The African Lion Safari is a safari park founded by G.D. Dailley, a retired Canadian Army colonel, in 1969. It is located in Hamilton, Ontario, west of Toronto. Officially called the African Lion Safari and Game Farm Ltd., it is still privately owned and operated by the Dailley family. It covers 750 acres of land and supports more than a thousand animals. Aside from lions, there are also baboons, white rhinos, ostriches, giraffes, and exotic birds.
The park aims to provide entertaining and educational experiences to visitors through the display and safe propagation of animals, with emphasis on respecting the land and its wildlife.
It had successfully bred several endangered and threatened animal species, starting with Asian elephants in 1971. The park is also a source of animals used in several films and television shows. It also focuses on reintroducing several animal species to its natural habitats, and several bird species are put through captive breeding procedures.
Visitors go through the park and view animals inside the safety of their vehicles. Admission rates vary from $22 for adults and $17 for children, increasing slightly during summer. Bus rides are also provided, with cheaper rates for each passenger.
Aside from driving through the game reserve, other attractions include Junior Playground, Parrot Paradise Show, Elephant Roundup demonstration, a railway tour, and a cruise trip aboard the African Queen. Guides abound to point out different birds and mammals along the way. Children will be thrilled to visit the Pets' Corner to meet warthogs and feed baby goats. Admission rates also include several hotel packages for overnight accommodation.
Aside from the entertainment provided within the park, people hosting special events can also book elephants and Birds of Prey demonstrations.
The park is also committed to several conservation goals. Its staff has developed a close relationship with its herd of rhinoceros, considered one of the endangered species. The animals' hormone levels are monitored regularly and weekly ultrasound examinations are performed on its reproductive tracts to provide information on the species' reproductive cycle. The staff aims to formulate an effective breeding strategy to replenish the rhinos' dwindling numbers.
Due to its increasing loss of habitat, the number of cheetahs has declined in the wild. The park is proud to have 10 cheetahs born in captivity and is expressing continued commitment to this breeding program. The park also enjoys successful breeding programs for Asian elephants through the use of state-of-the-art facility and pioneering technologies. To date, nine baby elephants had been born inside the park.
The Safari Campground provides several facilities for group camping, including hot showers, picnic pavilion and fire pits. There are also several restaurants for dining and snack treats.
