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On safari! New wildlife adventures launched
Two parks on opposite sides of the Atlantic have launched safari tours attractions this season. At Chessington World of Adventures near
London, Zufari: Ride Into Africa opened at the end of March. It provides an animal-packed adventure onboard specially adapted off-road vehicles, with “hidden dangers” added to the excitement along the way.
A small specialist conservation team have stumbled upon previously undiscovered part of Africa which they have named Zufari. Adventurers enter the base camp station for an interactive pre- show where an explorer outline the details of the challenge before they jump aboard the truck. Passengers then experience a safari expedition across 22 acres of Surrey countryside, coming face to face with animals such as giraffes, zebras, white rhino and flamingos.
Animals for the attraction were sourced from other English zoos and animal parks including Paignton Zoo, Marwell Zoo, Port Lympne and Woburn Safari Park, as well as zoos in France and Portugal and the Netherlands. Special trailers with extended roofs had to be used to transport the giraffe, as seen here. Zufari: Ride Into Africa is the highlight of Chessington’s new Zufari land which also
include’s the park’s existing Flying Jumbos ride and Wanyama Village & Reserve, where guests can see additional animals, including zebra, oryx. Meerkat and mongoose, from a raised walkway and viewing tower. The park and zoo, which also includes an integral Sea Life experience, is operated by Merlin Entertainments. Meanwhile at Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, New Jersey, the new Safari Off Road Adventure will open on 24 May, replacing the former Wild Safari.
Instead of driving through the preserve in their own cars, visitors now get to see Six Flags’ wild animals from on board rugged ex-army vehicles. Each of the 18 customised trucks is equipped with on-board video and a Safari guide to give guests a unique and interactive tour of the 350-acre animal habitat. Passengers will encounter up to 1,200 animals and nearly 80 different species including lions, elephants, rhinos,
The giraffes arrive at Chessington
giraffes, bison, tigers and bears. Skilled drivers will take guests right up to the animals, even wading through ponds and climbing hills. Previously a separately-gated attraction, Safari Off Road Adventure is now included with the cost of regular Six Flags Great Adventure admission.
Huracan sweeps
Bellewaerde The Belgian park Bellewaerde, owned by Compagnie des Alpes, recently opened its most expensive new attraction for 14 years. Huracan is a €4 million indoor/outdoor coaster from Zierer that provides guests with an encounter with a mythological Mayan God.
A long time ago, so the story goes, the Mayans locked up Huracan, god of wind, storm and fire, in a hidden temple to protect their descendants against his destructive forces. A striking entrance by Theming & Animatronic Industries (TAA) ushers park guests into the temple before they get to step onboard one of two trains themed as a double-headed snake.
The ride starts with a dark segment where passengers are exposed to fire, water and wind effects amid authentic Mayan decor. The coaster then leaves the building as it enters the lift section and swoops above Mexico Square and then dives back inside. Various special effects and onboard music add to the 2-minute-long experience. Featuring 500-metres of track, Huracan’s highest point is 15-metres, top speed 50km/h and there are no inversions, ensuring its family appeal. The minimum passenger height requirement is just 1 metre. The attraction, a Force Five custom coaster by Zierer, is one of two rollercoasters from the German manufacturer now operational at the amusement/animal park near Lepur, northwest Belgium.
bellewaerdepark.be Zufari: Ride Into Africa at Chessington World of Adventures
Safari Off Road Adventure at Six Flags Great Adventure 8 MAY 2013
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