How to Safari in Texas

Open to the public for more than 30 years, the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center participates in numerous wildlife conservation organizations and works to restore native and exotic animal populations. The park has 1,800 acres and is home to more than 1,100 animals including bison, tortoises, cheetahs, wildebeests, deer, giraffes, zebras, wolfs, ostriches, rhinos, turkeys, and more. This park has on-site lodging, a cafe, a nature store, and more.

With more than 450 acres of protected environment, Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch has been taking care of animals from all over the world for more than 30 years. A favorite of this park is the giraffe barn, which allows visitors the chance to get up close to giraffes. Lemur Island is also popular, where guests can see ring-tailed lemurs that are native to Madagascar. Other animals include southern white rhinos, zebras, camels, ostriches, and more. Peacocks roam freely through the park, and a gift shop and grill are also on site. To satisfy your sweet tooth, the park has the Safari Sweet Spot, which serves up homemade fudge, hand-dipped ice cream, and cold beverages under a covered patio.

Deep in the Piney Woods of East Texas is Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari, with more than 25 exotic and endangered species that visitors can see from the comfort of their vehicle. The 300-acre preserve is home to emus, alligators, deer, bison, capybaras, javelinas, camels, donkeys, llamas, kangaroos, elks, water buffaloes, yaks, zebras, and more.

Located just north of College Station, Franklin Drive Thru Safari is a great place to not only drive through and see animals, but interact with them as well. The park has over 100 acres, and is home to giraffes, lemurs, monkeys, deer, zebras, camels, ostriches, and more. The park also has a baby animal room, where visitors can play and hold baby animals like anteaters, armadillos, and more. The baby animal room is always changing, which means new interactions with each visit.