The Fondation des Amis du Parc Safari will benefit from an injection of $683,600 from the provincial government to fund a new initiative that could see the park remain open for several additional months during the year. Huntingdon MNA Claire IsaBelle announced the substantial funding on behalf of Minister of Tourism Caroline Proulx for the realization of the Hemmingford-based zoo’s new Safari at Night project.
“This new development will allow the Park to be open to the public for four additional months, which will significantly extend the Park’s tourist season and, by extension, that of our region,” says IsaBelle.
The initiative involves the creation of a nightly illuminated pathway within the park, along walkways that lead to the different enclosures of those animals that can be outdoors during winter – including Naoum, the Siberian tiger. The new project will also include giant illuminated structures that reflect different thematic lands including the Arctic, the forest, and Africa. These developments will allow Parc Safari to remain open from October to the end of February.
The government’s contribution comes from Tourism Industry Recovery Program (PARIT), which was established by the Ministry of Tourism to relaunch the industry following the devastating impacts of the pandemic.
“For several years, I have been thinking of innovating by introducing an activity so the Park can operate not four, but nine months out of the year,” says Parc Safari owner and president Jean-Pierre Ranger. “I am confident this new tourist attraction will benefit the entire region and attract additional visitors to the park, which will lead to the creation and retention of new jobs,” he adds.
For Ranger, the launch of the Safari at Night initiative and extended opening season marks a new era for the park, which remains dedicated to the reproduction of endangered species, and the development of the region and its agricultural producers.
The new outdoor adventure at Parc Safari is expected to be ready for visitors as early as this October. (SR)
