The Wilds of Africa Adventure Safari at Dallas Zoo’s monorail station was a popular attraction that offered visitors a unique aerial view of African wildlife exhibits. This 20-minute guided tour showcased various habitats, including rainforests, mountains, and deserts, allowing guests to observe animals like hippos, zebras, and gazelles from a different perspective. Although the monorail closed permanently in March 2020, its legacy as an educational and entertaining experience remains significant in the zoo’s history.
What Was the Wilds of Africa Adventure Safari?
The Wilds of Africa Adventure Safari was a monorail tour that provided visitors with a bird’s-eye view of the African wildlife exhibits at Dallas Zoo. This unique experience allowed guests to observe animals in their habitats from an elevated perspective, offering insights into their behaviors and environments that might not be visible from ground level.
Key features of the safari included:
- A 20-minute guided tour
- Air-conditioned monorail cars for comfort
- Narration by knowledgeable guides
- Views of multiple African habitats and species
What Animals Could Visitors See on the Safari?
The Wilds of Africa Adventure Safari offered views of various African wildlife exhibits, including:
- Hippopotamuses at the Watering Hole
- Okapi in the Rain Forest
- Nubian ibex in the Mountain exhibit
- Grévy’s zebras in the Woodlands
- Waterbuck, great white pelicans, Goliath herons, and blue cranes in the River area
- Scimitar-horned oryx and addra gazelles in the Arid Desert
- Addax, gemsbok, and ostriches in the Semi-Arid Desert
- Gerenuk, black crowned cranes, greater kudu, Thomson’s gazelle, and marabou storks in the Bush exhibit
Additionally, the tour provided aerial views of:
- Simmons Hippo Outpost
- Chimpanzee Forest
- Nile crocodile exhibit
- Penguin Cove
What Were the Operational Hours and Ticket Prices?
Before its closure in March 2020, the Wilds of Africa Adventure Safari operated during the zoo’s regular hours, which varied by season. Visitors were advised to check the zoo’s website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on operating hours.
Ticket prices for the monorail tour were as follows:
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Standard | $5 |
| Zoo Members | Free* |
*Free rides were included with certain levels of membership.
What Amenities Were Available at the Monorail Station?
The Wilds of Africa Adventure Safari monorail station offered several amenities to enhance visitor comfort and accessibility:
- Newly renovated ramps for easier access
- Updated handrails for safety
- Automatic gates to streamline boarding
- Air-conditioned monorail cars
While specific information about rest areas and parking near the monorail station is not available, the Dallas Zoo provides various amenities throughout its grounds, including:
- Rest areas
- Food and beverage outlets
- Gift shops
- Restroom facilities
Visitors can use the zoo’s mobile app to find directions, parking information, and locate amenities within the zoo.
What Alternatives Are Available Now That the Monorail Is Closed?
Since the closure of the Wilds of Africa Adventure Safari monorail, the Dallas Zoo has continued to offer exciting ways for visitors to experience African wildlife. One popular alternative is the Backstage Safari:
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Guided tour with exclusive animal encounters
- Includes areas in the Wilds of Africa section
- Features:
- Feeding opportunities with select animals
- Private animal shows
- Behind-the-scenes access and insights
- Includes:
- Zoo admission
- Parking
- Complimentary giraffe feeding experience
This tour provides a more intimate and interactive experience with the animals, offering a different but equally engaging perspective on African wildlife.
How Can Visitors Make the Most of Their African Wildlife Experience at Dallas Zoo?
To maximize your African wildlife experience at Dallas Zoo, consider the following tips:
- Plan your visit during cooler hours to see more active animals.
- Participate in keeper talks and feeding demonstrations.
- Take advantage of the zoo’s mobile app for navigation and real-time updates.
- Book a Backstage Safari for an exclusive, up-close experience with animals.
- Visit the Simmons Hippo Outpost, which offers underwater viewing opportunities.
- Explore the Chimpanzee Forest to observe primate behavior.
- Don’t miss the Giants of the Savanna habitat, featuring elephants, giraffes, and other iconic African species.
What Conservation Efforts Does Dallas Zoo Support for African Wildlife?
Dallas Zoo is committed to conservation efforts for African wildlife, including:
- Participation in Species Survival Plans (SSPs) for endangered African animals
- Support for field conservation projects in Africa
- Education programs to raise awareness about African wildlife conservation
- Research initiatives focused on African species
By visiting the zoo and participating in its programs, guests contribute to these important conservation efforts.
How Has the Closure of the Monorail Impacted the Zoo’s Operations?
The closure of the Wilds of Africa Adventure Safari monorail has led to several changes at Dallas Zoo:
- Reallocation of resources to enhance ground-level exhibits
- Development of new educational programs and experiences
- Increased focus on interactive and immersive animal encounters
- Potential for future developments in the Wilds of Africa area
While the monorail is no longer operational, the zoo continues to evolve and improve its offerings to provide engaging and educational experiences for visitors interested in African wildlife.
In conclusion, although the Wilds of Africa Adventure Safari monorail station at Dallas Zoo is no longer in operation, the zoo continues to offer numerous opportunities for visitors to experience and learn about African wildlife. From the Backstage Safari to enhanced ground-level exhibits, Dallas Zoo remains committed to providing engaging, educational, and conservation-focused experiences for all who visit.
Reference:
1. Dallas Zoo – Wikipedia
2. Backstage Safari | Dallas Zoo
3. Dallas Zoo’s popular monorail reopens – Dallas News