@RobNLynchburgVA I remember driving through the Lion Country Safari in Va. ca. 1974 in my aunt's 1966 maroon Mercury station wagon w/ 6 kids piled in. No such fun these days, with seat-belt laws and sue-happy parents who think a safari's a petting zoo.... I distinctly remember no air-conditioning--and the windows had to be rolled up! We couldn't wait to get soaked on the log ride! I'll take the new waterpark!
@RhythmAndSoul59 I remember El Toro! Do you remember O.C.I.R.? We would sneak in there thru a water drain pipe near the end of the track, then just walk on in.
In 1974 when Kings Dominion opened in Virginia, they had a drive-thru "Lion Country Safari." Eventually a monorail was installed , second or third season. There were very few rides and of course the eifel tower. I believe the over-head on all those exotic animals through a VA winter wasn't an asset. It was gone after maybe 5 seasons. I think they were sold to Bush Garden's in Tampa, FL . I always wondered if the monorail went there as well. By gone era. PEACE
Love these looks back at SoCal: the Forgotten Disneyland series, this, Marineland ruins. Now I'm looking for anything on Santa's Village (at Skyforest near Lake Arrowhead) and the Japanese Village & Deer Park (immortalized in the comedy record "Ajax Liquor Store").
Fond memories. I can remember seeing some sort of bird show and the announcer had to constantly stop due to the Jets from El Toro Marine base flying over. O.C. was such a nice place to be - before it was overrun by certain people south of us
Thanks. I have a very fond memory of this place. You could drive it with your own car and see the animals. I had a Chevy Vega that hot day. We were in the lion area and the lions were chilling under the trees about 100 yards from the road. Of course that Vega broke down, started steaming and wouldn't go. In 5 minutes, the park employees showed up in about 5 Volkswagon Things painted like zebras with rifles at the ready, surrounded the car and towed us out. Now that's customer service.
Now there's African Lion Safari
ILuvTrollin 5 months ago
It's been turned into a day camp. I work there.
Dirtboy101 6 months ago
Went there on a field trip for kindergarden in 1975. I remember some giraffes crossing in front of our bus. We kids were extatic.
ninnapoooh 8 months ago
@RobNLynchburgVA I remember driving through the Lion Country Safari in Va. ca. 1974 in my aunt's 1966 maroon Mercury station wagon w/ 6 kids piled in. No such fun these days, with seat-belt laws and sue-happy parents who think a safari's a petting zoo.... I distinctly remember no air-conditioning--and the windows had to be rolled up! We couldn't wait to get soaked on the log ride! I'll take the new waterpark!
nauort23 11 months ago
@RhythmAndSoul59 I remember El Toro! Do you remember O.C.I.R.? We would sneak in there thru a water drain pipe near the end of the track, then just walk on in.
barmtrail 1 year ago
In 1974 when Kings Dominion opened in Virginia, they had a drive-thru "Lion Country Safari." Eventually a monorail was installed , second or third season. There were very few rides and of course the eifel tower. I believe the over-head on all those exotic animals through a VA winter wasn't an asset. It was gone after maybe 5 seasons. I think they were sold to Bush Garden's in Tampa, FL . I always wondered if the monorail went there as well. By gone era. PEACE
RobNLynchburgVA 1 year ago
Love these looks back at SoCal: the Forgotten Disneyland series, this, Marineland ruins. Now I'm looking for anything on Santa's Village (at Skyforest near Lake Arrowhead) and the Japanese Village & Deer Park (immortalized in the comedy record "Ajax Liquor Store").
dadoctah 1 year ago 2
Air conditioning was a MUST...that's all I remember.
trotp3 1 year ago
Fond memories. I can remember seeing some sort of bird show and the announcer had to constantly stop due to the Jets from El Toro Marine base flying over. O.C. was such a nice place to be - before it was overrun by certain people south of us
RhythmAndSoul59 2 years ago
Thanks. I have a very fond memory of this place. You could drive it with your own car and see the animals. I had a Chevy Vega that hot day. We were in the lion area and the lions were chilling under the trees about 100 yards from the road. Of course that Vega broke down, started steaming and wouldn't go. In 5 minutes, the park employees showed up in about 5 Volkswagon Things painted like zebras with rifles at the ready, surrounded the car and towed us out. Now that's customer service.
cageo2207 2 years ago 2