Mom and 2 baby zebras
1 / 10

Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo

4.4
·935 reviews·Tupelo, United States

Explore 210 acres of wildlife at Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo, featuring interactive feeding and a thrilling drive-thru safari with over 260 animals.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Mom and 2 baby zebras

Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore 210 acres of wildlife at Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo, featuring interactive feeding and a thrilling drive-thru safari with over 260 animals.

4.4
(935 reviews)

"The staff were courteous and helpful, making our first impression feel welcomed and our kids loved feeding the giraffe!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Feed the Giraffes First!

Staff recommend feeding giraffes early. They eat special food, so ask about it!

🚗 Drive-Thru Fun

Animals might stick their heads in your car! Be prepared for close encounters.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 935 reviews

Type

Zoo

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Giraffe Feeding Encounter

Giraffe Feeding Encounter

Giraffe Feeding Area

Get up close and personal to feed these gentle giants. A truly memorable experience for all ages!

Drive-Thru Safari Adventure

Drive-Thru Safari Adventure

Designated Drive-Thru Route

Embark on a unique drive-thru experience, with animals often coming right up to your vehicle!

Diverse Animal Encounters

Diverse Animal Encounters

Various Habitats

From buffalo and tigers to zebras and sloths, discover a wide array of fascinating creatures.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Feed the Animals!

Many visitors highlight the joy of feeding the animals, especially giraffes. Buckets of feed are available, but note that giraffes eat a special diet. Plan your visit to maximize feeding opportunities and animal interaction. InstagramReddit

Beat the Heat & Crowds

Summer visits can be hot, with animals seeking shade or water. Weekday visits are generally less crowded than weekends. Arriving earlier in the day can offer cooler temperatures and more active animals. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon (Summer)
Why
Animals may be more active
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

LAWYER UP ✅ #comedy #fyp #hunting #safari #tethrd #lawyerup #wildlife #zebras #exotic
@trentellis
205.8K likes • 4.3M views

🎯 Feed the Giraffes First!

Staff recommend feeding giraffes early. They eat special food, so ask about it! InstagramReddit

🚗 Drive-Thru Fun

Animals might stick their heads in your car! Be prepared for close encounters. TikTokInstagram

🌴🦬🌴All eyes are on The Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo! 🐾Explore the 210 acres filled with more than 260 animals. 🚙Drive Through and Feed 🥾Walk Through and Feed #safari #mytupelo #buffalo
mytupelo
84 likes • 2.2K views
Miriam and her friend feeding a giraffe 🦒!!! They are such intelligent and incredible creatures! Loved our experience at Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo! @buffalopark_tupelo @buffalopark #giraffe #feedinggiraffe #zoo #vacation #tupelo #mississippi #tupelobuffalopark #tupelobuffaloparkandzoo #martinandmiriam #giraffes #girl #girlsonvacation #bestfriends
martin.and.miriam
27 likes • 1.1K views

☀️ Beat the Summer Heat

It gets hot! Animals might be in water. Go early or late for cooler temps. Reddit

📝 Animal Checklist

Use the provided checklist to track all the animals you see on your visit. Reddit

Feeling wild? 🐾 Mississippi’s animal attractions are calling! 🦓 Hang out with zebras at the Hattiesburg Zoo 🐃 Feed buffalo at Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo 🦦 Make friends with otters at the Mississippi Aquarium 🐬 And get a dolphin kiss at Ocean Adventures Marine Park! Which one are you visiting first? 🦒 Get wild and read our latest blog “A Wild Weekend: Exploring Mississippi’s Top Zoos and Animal ...
visitms
37 likes • 2.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Feed the Giraffes First!

Staff recommend feeding giraffes early. They eat special food, so ask about it! InstagramReddit

🚗 Drive-Thru Fun

Animals might stick their heads in your car! Be prepared for close encounters. TikTokInstagram

☀️ Beat the Summer Heat

It gets hot! Animals might be in water. Go early or late for cooler temps. Reddit

📝 Animal Checklist

Use the provided checklist to track all the animals you see on your visit. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Fun

Playgrounds and slides are available in the walking area for extra fun. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(935 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo for its friendly staff, interactive animal feeding experiences, and the unique drive-thru safari. Many highlight the variety of animals and the kid-friendly atmosphere, making it a great family outing. Some mention that summer visits can be hot, and animals might be less active during the hottest parts of the day.

"Great! Saw a lot of animals, and was able to feed animals. You get a check list to check off animals you seen(A Driving and walking list), There was an area with sloths, another with reptiles/snakes, etc. Not to much people when I went (Went on 5/29/2025 around 10:30?) Had a gift shop, Had a collectible souvenir coin (?), Plush, small farm/animal figures and a little bit more. (Overall, Would recommend!)"

Mia Slagle

"Went on a weekday in the summer. It was hot so many animals were in the water but we did have some come eat. It was fun. Didn't do the walk through as it was closing shortly. I recommend checking it out."

Kri (Klmbean)

"The staff was friendly and informative. The entire place seemed to be kid friendly, no matter the age of the kid. All animals looked healthy, with clean environments. We were surprised at how many and the variety of animals they had. We will definitely go back."

cindy holmes

What People Like

Interactive animal feeding
Unique drive-thru safari
Friendly and helpful staff

What People Dislike

Summer heat can be intense

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo is located in Tupelo, Mississippi. It's easily accessible by car. Many visitors arrive as part of a day trip or weekend getaway to Tupelo. Instagram+1

Yes, ample parking is typically available at the Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo for visitors arriving by car. Instagram

Absolutely! Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo is a popular destination for day trips, especially for families and animal lovers looking for a unique experience. Instagram+1

The park offers both a drive-thru tour and a walking area. Many visitors recommend doing both to experience the full range of animals and attractions. InstagramReddit

Yes, Hotel Tupelo offers a special package that includes accommodations and zoo tickets, making it a convenient option for visitors. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While specific prices can vary, visitors can expect to purchase admission tickets and potentially feed buckets for animal encounters. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current pricing information. Instagram+1

It's generally recommended to check if advance ticket purchase is available or necessary, especially during peak seasons or holidays, to ensure entry and potentially save time. Instagram

Operating hours can vary seasonally. Visitors should consult the official Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo website or social media for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times. Reddit

Yes, Hotel Tupelo offers a package that includes accommodations and zoo tickets, providing a convenient and potentially cost-effective option for visitors. Instagram

Yes, feeding the animals is a highlight! Buckets of feed are available for purchase, allowing for interactive experiences, particularly with giraffes and other friendly residents. InstagramReddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see a wide variety of animals, including buffalo, tigers, giraffes, zebras, sloths, reptiles, and more. The park boasts over 260 animals across 210 acres. InstagramReddit+1

Absolutely! The park is very kid-friendly, with opportunities to feed animals, a playground, slides, and a variety of animals to observe. Staff are also noted for being helpful with families. Reddit

The drive-thru tour is a unique experience where animals, like bison, may approach your vehicle looking for food. It's an exciting way to see wildlife up close. TikTokInstagram

Yes, in addition to the drive-thru, there's a walking portion of the zoo that includes animal exhibits, a playground, and slides for children. Reddit

The park has a gift shop selling souvenirs, plush toys, and small animal figures. Restrooms and other amenities are also available for visitor convenience. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While specific dining facilities might be limited, visitors can often purchase snacks or drinks. It's advisable to check their current offerings or consider bringing your own snacks. Instagram

Generally, parks allow visitors to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages. It's always a good idea to confirm their specific policy upon arrival or on their website. Instagram

Tupelo offers a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to sit-down restaurants. The Neon Pig is mentioned as a nearby attraction. Instagram

Information on a full-service restaurant within the park is not widely available. Visitors may find snack bars or limited concessions. Instagram

Concessions typically offer standard park fare like snacks, drinks, and possibly light meals. Specifics would need to be confirmed with the park. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The drive-thru safari offers unique opportunities for close-up shots of animals, while the giraffe feeding area provides memorable interactions. The diverse animal exhibits also make for great photo ops. Instagram+1

Yes, photography is generally encouraged. However, always be mindful of animal welfare and avoid using flash photography if it might disturb them. Instagram

Most wildlife parks and zoos have strict regulations against drone usage to protect the animals and ensure visitor safety. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise. TikTok

A zoom lens is highly recommended for capturing clear shots of animals from a distance. For close-up encounters during feeding, a standard lens or even a smartphone camera can work well. Instagram

While general photography is allowed, be respectful of the animals and other visitors. Avoid intrusive behavior or flash photography that could startle the animals. Instagram

You may also like

Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide