Many of us Baby Boomers have fond memories of Jungle Larry’s Safari Island area at Cedar Point. It was one of the high points of a visit to the amusement park, mainly because we knew and loved Jungle Larry from his appearances on TV.
But there was (and still is) another safari attraction, west of Sandusky near Port Clinton, that brought wild animals up close – in fact, right up to your car window. Or on top of your car.I’m talking of course about African Safari Wildlife Park.
It’s the subject this month of a terrific article written by Joseph Gilroy and appearing in the latest edition of Lakefront News. The article celebrates the attraction’s 50th year in business and includes a history of the park and interviews with its owners.
As the article notes, it opened in 1969 as African Lion Safari. Here’s a vintage souvenir pennant, currently on Ebay.
The park was renamed a few times. Here’s a brochure from its days as African Safari.
Later, the lions were eventually
phased out in favor of a more family-friendly experience (apparently one in
which you didn’t have to worry about being eaten.)
Anyway, here’s the link to the African Safari Wildlife Park website.
And be sure to pick up a free copy of Lakefront News out in Vacationland. I got mine at Drug Mart in Vermilion on Route 6; there’s also a stack of them out at Toft’s Ice Cream in Sandusky.
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| The current brochure |
Like to see those old brochures of vacation spots in America.Back when people drove American cars.Nowadays when you go to a national park or a tourist attraction,9 times out of 10 the vacationers traveled there in a import brand auto....But they still gotta see America!
ReplyDelete...Nobody could top Jungle Larry at Cedar Point!!
ReplyDeleteAny respectable human being wouldn't visit a so-called wildlife park. If you're interested in seeing wildlife, visit a forest here or in another country. Maybe even visit a reputable zoo. But please, don't go to these dodgy roadside zoos.
ReplyDelete