Georgia Safari News & Updates | Conservation Park Stories & Announcements

Summer in Georgia is no joke. By August, the air is thick, the pavement shimmers, and anyone who suggests spending the afternoon outside deserves an incredulous look. And yet, a day spent at Georgia Safari Conservation Park in Madison is one of the best ways to spend a hot summer day. The trick, it turns out, is knowing how the locals do it.

The animals here at the park have been beating the heat for millions of years, and we could all stand to learn a lesson or two from our August animal of the month.

Meet Fable, Georgia Safari’s resident Fennec Fox. Native to the Sahara Desert, the Fennec Fox is one of nature’s most creative solutions to extreme heat. Those famously oversized ears are not just for show–they are packed with blood vessels that release body heat into the air, working like a built-in cooling system. Fennec Foxes also burrow underground during the hottest parts of the day and are primarily nocturnal, an enviable lifestyle during the dog days of summer. Desert animals, like the Fennec Fox, are engineering marvels. 

For the rest of us without specialized ears or underground hideaways, here are a few tips to stay comfortable on your Safari visit this summer.

• Arrive early. The park opens at 8:30 am, and the morning hours offer a cool and comfortable environment for guests and animals alike.

• Wear light, breathable clothing and bring a hat. Shade is available throughout the park, but sun protection goes a long way.

• Keep a water bottle. Outside food is not permitted on tours, but a trusty canteen is always encouraged!
• Stay overnight! The best way to beat the heat is by staying overnight in our fully air-conditioned Luxury Safari Tents, a perfect spot of respite from the hot summer days.

Speaking of the perfect summer day, Georgia Safari is also one of the most exciting spots in Georgia for hosting birthday parties! The park accommodates private and group experiences for parties of all sizes, putting your birthday crew on a guided tour through 140 acres of open savanna alongside zebras, kudus, and of course, Fable the Fennec Fox! Kids can get up close and personal with animals they have only ever seen in books, with captivating lessons from our guides that will keep the whole family entertained. You can even turn a great party into a full-on safari sleepover in our luxury tents, giving your junior park ranger a birthday experience they’ll be talking about long after the candles are blown out.

Private tours and birthday parties can be arranged in advance through the park at georgiasafari.com. Celebrate your birthday this summer and Go Wild at Georgia Safari Conservation Park!