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WEEKLY NEWS 1: Wildlife Park Erects Safety Fence

After years of visitors ignoring safety rules at the Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee, Florida, officials have decided to erect a fence separating lions from human guests at the drive-through park. The risky behavior of some visitors included opening car windows and doors near roaming lions; some even went so far as to get out of the vehicle and try to feed the lions. Fortunately, none of the guests have yet become dinner for the animals.

This is the first time in its 38-year history that the wildlife park has built a barricade around the lions. Park officials are concerned not only about the safety of visitors; they fear lawsuits as well. A similar park in Canada was sued last year by two guests who were attacked by a lion through their open car window. The park was ordered to pay a $2.5 million award.

Lion Country Safari was once home to 150 lions and only a few other animals. Now there are only 14 lions and 89 other species--including birds, reptiles, elephants, chimps, and giraffes--share the park’s 640 acres. The other animals have always been separated from the lions.

Only one wildlife park in the United States still allows cars to drive through areas where lions roam: Wildlife Safari in Winston, Oregon.

--Written by Patricia Daniels

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