Page 13 - Leisure Living Magazine August 2018

Here’s To 50 More “Wild” Years At African Safari Wildlife Park
By Joseph Gilroy, Feature Writer
It’s been a “WILD” 50 years in Port Clinton at African Safari Wildlife Park. Here’s to 50 more that are even wilder!
educational animal programs, kangaroo feedings, and to fur- ther the educational and personal interac- tions guests can expe- rience at the park.
The park in Port Clinton is proud to be the Midwest’s only drive-thru safari and their staff works hard to provide every visi- tor with an experience that will last a lifetime.
“We see right around 200,000 vis- itors every year” Af-
A lot has changed in
the past half-century –
the park was originally
opened in 1969 under
the name of “African
Lion Safari.” And as you
may have guessed, the
wildlife park had lions
on display until 1980.
Then, changes were
made to promote a Brian Hunt, African Safari Wildlife Park CEO, reminds more kid-friendly and grandparents that the park is a great experience for kids. fun interactive experi-
ence where guests can come nose-to-nose with
50+ species of wildlife.
Originally owned by a group of investors, Brian Hunt, Park CEO and his brothers who worked at the park bought them out after 10 years. They have been giving back ever since by combining their passion for all types of wildlife and their love of Port Clinton and the surround- ing communities.
“We grew up in the country and we always had a few exotic pets like moneys and ocelots,” Hunt said. “At times when we would breed too many, we would get ahold of the zoos and donate them, and I think that is really when we devel- oped a love of wild animals.
“The city of Port Clinton has been tremen- dous to us and we couldn’t have asked for a bet- ter partner than them,” Hunt continued. “I like to think that we help bring in a lot of visitors and revenue to not only Port Clinton, but also the surrounding areas like Sandusky. We have always tried to do our part and we have struck a good balance.” Brian Hunt’s daughter, Holly Hunt is now the park’s President and is responsible for this year’s addition, the Aviary Adventure.
African Safari Wildlife Park has added nu- merous activities, including Porcupine feeding,
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rican Safari Wildlife Park President Holly Hunt said. “In order to accommodate that many people we employ around 60 people, 40 of which are sea- sonal.”
The Aviary Adventure is a walk-thru exhib- it, the largest animal exhibit opened since the drive-thru. Guests can have an engaging encoun- ter with hundreds of colorful Budgies. Budgies, commonly known as parakeets, are small birds that come in a variety of color patterns native to Australia. Guests are able to interact directly with the birds by purchasing feed sticks, which allow the birds to perch and eat seed while the guest holds the stick.
“The aviary is just the beginning,” Holly Hunt said. “We purchased some more land and will continue to expand the African Safari Wild- life Park.” She has a five-year plan and this was the first phase. “We will be adding more drive- thru area and new animal exhibits every year for at least the next four years. We are also studying possible use of our vacant land for other attrac- tions like modern roller coasters, an exotic zip line ride, a show pavilion, water park and a night safari!”
Continued on page 25
August 2018 LeisureLiving | 13