Aloha Safari Park up for sale

Update (1:45 p.m. April 6): Aloha Safari Park gave The Rant a statement about the availability of the property for purchase:

We would like to thank everyone who has shown their care and concern over Aloha Safari Park. It is because of our dedicated customers we get to do what we love everyday. 

You might not know, but there was a big change here about two years ago when we got a new owner. He’s a real animal enthusiast, having spent his life working with animals, and he brought that passion with him to Aloha. Since taking over, he’s been all about making the place better for the animals and visitors alike. We’ve seen some amazing changes, and it’s all thanks to his hard work and dedication.

Now, as he’s thinking about retirement, we’re starting to look at what the future holds. Nothing’s set in stone yet, but selling a place like this isn’t quick or easy. We want to make sure that if the zoo does get a new owner, they’re as committed to the animals as we are. The facility will remain a zoo. Selling just for the land is not what we’re about.

Thanks for being part of our zoo family. We promise to keep you in the loop about any changes!

Original story: Aloha Safari Park, a 66-acre zoo located along N.C. 87 just south of Sanford that is home to 300 unique animal species, is up for sale, according the website for National Land Realty.

“Aloha Safari Park represents the unique opportunity for a qualified buyer to purchase one of the largest privately owned and operated zoos in North Carolina,” the sales pitch on the site reads.

The sale includes the real estate, the business operation, all inventory and the animals, which include bison, zebra, ostriches, camels and water buffalo in the drive-through area and tigers, lemurs, wolves, monkeys a giraffe and more in the walking area.

No price or projected value is listed on the real estate site. The Rant reached out to the park and the land broker via email and text for comment on Friday.

Aloha Safari Park has been a popular spot for visitors for the last 16 years. Located at 159 Mini Lane east near Pineview (south of Olivia, west of Barbecue and north of Spout Springs), the park is home to abandoned animals or those rehabilitating from injury or abuse. It’s considered a rescue operation, in addition to a public attraction.

Aloha has undergone several changes in the last two years, adding a two-mile drive-through safari where guests can interact and feed the animals (using pre-approved safe treats). The park is open six days a week (closed on Tuesdays), and admission runs from $15 for adults to $13 for children and seniors.