Exotic Encounters: Exploring Beavers Bend Safari Park in Hochatown, Oklahoma
As you approach Beaver’s Bend Safari Park in Hochatown, Oklahoma, it’s easy to feel like you’ve entered another world. The sight before you — massive stone and timber structures, arches, and a towering steel gate — feels more like something from Jurassic Park than the Sooner State. And beyond the gates and gift shop? You’ll find some of the most exotic and fascinating animals in the region.
Nestled on 90 acres in the scenic Kiamichi Range, a subrange of the Ouachita Mountains, this unlikely location has become a thriving habitat for its wild residents. It’s part petting zoo, nature retreat, and wildlife spectacle. It feels like the Serengeti with a dash of alpine charm. It’s a true wildlife haven in the southwest corner of Oklahoma and offers visitors a unique chance to get up close and personal with exotic animals worldwide.
A Vision Born from Adventure
Beavers Bend Safari Park’s story began in 2017 when founders Errin and Kyle Hugghins took a family trip to a drive-through safari experience. While there, the couple, who already owned a few bison at their Aubrey, Texas, estate, was struck with the idea of starting an adventure of their own.
“Kyle already had his foot in the door with some exotic animals… and just looked at me and said, ‘Let’s do a drive-thru safari park,’” recalled Errin. 
With a background in construction, Kyle had a unique vision for the park’s layout, blending natural beauty with comfortable visitor amenities. The 90 acres of property in Hochatown, Okla., originally only intended as a cabin rental area, soon became Beaver’s Bend Safari Park.
“He’s a visionary,” Errin added.
The animals soon grew from a few bison into a full-fledged safari experience with blends of exotic African wildlife and behemoth North American species.
In all, the park contains over 30 breeds from across the globe. Guests can witness a southern white rhinoceros named Rhonnie and an American bison named King George — two of the star attractions at the park — as well as a 3,000-pound North American elk and his herd, plus zebras, kangaroos, and even hyenas. The park is also filled with different species of African pronghorns, including springbok, sitatunga, scimitar-horned oryx, sable antelope, eland antelope, kudu, gemsbok, bongos, blesbok, blackbuck, waterbuck, addax, and red deer stags.
Beyond these large species, the park features smaller yet equally fascinating creatures, such as Ring-tailed Lemurs, recognized by their iconic black and white tails, muntjac deer, llamas, emus, and ostriches — the world’s largest birds. Each animal enjoys spacious, tailored habitats with heaters and shelters to ensure comfort during the colder Oklahoma winters.
Beavers Bend Safari Park is not a typical a typical drive-through experience. There are also unique opportunities to interact with some of the park’s more charismatic residents. Guests can feed, pet, and spend up-close time around the Rhonnie the Rhino. This setting provides exclusive interaction with the massive mammal in a safe, educational, and protected environment. Other encounters include:
- Tortoise/Kangaroo Interaction: Meet and greet with tortoises and kangaroos.
- Eland Feeding: Hand-feed the largest antelope species.
- Small Animal Exhibit: View lemurs, otters, and other exotic animals.
Big Plans for the Future
The park has some ambitious plans for the next few years. Among the highlights is the development of themed accommodation, including a “rhino barn suite” that will offer guests a three-bedroom stay overlooking Ronnie the Rhino’s enclosure. Similar plans are in place for a giraffe barn suite, which promises an even more immersive wildlife experience.
There are also plans to expand the park with more family-oriented features like outdoor gathering spaces, food trucks, fire
pits, and even the possibility of holiday-themed events like a Christmas light drive-through. The park’s vision includes expanding its wildlife offerings and creating a whole wildlife resort experience for guests looking for a unique getaway.
“We have a two-year, five-year, and 10-year plan,” said Errin. “… We just want to give the whole safari experience.”
A Family Destination with Heart
For families looking for a one-of-a-kind wildlife experience, Beavers Bend Safari Park is a must-visit destination. The park offers something for everyone — from feeding exotic animals to experiencing the beauty of Hochatown’s natural surroundings. With big plans for the future, including new animals, interactive experiences, and accommodations, the park is well on its way to becoming one of the top wildlife destinations in the region.
To learn more or plan your visit, check out Beavers Bend Safari Park’s website at BeaversBendSafariPark.com.
Regular park hours are Sunday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to the last entry at 4 p.m., and Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. to the last entry at 4:30 p.m.
You can also hear from Beaver’s Bend Safari Park co-founder and Vice CEO Errin Hugghins HERE.
