Tanganyika Wildlife Park labels itself as a privately owned zoo that provides “a wildly different experience,” and the park lives up to that billing. At first glance, the park may seem like a zoo, but once inside you’ll realize how different it is. Many of the animals are in exhibits that are much more open than a traditional zoo. Also, other than routine regular and medical care, the animals live their lives just as they would in their natural environment. What does this mean? Animals are free to breed as they would in nature; for visitors, this means you could see many pregnant and baby animals throughout the zoo. Baby giraffes, kangaroos and lemurs can be seen at the zoo.
In addition, with the numerous interactive exhibits, visitors can elevate their experiences to a new level. Plus, the zoo is small enough that families with young children can walk it many times without it becoming too exhausting. While the park has its own concession stands, visitors are free to bring in their own coolers (no glass or alcohol), and use the pavilion facilities.
Hours
March 12-20, 25-27, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; April, September, October and first weekend of November, open Friday to Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; May through Labor Day, open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Note: Hours and open exhibits may vary due to weather and the welfare of the animals. If the temperature is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, many of the animals may not be out. Check weather carefully before arrival, and, if unsure, call the park to find out current conditions.
General Admission
$16.99 for adults; $14.99 for adults 60 to 89; $11.99 for children ages 3 to 11; free for children age 2 and younger and adults age 90 and older. Military visitors receive 15 percent off admission with a military ID. Free parking.
Interactive Exhibits/Animal Rides
There are seven interactive exhibits available: feeding giraffes, feeding lorikeets, the kangaroo walk-about, the children’s zoo, feeding lemurs, feeding an Indian rhino, and feeding a pygmy hippo. You also can take a ride on a camel. Animal rides will be open daily from May to August. During March, April, September, October and November, animal rides are available only on Saturday and Sunday. All of these experiences require an additional fee, which are paid via tokens. Tokens are $1 each. The lorikeet and children’s zoo exhibits are each 1 token. Feeding giraffes requires two tokens. The remaining exhibits and camel rides are five tokens each.
VIP Value Pass
If you plan to do several interactive experiences, this pass is the best deal available. With this band, you can take part in unlimited feeding of the giraffes, lorikeets and the children’s zoo. You can take part once at the rhino feeding, the pygmy hippo feeding, the lemur feeding and the camel ride. You also receive two free souvenir photos at the photo booth.
Note: Several of the interactive exhibits are on timed schedules, so make note of the times so you do not miss them. It is highly recommended that you do these paid interactive exhibits at the beginning of your visit so you are able to enjoy them all. Then spend your remaining time enjoying the other exhibits.
