACT-WORKOUT">Moving With Milly: A Low-Impact Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-STRAFFORD-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-STRAFFORD-MO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Missouri</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MOAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">MOAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/missouri/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Missouri</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/missouri/contact-aarp-missouri-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-STRAFFORD-MO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmontana/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Wild Animal Safari - Strafford, MO</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Wild Animal Safari - Strafford, MO"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”" name="description"/> <meta content="Wild, Animal, Safari, Strafford, MO" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Wild Animal Safari"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Wild Animal Safari"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="37.2714"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-93.055801"/> ' $title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/strafford-mo/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Strafford, MO</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/strafford-mo/things-to-do/">Places</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/strafford-mo/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/strafford-mo/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/strafford-mo/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/strafford-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/strafford-mo/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/strafford-mo/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/strafford-mo/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/strafford-mo/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/strafford-mo/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/strafford-mo/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/strafford-mo/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/strafford-mo/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wild Animal Safari</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>124 Jungle Drive</div> <div> <span>Strafford</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>65757</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://animalsafari.com/MO/" target="_blank">Wild Animal Safari</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 417-859-5300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wild+Animal+Safari%2C+124+Jungle+Drive%2C+Strafford%2C+MO+65757" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat” Jones bought several thousand acres of land and relocated his family from Arkansas. The current park still sits upon a portion of the land purchased by Mr. Jones!</p> <p>Originally, the park filled over 500 acres and featured a 9 and ½ mile drive through the scenic landscape. It took 35 full time staffers to manage and run the park, which at its peak was home to over 3,000 animals!</p> <p>Mr. Jones passed away in the mid 1990’s, just prior to selling the impressive park to Mr. David Dean, who operated the park until 2007 when Mr. Ron Armatige bought the attraction. Mr. Armatige divided up the park and created the 5 mile drive through attraction that it is today.</p> <p>In 2006 the park was sold and held briefly by Tony Odo before being purchased by Parks! America in March of 2008. Over the course of time, Parks! America has invested over $1,000,000 to improve the grounds and enhance the experience of visitors.</p> <p>Outside of material improvements, we’ve grown the amount of animals to a population of nearly 750 animals spanning over 70 different species. We continue to seek to improve Wild Animal Safari and create an attraction that is educational, fun and beneficial for the animals in our care.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/strafford-mo/report/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/strafford-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-balance-mobility-class-1142024-z8nxfnz8fr3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-BALANCE-MOBILITY-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-STABILITY">Balance & Mobility Class: Strengthen Your Stability</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1142024-ddnv6xvqlt6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-A-LOWIMPACT-WORKOUT">Moving With Milly: A Low-Impact Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-STRAFFORD-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-STRAFFORD-MO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Missouri</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MOAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">MOAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/missouri/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Missouri</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/missouri/contact-aarp-missouri-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-STRAFFORD-MO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmontana/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Wild Animal Safari - Strafford, MO</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Wild Animal Safari - Strafford, MO"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”" name="description"/> <meta content="Wild, Animal, Safari, Strafford, MO" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Wild Animal Safari"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Wild Animal Safari"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="37.2714"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-93.055801"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wild Animal Safari</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>124 Jungle Drive</div> <div> <span>Strafford</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>65757</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://animalsafari.com/MO/" target="_blank">Wild Animal Safari</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 417-859-5300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wild+Animal+Safari%2C+124+Jungle+Drive%2C+Strafford%2C+MO+65757" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat” Jones bought several thousand acres of land and relocated his family from Arkansas. The current park still sits upon a portion of the land purchased by Mr. Jones!</p> <p>Originally, the park filled over 500 acres and featured a 9 and ½ mile drive through the scenic landscape. It took 35 full time staffers to manage and run the park, which at its peak was home to over 3,000 animals!</p> <p>Mr. Jones passed away in the mid 1990’s, just prior to selling the impressive park to Mr. David Dean, who operated the park until 2007 when Mr. Ron Armatige bought the attraction. Mr. Armatige divided up the park and created the 5 mile drive through attraction that it is today.</p> <p>In 2006 the park was sold and held briefly by Tony Odo before being purchased by Parks! America in March of 2008. Over the course of time, Parks! America has invested over $1,000,000 to improve the grounds and enhance the experience of visitors.</p> <p>Outside of material improvements, we’ve grown the amount of animals to a population of nearly 750 animals spanning over 70 different species. We continue to seek to improve Wild Animal Safari and create an attraction that is educational, fun and beneficial for the animals in our care.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/strafford-mo/report/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/strafford-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-balance-mobility-class-1142024-z8nxfnz8fr3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-BALANCE-MOBILITY-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-STABILITY">Balance & Mobility Class: Strengthen Your Stability</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1142024-ddnv6xvqlt6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-A-LOWIMPACT-WORKOUT">Moving With Milly: A Low-Impact Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-STRAFFORD-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wild Animal Safari</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>124 Jungle Drive</div> <div> <span>Strafford</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>65757</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://animalsafari.com/MO/" target="_blank">Wild Animal Safari</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 417-859-5300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wild+Animal+Safari%2C+124+Jungle+Drive%2C+Strafford%2C+MO+65757" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat” Jones bought several thousand acres of land and relocated his family from Arkansas. The current park still sits upon a portion of the land purchased by Mr. Jones!</p> <p>Originally, the park filled over 500 acres and featured a 9 and ½ mile drive through the scenic landscape. It took 35 full time staffers to manage and run the park, which at its peak was home to over 3,000 animals!</p> <p>Mr. Jones passed away in the mid 1990’s, just prior to selling the impressive park to Mr. David Dean, who operated the park until 2007 when Mr. Ron Armatige bought the attraction. Mr. Armatige divided up the park and created the 5 mile drive through attraction that it is today.</p> <p>In 2006 the park was sold and held briefly by Tony Odo before being purchased by Parks! America in March of 2008. Over the course of time, Parks! America has invested over $1,000,000 to improve the grounds and enhance the experience of visitors.</p> <p>Outside of material improvements, we’ve grown the amount of animals to a population of nearly 750 animals spanning over 70 different species. We continue to seek to improve Wild Animal Safari and create an attraction that is educational, fun and beneficial for the animals in our care.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/strafford-mo/report/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/strafford-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-balance-mobility-class-1142024-z8nxfnz8fr3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-BALANCE-MOBILITY-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-STABILITY">Balance & Mobility Class: Strengthen Your Stability</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1142024-ddnv6xvqlt6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-A-LOWIMPACT-WORKOUT">Moving With Milly: A Low-Impact Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-STRAFFORD-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”" name="description"/> <meta content="Wild, Animal, Safari, Strafford, MO" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Wild Animal Safari"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Wild Animal Safari"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="37.2714"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-93.055801"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wild Animal Safari</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>124 Jungle Drive</div> <div> <span>Strafford</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>65757</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://animalsafari.com/MO/" target="_blank">Wild Animal Safari</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 417-859-5300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wild+Animal+Safari%2C+124+Jungle+Drive%2C+Strafford%2C+MO+65757" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat” Jones bought several thousand acres of land and relocated his family from Arkansas. The current park still sits upon a portion of the land purchased by Mr. Jones!</p> <p>Originally, the park filled over 500 acres and featured a 9 and ½ mile drive through the scenic landscape. It took 35 full time staffers to manage and run the park, which at its peak was home to over 3,000 animals!</p> <p>Mr. Jones passed away in the mid 1990’s, just prior to selling the impressive park to Mr. David Dean, who operated the park until 2007 when Mr. Ron Armatige bought the attraction. Mr. Armatige divided up the park and created the 5 mile drive through attraction that it is today.</p> <p>In 2006 the park was sold and held briefly by Tony Odo before being purchased by Parks! America in March of 2008. Over the course of time, Parks! America has invested over $1,000,000 to improve the grounds and enhance the experience of visitors.</p> <p>Outside of material improvements, we’ve grown the amount of animals to a population of nearly 750 animals spanning over 70 different species. We continue to seek to improve Wild Animal Safari and create an attraction that is educational, fun and beneficial for the animals in our care.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/strafford-mo/report/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/strafford-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-balance-mobility-class-1142024-z8nxfnz8fr3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-BALANCE-MOBILITY-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-STABILITY">Balance & Mobility Class: Strengthen Your Stability</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1142024-ddnv6xvqlt6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-A-LOWIMPACT-WORKOUT">Moving With Milly: A Low-Impact Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-STRAFFORD-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="37.2714"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-93.055801"/> ' $title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/strafford-mo/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Strafford, MO</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/strafford-mo/things-to-do/">Places</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/strafford-mo/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/strafford-mo/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/strafford-mo/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/strafford-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/strafford-mo/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/strafford-mo/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/strafford-mo/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/strafford-mo/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/strafford-mo/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/strafford-mo/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/strafford-mo/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/strafford-mo/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wild Animal Safari</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>124 Jungle Drive</div> <div> <span>Strafford</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>65757</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://animalsafari.com/MO/" target="_blank">Wild Animal Safari</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 417-859-5300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wild+Animal+Safari%2C+124+Jungle+Drive%2C+Strafford%2C+MO+65757" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat” Jones bought several thousand acres of land and relocated his family from Arkansas. The current park still sits upon a portion of the land purchased by Mr. Jones!</p> <p>Originally, the park filled over 500 acres and featured a 9 and ½ mile drive through the scenic landscape. It took 35 full time staffers to manage and run the park, which at its peak was home to over 3,000 animals!</p> <p>Mr. Jones passed away in the mid 1990’s, just prior to selling the impressive park to Mr. David Dean, who operated the park until 2007 when Mr. Ron Armatige bought the attraction. Mr. Armatige divided up the park and created the 5 mile drive through attraction that it is today.</p> <p>In 2006 the park was sold and held briefly by Tony Odo before being purchased by Parks! America in March of 2008. Over the course of time, Parks! America has invested over $1,000,000 to improve the grounds and enhance the experience of visitors.</p> <p>Outside of material improvements, we’ve grown the amount of animals to a population of nearly 750 animals spanning over 70 different species. We continue to seek to improve Wild Animal Safari and create an attraction that is educational, fun and beneficial for the animals in our care.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/strafford-mo/report/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/strafford-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-balance-mobility-class-1142024-z8nxfnz8fr3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-BALANCE-MOBILITY-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-STABILITY">Balance & Mobility Class: Strengthen Your Stability</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1142024-ddnv6xvqlt6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-A-LOWIMPACT-WORKOUT">Moving With Milly: A Low-Impact Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-STRAFFORD-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-STRAFFORD-MO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Missouri</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MOAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">MOAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/missouri/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Missouri</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/missouri/contact-aarp-missouri-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-STRAFFORD-MO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmontana/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Wild Animal Safari - Strafford, MO</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Wild Animal Safari - Strafford, MO"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”" name="description"/> <meta content="Wild, Animal, Safari, Strafford, MO" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Wild Animal Safari"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Wild Animal Safari"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="37.2714"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-93.055801"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wild Animal Safari</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>124 Jungle Drive</div> <div> <span>Strafford</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>65757</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://animalsafari.com/MO/" target="_blank">Wild Animal Safari</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 417-859-5300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wild+Animal+Safari%2C+124+Jungle+Drive%2C+Strafford%2C+MO+65757" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat” Jones bought several thousand acres of land and relocated his family from Arkansas. The current park still sits upon a portion of the land purchased by Mr. Jones!</p> <p>Originally, the park filled over 500 acres and featured a 9 and ½ mile drive through the scenic landscape. It took 35 full time staffers to manage and run the park, which at its peak was home to over 3,000 animals!</p> <p>Mr. Jones passed away in the mid 1990’s, just prior to selling the impressive park to Mr. David Dean, who operated the park until 2007 when Mr. Ron Armatige bought the attraction. Mr. Armatige divided up the park and created the 5 mile drive through attraction that it is today.</p> <p>In 2006 the park was sold and held briefly by Tony Odo before being purchased by Parks! America in March of 2008. Over the course of time, Parks! America has invested over $1,000,000 to improve the grounds and enhance the experience of visitors.</p> <p>Outside of material improvements, we’ve grown the amount of animals to a population of nearly 750 animals spanning over 70 different species. We continue to seek to improve Wild Animal Safari and create an attraction that is educational, fun and beneficial for the animals in our care.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/strafford-mo/report/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/strafford-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-balance-mobility-class-1142024-z8nxfnz8fr3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-BALANCE-MOBILITY-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-STABILITY">Balance & Mobility Class: Strengthen Your Stability</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1142024-ddnv6xvqlt6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-A-LOWIMPACT-WORKOUT">Moving With Milly: A Low-Impact Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-STRAFFORD-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wild Animal Safari</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>124 Jungle Drive</div> <div> <span>Strafford</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>65757</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://animalsafari.com/MO/" target="_blank">Wild Animal Safari</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 417-859-5300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wild+Animal+Safari%2C+124+Jungle+Drive%2C+Strafford%2C+MO+65757" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat” Jones bought several thousand acres of land and relocated his family from Arkansas. The current park still sits upon a portion of the land purchased by Mr. Jones!</p> <p>Originally, the park filled over 500 acres and featured a 9 and ½ mile drive through the scenic landscape. It took 35 full time staffers to manage and run the park, which at its peak was home to over 3,000 animals!</p> <p>Mr. Jones passed away in the mid 1990’s, just prior to selling the impressive park to Mr. David Dean, who operated the park until 2007 when Mr. Ron Armatige bought the attraction. Mr. Armatige divided up the park and created the 5 mile drive through attraction that it is today.</p> <p>In 2006 the park was sold and held briefly by Tony Odo before being purchased by Parks! America in March of 2008. Over the course of time, Parks! America has invested over $1,000,000 to improve the grounds and enhance the experience of visitors.</p> <p>Outside of material improvements, we’ve grown the amount of animals to a population of nearly 750 animals spanning over 70 different species. We continue to seek to improve Wild Animal Safari and create an attraction that is educational, fun and beneficial for the animals in our care.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/strafford-mo/report/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/strafford-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-balance-mobility-class-1142024-z8nxfnz8fr3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-BALANCE-MOBILITY-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-STABILITY">Balance & Mobility Class: Strengthen Your Stability</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1142024-ddnv6xvqlt6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-A-LOWIMPACT-WORKOUT">Moving With Milly: A Low-Impact Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-STRAFFORD-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”" name="description"/> <meta content="Wild, Animal, Safari, Strafford, MO" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Wild Animal Safari"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Wild Animal Safari"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="37.2714"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-93.055801"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wild Animal Safari</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>124 Jungle Drive</div> <div> <span>Strafford</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>65757</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://animalsafari.com/MO/" target="_blank">Wild Animal Safari</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 417-859-5300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wild+Animal+Safari%2C+124+Jungle+Drive%2C+Strafford%2C+MO+65757" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat” Jones bought several thousand acres of land and relocated his family from Arkansas. The current park still sits upon a portion of the land purchased by Mr. Jones!</p> <p>Originally, the park filled over 500 acres and featured a 9 and ½ mile drive through the scenic landscape. It took 35 full time staffers to manage and run the park, which at its peak was home to over 3,000 animals!</p> <p>Mr. Jones passed away in the mid 1990’s, just prior to selling the impressive park to Mr. David Dean, who operated the park until 2007 when Mr. Ron Armatige bought the attraction. Mr. Armatige divided up the park and created the 5 mile drive through attraction that it is today.</p> <p>In 2006 the park was sold and held briefly by Tony Odo before being purchased by Parks! America in March of 2008. Over the course of time, Parks! America has invested over $1,000,000 to improve the grounds and enhance the experience of visitors.</p> <p>Outside of material improvements, we’ve grown the amount of animals to a population of nearly 750 animals spanning over 70 different species. We continue to seek to improve Wild Animal Safari and create an attraction that is educational, fun and beneficial for the animals in our care.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/strafford-mo/report/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/strafford-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Strafford</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-balance-mobility-class-1142024-z8nxfnz8fr3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-BALANCE-MOBILITY-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-STABILITY">Balance & Mobility Class: Strengthen Your Stability</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1142024-ddnv6xvqlt6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-A-LOWIMPACT-WORKOUT">Moving With Milly: A Low-Impact Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-STRAFFORD-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”" name="description"/> <meta content="Wild, Animal, Safari, Strafford, MO" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/wild-animal-safari-strafford-mo.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Wild Animal Safari"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Wild Animal Safari"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Wild Animal Safari has a long history here in Strafford, Missouri, reaching back all the way to 1971. It was in the spring of that year that J.W. “Pat”"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="37.2714"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-93.055801"/> ' $title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/strafford-mo/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Strafford, MO</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/strafford-mo/things-to-do/">Places</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/strafford-mo/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/strafford-mo/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/strafford-mo/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/strafford-mo/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/strafford-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/strafford-mo/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/strafford-mo/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/strafford-mo/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/strafford-mo/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/strafford-mo/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/strafford-mo/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/strafford-mo/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/strafford-mo/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118