Exotic Animal Paradise to close

[phillip3225]

"Exotic Animal Paradise to close; land to become housing development

News-Leader staff

Exotic Animal Paradise has announced this morning that it will close Oct. 1.

According to a press statement, the land on which the drive-through animal park has operated was sold to a real estate developer who plans to build a housing development, said Ron Armitage, owner of Exotic Animal Paradise.

The project will include a golf course and a possible family entertainment center.

Exotic Animal Paradise was established in 1971 by John “Pat” Jones, father of Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones."

http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs...S0203/60608004

[QueenAngie]

Things keep changing at Branson!
Thanks for the update.

[ggh]

Exotic Animal Paradise isn't in Branson - it's along I-44, east of Springfield & Strafford.

The farmland around EOP has become housing over the past 4-6 years, and it doesn't suprise me at all that they'd do the same to the park.

EOP use to be a popular stop for locals and visitors alike, but in recent years, it's popularity has decreased.

My dh is going to be thrilled to learn of another golf course coming to the area. UGH!

[isumom5]

That is sad news about the closing of EOP. We used to enjoy stopping there on our way back home from visiting my in-laws in
Texas and of course on our way back from Branson.

[corbrakay]

In the 80's Branson had a place on 165 called Wilderness Safari, it was like Exotic Animal Paradise. I worked there in high school, I thought it was better than the one in Springfield. I was so sad when it closed, I thought my kids would enjoy it. It was one of my favorite teenage jobs!

[ggh]

I've thought about this all day - and I am glad that EOP has sold, and that their are plans to turn it into a housing area.

The entrance is completely ran down, the flags that fly out front are thread bear, the trees that you see from I44 are half dead, and there is never anyone there. I think a housing addition will be a welcome site as I drive by!

[isumom5]

I wonder what they plan to do with the animals there? Anybody got a heads up on that?

[wwgang]

That is sad. We loved this place except for buffalo slobbers on my vehicle. I will never forget the time the giraffe tried to french kiss my wife. Have you ever seen a giraffes tounge? She kept trying to roll up the window but his tounge was to long. Great family memory. I hope they find good homes for the animals. Maybe the zoo in Springfield? It has run down over the years.

[ggh]

The animals do not belong to the owners of the land. The Hostetler Family owns and takes care of the animals. I am sure that the animals will be well cared for.

[Cheesecake]

Yes ggh, it was an eye sore...so sad it got so run down, but I don't think they had enough business to keep up the landscaping.

I heard the animals will be sold at auction........probably much like Cows and Bulls sell at a Sale Barn.

They will get good homes on farms, or in other zoos.
There are some pretty strict laws on the books re: animals....keeping them, shipping them, etc. They will be fine.

[ggh]

On my way by today, I noticed they have the tent up now, where they have company picnics - and the port-a-potty's were visible from the interstate - somehow, that doesn't make me want to stop. The weeds are growing up around the outside of the park. It's just not appealing anymore.

The Hostetler Family was, at one time, breeding them - maybe not ALL of them, but at least some of them. I bet they keep part of them - but you are probably right, some of them will likely be sold at auction. I'm not sure what animals they even have left.

[Cheesecake]

Originally Posted by ggh

On my way by today, I noticed they have the tent up now, where they have company picnics - and the port-a-potty's were visible from the interstate - somehow, that doesn't make me want to stop. The weeds are growing up around the outside of the park. It's just not appealing anymore.

The Hostetler Family was, at one time, breeding them - maybe not ALL of them, but at least some of them. I bet they keep part of them - but you are probably right, some of them will likely be sold at auction. I'm not sure what animals they even have left.

The Ostritch was on the loose this afternoon, and there are Water Buffalo..(HUGE HORNED BEASTS)...Maybe some kind of hooved/grass eater..that I don't know the name of..........watch the 10 PM news...I am too..they were on the 6pm.............and the Ostritch almost got Tim Tealdo(sp)

[stlsports4ever]

No way! I have been going here since I was a little kid! Its a great place. We had a monkey that actually sat on my lap while we were riding! It was awsome.

Mr. Mike

[Erinlyn80]

My name is Erin and I live in Minnesota. Back in 2002 I went to Exotic Animal Paradise and had such a fun time! However all my pictures disappeared and I'd really love some images from the park so I can scrapbook my memories. If nothing else the names of some of those animals would be helpful. Right as we came in the park there was a drooly hoofed animal I'd never seen before. I bought a shirt (which unfortunately also disappeared) featuring this animal stating I got slimed at Exotic Animal Paradise. Anyhow if anyone could make copies of their pics I have a paypal account and would totally pay for the cost of the prints and mailing them to me. You can email me at erilyn80@msn.com I really appreciate any help I can get! Thanks!

[biscuitcreek]

It is now known as Animal Paradise Family Fun Park. Here's the link to the website.

http://www.goanimalparadise.com/