Join Us in Our Next Chapter at Safari West
Posted in: About Us, Conservation, Goings on, News
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Still here. Still watching.
You may have seen or heard that something is changing at Safari West. We wanted to share that story with you—clearly, and from all of us who care for this place every day.
Safari West is here—and entering a new chapter.
We continue to welcome guests and care for the animals you know and love, just as we always have.
From All of Us
Safari West has always been more than a place. It is a community of people—those who care for the animals each day, our veterinary team, the guides who share this experience with our guests, and all those who support what happens here behind the scenes and in every guest interaction. From the care of the animals to the welcome each guest receives, every role is connected.
Every person is part of what Safari West is. For all of us, this next chapter is something we share together. We celebrate it. Because it means that the work we care so deeply about—the care of the animals, the experience of our guests, and the purpose behind it all—continues forward.
Welcoming guests will always be our honor. We are deeply grateful for every guest who chooses to visit Safari West. Your time here matters to us, and we do not take that lightly. We understand that a visit to Safari West is an investment. And with that comes a responsibility we take seriously—to provide an experience that is thoughtful, meaningful, and worthy of the time and trust our guests place in us.
A Legacy That Carries Forward
Safari West has always been shaped by the vision of its founders, Dr. Nancy Anne Lang and Peter Lang. What began as a bold idea—creating a place where wildlife, conservation, and human connection could exist together—has grown into something deeply meaningful for all of us who are part of it today. This next step honors that vision. It protects the history of Safari West while allowing it to grow in ways that will carry forward for generations to come.
For our team, this place is more than where we work. It is a place that nourishes the soul—where each day is grounded in purpose, connection, and care for the animals who depend on us. As we move into nonprofit stewardship, we are creating a path that allows this work to continue with intention—supported by the Safari West Zoological Society and focused entirely on the mission we share.
We are deeply grateful to the partners, friends, and extended family who have been part of this journey from the very beginning—and who continue to walk alongside us as we move forward.
Why a Nonprofit—And Why Now
For more than 35 years, Safari West has been built on a commitment to animal care, conservation, and education. As that work has grown, so has the need to support it in a more lasting and focused way. Transitioning to nonprofit stewardship allows us to do exactly that.
It gives us the ability to:
- Strengthen long-term animal care
- Expand conservation and research efforts
- Grow educational programs
- Invest more deeply in the future of Safari West
At its heart, this is not a departure—it’s a way to protect what Safari West has always been.
Caring for Animals—Every Day
For our animal care team, this work is constant. It’s early mornings, long days, and a deep understanding of each individual animal—their behaviors, their needs, and their health. And it continues to evolve. As our animals age, as our herd grows, and as veterinary needs become more complex, the level of care must grow with them.
Looking Ahead: The Veterinary Hospital Campaign
One of the most important parts of this next chapter is the future of animal care at Safari West.
The development of a dedicated veterinary hospital will allow us to:
- Provide advanced, on-site medical care
- Support aging animals and specialized treatments
- Expand our ability to participate in conservation and research programs
- Ensure the highest level of care for every animal in our charge
This is a meaningful step forward—not just for Safari West, but for the animals who depend on us.
What This Means for Your Visit
Safari West remains open. Safaris, overnight stays, and the experience of being here continue just as they always have.
And as always: Every visit, every stay, every moment spent here supports the animals and the care they receive each day.
The Safari West Zoological Society
As part of this next chapter, we’ve created a new space within our website—home to the Safari West Zoological Society. It’s a place where you can step a little further behind the scenes and understand the work that supports it all. You’ll find it right on our site—just look for Zoological Society in the menu.
Looking Ahead
This is just the beginning. As we move into this next chapter, the role of our community becomes even more meaningful. Whether through a visit, sharing our story, or simply continuing to be part of Safari West, your support helps carry this work forward.
Together, we care for what cannot be replaced.
Every safari is a journey—and ours continues.
With gratitude,
The Safari West Team
