The wildlife scene has increased at Keystone Safari near Grove City.
Just up the road from Keystone Safari’s walk-thru park is their latest expansion: a self-guided drive-thru safari tour, offering interaction with more than 100 animals and 25 species.
Keystone Safari opened in 2019 and is family-owned by Adam and Tanis Guiher.
Adam Guiher, a member of the Zoological Association of America, has worked since 2012 developing the 144-acre Keystone Safari facility. It encompasses two separate interactive animal parks, located Liberty Township, Mercer County.
Billed as both educational and entertaining, guests can expect to spend about an hour driving their personal vehicle during the drive-thru option, which provides a covid-19 friendly activity, said general manager Josh Vasbinder.
“This is a really good alternative for people that want to space themselves out among others and use their own vehicles to drive through our safari area,” Vasbinder said.
Roll down the car windows and choose to feed or simply watch animals such as emus, bison, elk, zebras, donkeys, llamas, Highlander cattle, yak and more.
But hold that feed bucket tightly, the hungry mouths of the inquisitive animals don’t hold back as they chomp away on the high-fiber grain sold for $5 per bucket.
“They didn’t bite or anything,” said first-time visitor Bryce Pryor, 11. “I liked the camels and buffaloes.”
“We’re in the car, we’re all safe. We have hand sanitizer and we don’t have to worry being around other people,” said first-time visitor Leslie Stephens from Pittsburgh’s Brookline neighborhood. “The emus and ostrich — they actually came into the car — that was fun and exciting.”
The drive-thru is open daily from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. during September.
A new sunset safari option was added Saturdays from 6 p.m.-8 p.m., with the last vehicle admitted in at 7:15 p.m.
“Driving through as the sun is perfectly setting and watching all of the animals graze the fields is stunningly beautiful,” Vasbinder said.
No outside food is permitted.
Safari rules are enforced, such as remaining in your vehicle; not hanging out of your vehicle; driving 2 mph; and no pets of any kind.
The walk-through park features beginner and moderate zip-line courses, treetop adventure, pony rides, gift shop, animal feedings, butterfly garden, reindeer barn, bounce house and more.
