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Amusement Parks: Lake Tobias Wildlife Park – a Potted History

Related: Gladys Porter Zoo / Elmwood Park Zoo / Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom / Austin Zoo

Lake Tobias Wildlife Park is located in Halifax, Pennsylvania.

The wildlife park has been in operation since 1965, when it was founded by the late J.R. Tobias on the same property where he was born and brought up. In fact, he could be said to have been one of the earliest pioneers of the modern-day wildlife parks as his vision was to transform old school buses into safari cruisers so that visitors could tour the different herds of animals and observe them roaming in their natural habitat.

In fact, the wildlife park still runs these safari tours today in specially designed cruisers and these tours are still the wildlife park’s most popular attraction. Tour guides accompany you and give you expert information on the various species who live at the wildlife park and their habitats across a trip covering 150 acres of rolling countryside. A few of the different species you will see at the wildlife park include elk, buffalo, emu, llama, sheep and several species of deer. It is a great thrill when the animals get up really close and it can be hilarious when some of the bolder ones will even jump on top of the bus.

One of the favourite attractions for younger children at the wildlife park is the petting zoo. There are all kinds of different animals in here ranging from the smallest African pygmy goats to the long-necked llamas and you can even help the wildlife park’s staff to feed some of them.

There’s also a reptile building at the wildlife park including alligators and huge snakes where special 20-minute presentations will give you an insight into the world of these fascinating creatures, no doubt shattering a few myths and allaying some of your fears at the same time.

The wildlife park is still lovingly cherished and run by the late Mr.Tobias’ wife and their seven children and, such is its popularity, it still attracts over 100, 000 visitors each season.

 

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