1. Overview of Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari
Discover the wonders of Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari, a captivating drive-through animal park located in Gentry, Arkansas. This unique experience allows visitors to see a diverse range of animal species up close while enjoying the scenic surroundings.
2. Location
Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari is situated in Northwest Arkansas, specifically in Gentry. For directions, you can refer to this Google Map. The park is conveniently located just outside of Fayetteville and is approximately a four-hour drive from Little Rock.
3. Visiting Hours and Contact Information
The ideal hours to visit Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari are daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more details on the animal species currently on display, visit their official website.
4. Close Animal Encounters
At Wild Wilderness, visitors may have the opportunity for close encounters with exotic animals. In the past, guests have interacted with a baby Capuchin monkey, a snake, and a lemur. This one-of-a-kind experience offers a variety of animal interactions that make each visit special.
Food is available for purchase but should only be fed to the petting zoo animals, not the wildlife encountered along the drive-through. It is also important to keep your windows up while driving through the park.
While you may miss a special encounter with exotic animals, you can still have close and personal interactions with petting zoo animals, such as kangaroos, especially if you have food.
5. Overall Impression
Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari offers an enjoyable park experience. The hoofstock section of the drive-through is particularly well-executed, resembling more established facilities like Fossil Rim in Texas rather than older roadside attractions. It truly feels like a journey through the wilderness.
The petting zoo area is also a highlight, as most animals are friendly and forthcoming, providing a delightful experience for both children and adults. It may be one of the few locations in Arkansas to engage closely with kangaroos, promising a memorable interaction for young visitors.
However, there are areas for improvement, especially concerning the primates and other encounter animals. Being a family-operated venue with limited funding and staffing, they are focused on what is best for the animals while ensuring a fun park atmosphere for families. Their dedication to providing a unique experience is evident.
If planning another visit, one might consider focusing solely on the drive-through and petting zoo, as these aspects alone create a fulfilling family outing without the need for additional attractions.
6. Attractions Nearby
The region surrounding Northwest Arkansas is filled with various attractions. Fayetteville, Bentonville, and Rogers are all within proximity of Wild Wilderness Safari. Fayetteville is renowned for the Razorbacks, Walton Arts Center, and the Arkansas Air Museum. Meanwhile, Rogers hosts the Crystal Bridges Museum, and Bentonville is home to other significant sites.
The only accredited zoo in Arkansas is the Little Rock Zoo, although the Tulsa Zoo is nearer to Gentry. Additionally, animal enthusiasts may explore the Arkansas Alligator Farm located in Hot Springs.
