Wildlife Safari
Winston, Oregon · Zoo Aquarium · Accessibility score 1/5
Address: Winston, OR
Phone: (541) 679-6761
About
Wildlife Safari in Winston, Oregon offers one of the most unique zoo experiences in the Pacific Northwest. Instead of walking past enclosures, you drive your own vehicle through 600 acres where animals roam freely around you. Elk, bison, zebras, ostriches, cheetahs, and dozens of other species wander right up to your car windows, creating unforgettable close encounters.
The drive-through format makes this destination naturally accessible. You never have to leave your vehicle to enjoy the main safari loop, which winds through different habitat zones featuring animals from around the world. Take your time, stop for photos, and watch giraffes stroll past your windshield at their own pace.
Beyond the drive-through, Wildlife Safari offers a variety of hands-on animal encounters. You can feed giraffes, meet ambassador animals up close, or watch keeper talks throughout the day. Most of these encounters have been designed with accessibility in mind, and staff are happy to work with guests who need accommodations.
The park also features a walk-through Safari Village with a gift shop, food options, and educational exhibits. Young visitors love the Safari Kids play area and the chance to see baby animals in the nursery during spring months. The park has been a fixture in southern Oregon since 1972 and plays an active role in conservation breeding programs for endangered species like cheetahs.
Wildlife Safari is located about 45 minutes south of Roseburg along Interstate 5, making it an easy stop on road trips between Portland and the California border. Plan for at least two to three hours to enjoy the full drive-through loop and village area. The park is open year-round, though hours vary by season.
Accessibility
The drive-through safari is inherently accessible since visitors experience the main attraction from inside their own vehicles. There's no need to walk, transfer, or leave your car to enjoy hundreds of animals roaming freely across the property. This makes it one of the most naturally wheelchair-friendly wildlife experiences in the region.
For the walk-through Safari Village and animal encounters, the majority of experiences are wheelchair accessible or can be adapted to accommodate guests with mobility needs. The current exceptions are the Big Bear encounter, along with the lion, tiger, and bear feeds, due to their location and the nature of the interaction.
Guests who have difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or use a wheelchair are encouraged to contact the Guest Services Department before visiting. For encounters in the Cheetah/Tiger Loop area, the Carnivore Department appreciates prior notification so they can offer the best possible assistance. You can reach them at 541-679-6761 or through guest services.
Contact Wildlife Safari directly for the most current details on accessible parking, restroom facilities, and any sensory accommodations that may be available. Staff have a reputation for being willing to work with visitors to make their experience as enjoyable as possible.
More accessible places in Oregon
- Lan Su Chinese Garden (Portland)
- Portland Japanese Garden (Portland)
- Pittock Mansion (Portland)
- Columbia River Maritime Museum (Astoria)
- Oregon Historical Society Museum (Portland)
- Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals (Hillsboro)