Wildlife safari atlanta8/12/2023 ![]() "It was a classic story of a company that thought it knew what it was doing – and they literally made monkeys out of us." "We had 50 mean baboons roaming Warren County," said Charlie Mechem, former Taft Broadcasting chairman, in an interview last year. It took a week to round them up – and then they escaped again. The baboons leaped to freedom jumping on the backs of fellow baboons huddled at the base of the fence. Two years later, 50 baboons escaped over the two fences to the embarrassment of Taft Broadcasting executives. ![]() She was found dehydrated in heavy underbrush. Less than three months after the opening, a 2-year-old female lion escaped. Visitors also saw tigers, rhinos, elephants, hippos, giraffes, monkeys, ostriches, zebras, baboons, leopards and other animals from around the world. More than 25 lions were brought in for the 1974 opening by Lion Country Safari, a third-party vendor with animal parks near West Palm Beach and Atlanta. Taft Broadcasting, which built Kings Island, also opened a similar attraction at the sister Kings Dominion park near Richmond, Va. The monorail entrance was to the right of the current Drop Tower. Most of the time, quite a large percentage of the daily park attendance would ride the monorail," said Bob Reece, the wildlife exhibit director 1977-92. ![]() In 20 years, more than 15 million visitors rode the 2-mile monorail through the animal preserve, which also was named Wild Animal Safari and Wild Animal Habitat before it closed in 1993, said Don Helbig, Kings Island public relations manager. The attraction opened in 1974, the park's third year, on space used today for Flight of Fear, Firehawk and the new Banshee (where the Son of Beast also once stood). Please support.In the early years of Kings Island, visitors could see more than 300 animals at the old Lion Country Safari – and sometimes hear about them roaming Warren County after their escape from the 100-acre wildlife preserve. ![]() You can tell that these animals are thoroughly attended to and there not just as attractions but in an effort to rescue them. The other animals too have enclosures that are wonderfully kept and provide a great space for the animal. The bear enclosure is huge with what looks like over a football field worth of land (it seriously may be more) to roam around with a beautiful waterfall surrounded by trees and nature. Now, I get to keep my childhood memories and keep them in a positive light because the new owners have done absolute wonders! I cannot even say what it means to me personally. It was a mixed feeling for me as I was glad the animals would no longer be neglected but depressed that a place that was a part of childhood would be gone. The animals were clearly not happy or healthy, and then, we heard that they were being shutdown largely due to animal neglect, I was saddened that a place that held so many great childhood memories was not a good place for animals. ![]() The animals were in small enclosures, often just concrete. When my wife and I went back a few years ago, I was devastated at what I saw. The new owners have done an absolutely brilliant job with this place! The animals appear so healthy and happy in their new environments and enclosures, and it is just a whole new experience to go there now.Īs a child, we used to go here when the old owners had the place and had very fond memories from then. Such a great experience! Thoroughly enjoyed seeing the animals up close and even the opportunity to interact with them while at the same time, the animals are in an environment that is safe and comfortable for them. When I heard about this amazing family that jumped through hoops to get this place, I was so excited, excited to be able to share this amazing piece of my child hood with my girls! I am so happy for the owners & staff who have dedicated so much to making this place better then it has ever been! We will def be back & I tell everyone I know about our wonderful experience! We support this place 100% WE LOVE YA, YRWLS!! I was happy for the animals but so sad to see it close. The animals looked pitiful & almost everyone seemed as if they didn't care anymore. The last time I was here, when the previous owners had it I just couldn't bring myself to go back. I came here as a little girl several times with my family & slowly watched it go down hill. We took brought our two girls here & they loved it! You could tell that ALL of the animals were well taken care of! The staff was so helpful & friendly! We enjoyed all the animals! I loved Eddie & Ferdinand, my 4 year had to be carried out of the petting zoo part with the goats lol & every time she would hear the peacocks she would yell Kevin(from the movie UP!) & look for it! ![]()
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