Lake Tobias Wildlife Park

Lake Tobias Safari Tour

Lake Tobias’ signature attraction is a Safari Tour. See elk, bison, deer, antelope, flightless birds, and exotic animals like the Watusi (African cattle) and Asian Water Buffalo. In all, more than 500 animals roam freely across 150 acres of rolling hills. In spring and fall, the Safari Tour is self-guided with guests using their own vehicle along a marked path. Through the height of the summer season, guests enjoy the Safari Tour in an open-air converted bus with a driving tour guide.  

Did you know that the water buffalo has 3 times the fat content in its milk compared to our cattle species? That’s why their milk is said to make the world’s best mozzarella cheese!

Late Summer Outdoor at Lake Tobias

Giraffe Encounter

Giraffe Encounter

Lions and Tigers and....GIRAFFES!  Take the walking trail through one of the newest sections of the park to find Bakari and Tucker roaming in their three-acre pasture. Giraffes are the tallest land animal, and seeing these lofty lads up close is a truly unique experience.

Lake Tobias offers visitors a chance to give the giraffes a special treat (like vegetables and Acacia branches) from an elevated platform. A giraffe's diet is very strict, and a limited food supply will be sold during each feeding time. Giraffe Feeding Times: 10:30, 1:00, and 4:00.

 

Walkabout Sights and Exhibits

The heart of the park includes dozens of outdoor habitats, including some of the world’s most fearsome species like the including black bears, zebras, and ostriches. The Gibbon apes are a park favorite, delighting guests with their expressive faces and singing. Lake Tobias also has countless birds, from the astonishingly large ostrich and tropical birds to the peacocks, chickens, and guineafowl who roam freely around the park. Check out their interactive park map and chart your adventure!

Inside the Reptile Building, you’ll find custom-designed habitats for slithering and scaly creatures including Poison dart frogs, pythons, alligators, and lizards. You’ll also see tortoises, two-toed tree sloths, and the energetic Tamarins who are always bouncing about their enclosure, full of energy and swinging from branch to branch. Catch a 20-minute reptile show where you’ll learn about the zoo’s conservation efforts and see a creature or two up close.

The Lake Tobias’ Petting Zoo is a perfect way for children to interact with the park’s domesticated farm animals. Walk among these friendly and well-socialized creatures including adorable African pygmy goats and give an alpaca an al-snacka! Do keep in mind that the petting zoo animals love attention, but they are not trained. Keep your little ones close because these eager eaters might jump up to say hello and have been known to occasionally nibble on your shirt.

Reptile show

Lake Tobias History

Museum & Park History

Lake Tobias Wildlife Park is part zoo, part African safari, part farm, and all family labor of love. The Tobias family has operated the park for more than 50 years, and they take pride in delivering one of the region's most unique experiences to visitors each day.

If you’re wondering how these exotic animals ended up in Halifax, it all started with J.R. Tobias, the park’s founder and lifetime animal lover. Learn more about Tobias, his vision, and his animals through the exhibits at the J.R. Tobias Museum & Education Center. There’re also a few animal exhibits inside as well including colorful toucans and a 500 gallon freshwater aquarium!

 

Catch-and-Release Fishing

We’ve talked a lot about the zoo, but Lake Tobias really does have a lake! During park hours, they offer catch-and-release fishing in the main lake that holds bass, trout, and bluegills. In addition to park admission, it’s $3 per person 13 years of age and older. Children 12 and younger can fish for free when accompanied by a paying fisherman who is 16 years and up. Guests provide their own bait and rod. A fishing license is not required.

Fishing at Lake Tobias

Operational Hours & Rates

Visit the Lake Tobias website to see the latest information on hours of operation. Guests can purchase tickets for the self-guided Safari Tour without purchasing admission to other parts of the park and vice-versa.
 

Food & Drink

You can purchase food and drink at several concession stations in the park. In the center of the park, you’ll find hot and cold sandwiches and ice cream at the Grille & Grub and the Chill Zone, both nearby the gift shop. The Hub Refreshment Stand sells snacks like popcorn and candy.

Visitors can pack their own lunches and enjoy them at one of several pavilions and picnic tables nearby the parking lots and playground areas.

 

You can’t go wrong with a state-side safari experience that combines exotic animals, the gorgeous outdoors, wildlife education, and camel kisses!