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NEWS
Parks! America makes play to add Texas safari park Aggieland to its roster
POSTED 24 Jan 2020 . BY Andy Knaggs
Visitors to Aggieland can feed a number of animals during drive-through and on-foot safari experiences Credit: Aggieland Safari
Aggieland Safari Adventure Zoo and Safari Park in Bryan, Texas, is the subject of a potential purchase by Parks! America, which currently owns and operates two regional theme parks, the Wild Animal Safari parks in Georgia and Missouri.

The zoo and safari park is owned and operated by the student body of Texas A&M University – students at the university are referred to as "Aggies" – and was only opened in May 2019.

Set in 450 acres of land about 120 miles from Houston, it features a 250-acre drive-through safari and an adventure zoo for an on-foot safari experience, including opportunities to feed animals such as giraffes, kangaroos, otters, birds and tortoises.

There are more than 100 species of wildlife on-site, as well as facilities such as a covered pavilion, an activity recreation area for kids and dining at the Savannah Grill.

Parks! America has entered into a non-binding Letter of Intent dated 15 January 2020 to acquire the park for US$7.5m (€6.8m, £5.7m). At least US$5m (€4.5m, £3.8m) of this will have to be raised through financing, with the remainder coming from available cash.

The Letter of Intent gives Parks! America a 90-day exclusivity period to execute a definitive agreement, subject to conditions such as satisfactory due diligence, the satisfactory completion of an audit of Aggieland, and necessary regulatory, corporate, shareholder and third-party approvals being met.

Dale Van Voorhis, chair and CEO of Parks! America, commented: "Aggieland Safari fits well in our existing park mix, providing geographic diversification. It is a new park, having recently completed a successful inaugural season, has a high-quality infrastructure and is home to more than 1,000 animals, birds and reptiles.

"We believe Parks! America will add value with our expertise in operating and marketing unique wild animal experiences."
RELATED STORIES
  May date announced for Texas safari park opening


A new zoo and safari park is set to open in Texas, US, next month, with the Aggieland Safari describing itself as the "Serengeti of the South".
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The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor, creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
London Museum reveals 2026 opening date for new Smithfield home
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Toverland unveils €98m expansion plan as park prepares to launch resort development
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NEWS
Parks! America makes play to add Texas safari park Aggieland to its roster
POSTED 24 Jan 2020 . BY Andy Knaggs
Visitors to Aggieland can feed a number of animals during drive-through and on-foot safari experiences Credit: Aggieland Safari
Aggieland Safari Adventure Zoo and Safari Park in Bryan, Texas, is the subject of a potential purchase by Parks! America, which currently owns and operates two regional theme parks, the Wild Animal Safari parks in Georgia and Missouri.

The zoo and safari park is owned and operated by the student body of Texas A&M University – students at the university are referred to as "Aggies" – and was only opened in May 2019.

Set in 450 acres of land about 120 miles from Houston, it features a 250-acre drive-through safari and an adventure zoo for an on-foot safari experience, including opportunities to feed animals such as giraffes, kangaroos, otters, birds and tortoises.

There are more than 100 species of wildlife on-site, as well as facilities such as a covered pavilion, an activity recreation area for kids and dining at the Savannah Grill.

Parks! America has entered into a non-binding Letter of Intent dated 15 January 2020 to acquire the park for US$7.5m (€6.8m, £5.7m). At least US$5m (€4.5m, £3.8m) of this will have to be raised through financing, with the remainder coming from available cash.

The Letter of Intent gives Parks! America a 90-day exclusivity period to execute a definitive agreement, subject to conditions such as satisfactory due diligence, the satisfactory completion of an audit of Aggieland, and necessary regulatory, corporate, shareholder and third-party approvals being met.

Dale Van Voorhis, chair and CEO of Parks! America, commented: "Aggieland Safari fits well in our existing park mix, providing geographic diversification. It is a new park, having recently completed a successful inaugural season, has a high-quality infrastructure and is home to more than 1,000 animals, birds and reptiles.

"We believe Parks! America will add value with our expertise in operating and marketing unique wild animal experiences."
RELATED STORIES
May date announced for Texas safari park opening


A new zoo and safari park is set to open in Texas, US, next month, with the Aggieland Safari describing itself as the "Serengeti of the South".
MORE NEWS
Expo 2030 Riyadh will create a permanent global destination
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
Australian waterpark acquisition creates new leisure attractions group
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor, creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
London Museum reveals 2026 opening date for new Smithfield home
The London Museum’s new site will open in Smithfield, East London, on 28 November 2026.
Toverland unveils €98m expansion plan as park prepares to launch resort development
The Toverland theme park in the Netherlands has announced a €98m expansion programme that will add a resort, new attractions and staff facilities as it pursues plans to become a multi- day destination.
Butterfly sanctuary to host hot yoga during retreat at Jersey Zoo for Hotel de France
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
Warner Bros Discovery collaborates on upcoming Pompeii attraction
A new immersive attraction designed to transport visitors into the final hours of ancient Pompeii is preparing to open near the world-famous archaeological site in southern Italy.
+ More news   
 
COMPANY PROFILES
QubicaAMF UK

QubicaAMF is the largest and most innovative bowling equipment provider with 600 employees worldwi [more...]
DJW

David & Lynn Willrich started the Company over thirty years ago, from the Audio Visual Department [more...]
Simworx Ltd

The company was initially established in 1997. Terry Monkton and Andrew Roberts are the key stakeh [more...]
Holovis

Holovis is a privately owned company established in 2004 by CEO Stuart Hetherington. [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
29 Sep - 02 Oct 2026

Synergy - The Retreat Show

Pical Resort, Valamar Collection, Porec, Croatia
+ More diary  
 


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