The Wild Africa Exhibit is a permanent exhibit featuring many species native to Africa. This award-winning exhibit allows the animals to roam, cage free, in an, savanna-like setting, very similar to how they might live in the wild. To get a closer view, there is a one way, loop that begins and ends in a small African themed village, selling souvenirs and food and beverages. The trail itself is themed to resemble a trail inside an African national park complete with a ranger station and fake poachers. Along the trail there is an opportunity to feed giraffes at the Twiga Overlook. Park visitors view the giraffes from a raised platform that places them at eye level with the animals. Leaves of romaine lettuce that are available for purchase can be placed in the palm of one's hand where the giraffes will retrieve them with their tongues. Other animals visible in the giraffe exhibit, at the overlook, are ostrich, plains zebra, addax, waterbuck, bontebok, addra gazelle, marabou stork, and black vulture. Further down the trail are various smaller exhibits for cheetah, red-capped mangabey, Aldabra tortoise, colobus monkey, black mangabey, red river hog, and an aviary for various species of African hornbill, guineafowl, roller, and others. There is also a small African farming village area along the trail where visitors can see watusi cattle, Guinea hog, Miniature Zebu, and some domestic fowl. Recently added was an exhibit for the zoo's resident African wild dog group, and the brand new lions. The Wild Africa Exhibit is located away from the main zoo exhibits at the west end, accessible by a free zebra-patterned tram, or a walking path.
Special guests
In 2003 two koalas from the San Diego Zoo were brought to Binder Park Zoo along with games and activities with an Australian culture twist. In 2006, Crunch, a 150-year-old, alligator snapping turtle was on exhibit at the Conservation Discovery Center from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The turtle is in the care of the Blackwater Turtle Refuge. During the summer of 2008, there were numerous births at the zoo to animals that are or have been listed as endangered species. In June 2008, there was the birth of a female snow leopard cub and three trumpeter swan cygnets. This was followed by the August birth of a female addra gazelle.
Events 2019
April 17, Wed. – Opening day June 22, Sat. –Cheetah Chase July 6, Sat,- Zoorific Kids’ Day July 12, Fri.- Corks for Conservation August 3–4, Sat.-Sun. Reptile Weekend August 8, Thurs. – Tour de Zoo August 18, Sun. – Members’ Breakfast August 30, Fri. – Sunsets on Savanna October 6, Sun. – Last day of season October 12, Sat. – BontebOktoberfest October 17 – 20, 24 – 27, Thurs. – Sun. – ZooBoo Nov. 29, 30 & Dec. 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, & 22 - ZooLights
