Florida is full of animals, but did you ever imagine yourself driving through an African landscape, spotting majestic safari animals in their natural habitats? At Wild Florida, we’re here to make your wildest dreams come true—literally! Wild Florida’s Drive-Thru Safari Park lets you swap palm trees for savannah plains as you roll through and meet some of the coolest exotic animals around.
Whether you’re here for animal selfies, a fun family day out, or just to say you drove through a safari in Florida, Wild Florida is the spot for a unique wildlife experience. So, grab your camera, pack your sense of adventure, and learn about the exotic animals you can expect to see on your drive-thru safari trip!
Mouflon Sheep
Native to the rugged mountains of Europe and Asia, these agile animals are built for life on rocky terrain. Their hooves act like natural climbing gear, giving them incredible grip and balance as they scale steep hillsides.
Think you can tell the difference between males and females? Put your knowledge to the test as you spot them along the trail! Male mouflon sheep boast large, sickle-shaped horns that curve impressively, while the females have much smaller, shorter horns. Keep your eyes peeled and see if you can sort out these adorable sheep!
Water Buffalo
Don’t let their calm demeanor fool you! Water buffalo are some of the strongest animals you’ll encounter at Wild Florida’s Drive-Thru Safari. Known as “the tractors of the East,” these powerful beasts have been used for centuries to plow fields and transport goods.
True to their name, water buffalo thrive near rivers and wetlands, often cooling off by submerging themselves in water or mud. At Wild Florida, you’ll see these impressive animals up close, chilling in one of our many watering holes.
Zebra
It’s the age-old question: Are zebras black with white stripes or white with black stripes? The truth is that zebras actually have black skin beneath their iconic black-and-white fur. Their white stripes are areas where pigmentation is absent, creating their unique appearance.
But these stripes aren’t just for style points! Zebras’ stripes serve a dual purpose: helping them blend into their herd to confuse predators and acting as a built-in cooling system. How? The black stripes absorb heat while the white stripes reflect it, creating subtle air currents across their bodies to help regulate their temperature.
Highland Cow
With their shaggy coats and long, curved horns, Highland cows are as adorable as they are resilient. Originally from the rugged Scottish Highlands, these fluffy beauties are perfectly adapted to cold, harsh climates. Their thick, double-layered coat not only keeps them warm but also makes them one of the most recognizable and beloved cattle breeds in the world.
At Wild Florida’s Drive-Thru Safari, you’ll spot these hairy giants grazing peacefully or lounging in the shade. And let’s be honest—their swoopy bangs and sweet demeanor make them total scene-stealers. Don’t be surprised if they become one of your drive-thru safari favorites!
Scimitar Horned Oryx
Step into the world of legends when you encounter the scimitar-horned oryx! With their long, elegant, curved horns and sleek white coats, these majestic creatures have been the inspiration for unicorn myths for centuries. Originating from the deserts of North Africa, they are perfectly adapted to harsh, arid environments.
Sadly, scimitar-horned oryx were once declared extinct in the wild due to overhunting and habitat loss. But thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, their numbers are making a comeback in protected areas. Don't miss the chance to see these mythical creatures brought back to life!
Bison
As North America’s largest land animal, bison can weigh between 1,000 and 2,000 pounds! Believe it or not, their ancient ancestors were larger than today’s mighty beasts. And while they’re often seen as iconic to North America, bison are exotic too, originally hailing from Asia. These impressive animals crossed the land bridge connecting Asia and North America around 400,000 years ago.
Despite their massive size and strength, bison were nearly hunted to extinction in the late 1800s. Thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, these magnificent creatures have made a remarkable comeback and now roam freely in protected areas.
Dromedary Camel
With their iconic single hump and long, slender legs, dromedary camels are built for life in the harshest deserts. Native to the Middle East and North Africa, these incredible creatures are true desert survivors.
That hump isn’t for storing water, as many believe. It’s actually a fat reserve that helps them endure long periods without food. When they do find water, they don’t waste any time—a dromedary camel can guzzle up to 30 gallons in just 13 minutes!
Their superpowers don’t end there. These camels can withstand temperature swings of up to 120°F in a single day and can even close their nostrils to keep out sand during fierce desert storms.
Eland
Elands, the largest of all antelope species, can weigh up to 2,000 pounds, yet they move with a surprising grace. With their smooth, sandy-colored coats and signature spiral-shaped horns, they’re perfectly adapted to blend into the savannas and grasslands they call home.
Despite their impressive bulk, the eland is remarkably agile. When startled, an eland can leap over 8 feet into the air, showcasing athleticism that’s as astonishing as their stature. Whether grazing peacefully or demonstrating their incredible jumping abilities, eland are a highlight of Wild Florida’s Drive-Thru Safari.
Reticulated Giraffe
Did you know giraffes have dark purple tongues? This unique color isn’t just for show—it helps protect their tongues from sunburn while they spend hours each day munching on leaves. At Wild Florida, you’ll spot these majestic African animals with their intricate net-like coat patterns and towering necks that are truly unforgettable.
But the real treat comes after your drive when you can hand-feed these gentle giants some fresh lettuce. Watch their long, purple tongues in action as they expertly grab their delicious greens. It’s a close-up animal encounter guaranteed to leave you smiling!
Seeing these exotic animals is just the beginning! When it comes to an all-day outing, Wild Florida has got you covered. Glide through the headwaters of the Florida Everglades on an airboat, get up close and personal with fascinating creatures during one of our animal encounters, and meet even more incredible wildlife in our Gator Park. From start to finish, Wild Florida promises to be your wildest adventure yet!
