Lake Tobias Wildlife Park - Halifax, PA - Safari and Zoo

Lake Tobias Wildlife Park is located north of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and northwest of the actual city of Halifax. The Wildlife Park is located around Lake Tobias. The site is owned by J.R. Tobias, who initiated the idea to turn his property into a Wildlife Park. The Park is still owned and operated by the Tobias family. In 1965 the park was opened and currently sees over 100,000 visitors annually.

The Park extends roughly 150 acres and can be experienced by visitors in several ways. The most popular method is to take the Safari Tour. This tour is taken on specially-designed "cruisers'' that enable visitors to travel through the acreage and view the many animals on the property. Tour guides lead the trip and provide information on the animals. Some of the animals that can be seen include emu, elk, buffalo, yak, deer, llama, sheep, and rhea. The Safari Tour lasts approximately one hour.

Another method of visitation is by walking through the petting zoo. Here, the animals are on a specific diet, but patrons may pet and play with the animals. Food may be purchased at the zoo to be given to these animals. This is the most popular attractions among children. However, children under eight years old must be accompanied by an adult. An average visit to the petting zoo requires a minimum of twenty minutes. Some of the animals that can be seen in the petting zoo include llamas, ponies, sheep, goats, camels, alpaca, donkeys, lemur, and armadillos.

There are also zoo exhibits that patrons can visit. There are a variety of animals available to be viewed including alligators, tigers, swans, geese, peacocks, and zebras. Newer exhibits include the bears, African lions, and tigers. Peacocks and other birds roam freely around the park, but visitors are advised not to attempt to handle these animals.

Patrons can also visit the Reptile Exhibits. These exhibits present an array of reptilian creatures. Twenty-minute presentations are made throughout the day to share information regarding the species that patrons can find there. The Reptile Building provides visitors the chance to see boas, pythons, constrictors, dragons, and corn snakes among others.

There is a concession stand in the center of the Park. Guests can enjoy a number of fast food items like burgers and fries, purchase drinks, and buy Safari Tour tickets. Located near the concession are the medical facilities and managerial areas.

The Park hours are from May through September, weekends 10am - 7pm, and weekdays 10am - 6pm. In October, the park is open from 10am - 6pm. Park admission is $4 for all ages. The Safari Tour is $5 per person, and admission to the Reptile Building is $1. For all of these options, children under three years of age are free. Group rates, for parties over twenty-five, are available. All group tours must have advance registration, which can be made by calling (717) 362-9126. It is suggested that group tours take place during the weekdays so that the park is not overcrowded and patrons do not feel hurried.

In all cases, smoking, alcohol, and pets are not permitted on the property.