At Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, we’re always working on new ways to create memorable experiences for the thousands of guests that visit our park each year. Our newest exhibit is a lion enclosure featuring two young white lions, and our crowd -favorite, Leo, the large male African lion. Learn more about our zoo exhibits, as well as safari tours and other exciting experiences at the park. Located in Halifax, Pennsylvania, Lake Tobias Wildlife Park regularly welcomes visitors from Central PA and the surrounding areas.

Male lion standing in zoo exhibit

The Lion Exhibit at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park

Few animals are more majestic than the African lion. While most species of big cats are solitary, lions are social mammals and live in prides – family units that can range from two to 40 animals. A pride of lions lives, hunts, and raises cubs together.

Lake Tobias Wildlife Park recently built a new lion exhibit to emulate the African lion’s natural habitat, featuring large rocks, trees, a waterfall, and plenty of space for our lions to exercise, rest, and play. The lion’s den is now open as part of our outdoor zoo exhibits, where visitors can also get to see animals like antelope, bears, tigers, and giraffes.

What Is a White Lion?

Lake Tobias Wildlife Park is excited to be the new home for two young white lions, as well as Leo, a common male African lion. The white lions aren’t a different species of lion, nor are they albino. White African lions have a specific genetic mutation that makes their fur unusually light. This can put white lions at a disadvantage in the wild since it can be more difficult for them to blend into their surroundings. Fortunately, in captivity, white lion cubs can grow up in a safe environment. At our new

 lion exhibit, zoo staff members ensure that the cubs and Leo get proper nutrition, socialization, and stimulation to support healthy development.

An Engaging and Educational Adventure

Founded in 1965, Lake Tobias Wildlife Park offers animal exhibits and activities for kids and adults of all ages. Today, we bring in 240,000 visitors each season from across Central PA and beyond. In addition to our new lion exhibit, our attractions include:

Open from April to November, we organize events throughout the main season (May – October) , including day camp programming for children ages nine through 13. We also host groups, birthday parties, and family gatherings. With multiple concession sites throughout the park, you can grab a bite to eat or pack a picnic to enjoy in one of our pavilions.

Lake Tobias Wildlife Park is accredited by the ZAA, licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and follows strict guidelines to ensure animal welfare and safety.

Plan Your Visit to Lake Tobias Wildlife Park Today

If you’re looking for a fun activity the whole family can enjoy, plan a trip to Lake Tobias Wildlife Park in Halifax, PA. You’ll love our new lion zoo exhibit and our countless other attractions where you can learn about animals from all over the world. Come see why families throughout Central PA can’t wait to spend a day at our wildlife park – contact us to learn more or view park hours today.

Birthday parties are special times – for kids and adults. They bring together friends and families, commemorate the birth of loved ones, and enable people to celebrate with gifts and memories. What better way to create a one-of-a-kind event for someone you care about than by holding a safari park party at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park? This will make the birthday girl or boy happy and the guests, too. At a zoo birthday party, everyone can learn about the many animals and visit the wide range of attractions we offer. Here, we explore the benefits of holding a zoo party for your next celebration.

Child Observing Crocodile Held in Keeper's Hands

Why Have a Zoo Birthday Party?

If you are searching for a place to host a birthday party or similar festivity, zoos offer many benefits. The following are some reasons to consider a safari park birthday party:

Unique Venue

Not many people can say their last birthday was held at a wildlife park – this venue is unlike any other. For instance, think of all the creatures you may encounter with a zoo birthday at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park. You and your guests can witness the American Black Bear eat its favorite foods, hear the African Lion roar, and watch the American Alligator as it stays submerged for hours in the water. Where else could you experience so many distinct animals from all over the world with friends and family by your side?

Outstanding Memories

Holding a birthday party at a wildlife park is so unique that you and your guests will never regret it – or forget it. A zoo setting inevitably creates memories because it brings people closer to animals they may only see in pictures otherwise. For example, the safari tour and the petting zoo at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park offer opportunities for guests to have unforgettable experiences with animals.

Fun Learning Experience

Throwing wildlife park birthday parties is not only fun but also offers the ideal opportunity for kids of all ages to learn more about the natural world. It’s an immersive educational tool and an exciting way to discover new facts about animals. At Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, guests will find a diverse selection of mammals, amphibians, birds, reptiles, and exotics at the various zoo exhibits.

Give Back to Friends and Family

At your birthday party, you don’t only want to receive presents – you want to give them, too. What better way to give back to your guests who care about you than to invite them to your celebration at a wildlife park? This doubles the number of good memories as you know that your invites got all the experiences of a traditional party while also being able to encounter many interesting animals and events.

Support a Good Cause

Lake Tobias Wildlife Park is a private, ZAA accredited zoo and safari park that does not receive state or other funding as many zoos do. By visiting our park or scheduling a special event, you are helping the zoo in its efforts of wildlife conservation and education. At Lake Tobias, we financially support the Giraffe Conservation Foundation for the protection of giraffes in the wild, contribute to the World Wildlife Fund for the conservation of endangered species around the world, and offer educational ZooVenture Summer Camps for children. Our revenue is also used to maintain the many expenses required to keep zoos in operation, such as:

So not only can you and your guests have fun by celebrating at a zoo, but you’ll also know you’re contributing to the conservation of wildlife worldwide and supporting a worthy and educational local cause.

Children Petting Buffalo from Safari Truck

View Park Hours of Lake Tobias Wildlife Park

If your birthday or that of a loved one is drawing near, consider celebrating that special day with a zoo birthday party at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park. There are dozens of good reasons for people in Central Pennsylvania to gather at our incredible wildlife park to host a bash. Contact us today for more information regarding rates or to view park hours.

It can be challenging to think of a fun, unique, and heartfelt gift for a holiday, birthday, or other celebration — why not change things up by gifting an experience? A wild animal park season pass can be the ideal gift for a family of animal lovers who enjoy learning about and interacting with these creatures.

At Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, we offer customers the option to purchase season passes and gift cards to explore our many animals and attractions. Here, we explain how our season passes work and why they make such a wonderful gift for any occasion.

Up close view of giraffe at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park

Zoo Season Passes

Whether the recipient visits many zoos or seldom does and would like to visit more, a season pass can be their favorite gift. We offer the following two pass options at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park:

Season Pass - $50 Per Person

This option allows for unlimited visits during the 2023 season. Guests that select this variety will simply need to show their pass as they enter our gates to begin experiencing the various attractions. If these guests would like to go on the safari tour, they will need to purchase tickets separately.

Season Pass with Safari - $85 Per Person

The ultimate zoo experience is available with this season pass. Not only will guests have unlimited access to the zoo for the 2023 season, but they will have unrestricted admission on our safari tour, as well.

These wild animal park season pass options are available through our park office and can be purchased with all major credit cards.

Zoo Gift Cards

Allow your zoo lover to have an unforgettable experience with our convenient gift cards. Lake Tobias gift cards can be purchased for any amount and used for different costs at the zoo, including:

Why Lake Tobias Wildlife Park?

At Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, we strive to be a unique and affordable family-friendly attraction that offers the public an opportunity to view and interact with mammals, birds, reptiles, and other animals. We are also dedicated to providing an exceptional educational experience. Some of the exciting and engaging attractions that guests can encounter include:  

Obtain Zoo Season Passes from Lake Tobias Wildlife Park

If you know someone who loves visiting Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, consider gifting them one of our unlimited zoo season passes or a gift card for their birthday, a holiday celebration, or another occasion. Guests can utilize these passes and gift cards in a variety of ways, allowing them to enhance their overall zoo experience. Reach out to us today to learn more about our season passes and gift cards, or for more information regarding rates and park hours.  

Safari adventures are exciting for people of all ages, and if you’re one of them, we invite you to visit one of the most popular safari parks in the U.S. The safari tour at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park is an unforgettable experience that allows families to observe various animals as they roam free in an open space. To help you get the most enjoyment out of this unique attraction, we offer tips to follow when you visit us.

People enjoy a wildlife safari at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park

Be Prepared

Preparing for your safari adventure beforehand ensures you have a stress-free experience at the park.  For example, at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, we require guests going on the drive-thru safari to sign a waiver. This waiver grants us liability protection if you or a passenger suffers injury or your property gets damaged on the ride. Save time by printing and filling out the drive-thru waiver before you arrive at the park. A few additional tips to think about when prepping for your animal exploration include:

Show Up On Time

While there are multiple opportunities to catch a ride on the safari bus during the day, planning a specific time to go creates less stress. Safari tours start when the park opens and run until closing, with each ride lasting 45 minutes. Since we don’t offer reservations, the first individuals to arrive will be the first to ride the safari. Therefore, if you have a desired time frame in mind, consider coming to the safari station a few minutes early.

Once you arrive at the safari tour station, you will find a large seating area where you and your crew can sit while you await the next expedition. There is also a snack lounge if you want to fuel up before you begin your safari.

Dress Accordingly

Comfortable, practical clothes are the best option when visiting a wildlife park. Although your clothing choices will change depending on the temperature, some options to consider include:  

Brace Yourself For The Ride Duration

Since the safari lasts approximately 45 minutes, consider bringing a water bottle and a snack along for the ride. Most importantly, use the bathroom before the expedition begins.

Preparing yourself and your family for the animal tour can help everyone better focus on the experience and the animals while riding. You won’t want to be distracted by hunger, thirst, uncomfortable clothes, or a need to use the restroom during the tour and miss out on all the fun.

Take It All In 

There is a lot to see and learn when you are riding through the fields of wild animals. To ensure you get the most enjoyment, relax and allow your eyes to absorb all the natural beauty you see. While taking pictures of the animals and the scenery helps preserve memories, don’t forget to live in the moment for a few minutes. Additionally, the employees on the safari bus can answer any of your questions and teach you some interesting facts about the creatures.

Enjoy Your Safari Park Adventure to The Fullest

The safari ride here at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park is an extraordinary opportunity for families and individuals to experience wildlife. Make memories that will last a lifetime, and enjoy your safari ride to the fullest potential by being prepared and taking in the beauty of the animals and natural surroundings. Contact us today to learn more about our safari tour in Central Pennsylvania and other exciting attractions.

If you're searching for a fun and educational adventure for the whole family, why not try a safari? A fresh spin on your local zoo experience, safari attractions serve as opportunities to explore concepts of conservation, discover new wildlife, and have an enjoyable experience together. In Central Pennsylvania, Lake Tobias Wildlife Park offers a scenic safari tour that can take quality time with your family to a whole new level. Here, we provide more insight into family-friendly safaris and what they offer visitors of all ages.

A close-up view of a giraffe

Spark an Interest in Wildlife

Of course, the main attraction of an exciting safari tour is the animals. An attraction like this allows guests to get up close with wildlife they may have never seen in person before. With animals typically roaming freely, there’s a chance one may wander up to the tour bus, allowing your family to reach out and touch a beautiful creature. At Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, we feature more than 400 animals throughout our safari fields. With native and exotic animals enjoying life in a natural habitat, this excursion is perfect for animal lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

In addition to seeing new animals, guests also will get to learn about them from a guide. Tour guides can provide new and interesting facts about the different species in view, such as what they typically eat and where they're originally from, sparking the interest of young safari crew members.

Enjoy a Change of Scenery

During the unique experience of a safari attraction, your family gets to enjoy a whole new world. This can be great for breaking up the usual routine. Even though Lake Tobias Wildlife Park is located in Pennsylvania, our 150 acres of wide-open land will leave you feeling like you’re in Africa, Australia, or another far-off location across the globe.

More so, a safari tour is a wonderful chance for everyone in the family to get outside and immerse themselves in a natural setting. An engaging alternative to indoor activities, a safari provides the perfect opportunity to get some fresh air and experience the great outdoors in a whole new way.

Bond with Your Family

The great thing about getting an opportunity to see and learn about animals is experiencing them with loved ones. This thrilling attraction can help families bond together as they delight in a new experience free of distractions – other than the animals, of course. From grandparents and parents to siblings and cousins, you can plan to enjoy this particular attraction as a group.

Embark on the Safari Tour at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park

Our family-friendly safari attraction is an exciting local excursion, and tours depart frequently to minimize wait time. Located in Halifax, PA, and serving visitors from Central PA, Philadelphia, Baltimore, MD, and beyond, Lake Tobias Wildlife Park offers its guests a safari tour where they can gain a firsthand view of the animals across our scenic grounds. We also offer weekend drive-thru safaris in your own vehicle in April and November. View our park hours or contact us today for more information.

Fears of snakes, spiders, and other reptiles are very common amongst children and adults. This phobia can potentially keep you or your child from spending time in nature and playing outdoors, both of which have a host of benefits for people of all ages. At Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, we provide guests with numerous interactive attractions.

Children waiting to pet a lizard.

Raising Awareness about This Fear’s Causes

While everyone is different, there are several causes that could contribute to someone’s fear of reptiles and spiders. At Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, we believe the first step in overcoming this fear is identifying the true cause, which could include common reasons such as:

Overcoming Your Fear at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park


Slowly increasing your exposure to reptiles and spiders can help you overcome your fear. At Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, we offer our guests periodic reptile shows, where they can learn about the animals and access the safe, enjoyable exposure they need to overcome their fears. Another safe way of exposing your child to the animals is by visiting our great reptile and exotic animal exhibit, which features creatures such as:

Visiting this exhibit will allow your child to view these animals in their natural habitat, observe how safe they are, all while keeping an appropriate amount of distance away. Once your child becomes comfortable with this, they may be ready to handle the animals next. Every visit can contribute to your child overcoming their phobia.

Learn More at Our Reptile and Exotic Animal Exhibit

If you or a loved one, especially a child, has a phobia of reptiles and spiders, take the first step toward overcoming this fear at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park. Located in Halifax, Pennsylvania, and serving visitors from Central Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Beyond, we proudly provide the educational, safe attractions that allow you to get up close to reptiles and spiders – and maybe even handle them! View park hours now, or contact us for more information.

Giraffes are the featured creatures on this episode of ZooView. Learn all about these gravity-defying wonders.

He’s creepy, and crawly – and super sweet! Morty, our Mexican red-knee tarantula, is our featured creature on ZooView – LIVE. Watch and learn some interesting facts about these amazing arachnids!

Come visit us at Lake Tobias in Halifax, PA, a small town right outside of Harrisburg. While you’re here check out Visit Hershey & Harrisburg for other exciting things to do in the area!

Touch and feed real animals at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park

We are proud to be a leading attraction in the Hershey and Harrisburg region. Check out this recent video produced by Visit Hershey & Harrisburg to see why we are a family favorite. And visit Visit Hershey & Harrisburg’s website for more information about Lake Tobias Wildlife Park and other attractions in the area.

© 
2024
 Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, Halifax, PA.
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