Did you know that guests were allowed to visit Kings Dominion as early as April 1974, despite its official opening date of May 3, 1975?

Lion Country Safari, a drive-thru African wildlife preserve, was considered Phase 1 of the $50 million entertainment complex. A one-price admission charge included the safari trek, a narrated tape tour, and the Kings Dominion preview center in what is now known as the Jungle X-Pedition area of the park. It was the most expensive themed area, per square foot, of any in the U.S. The preview center included entertainment, access to select stores and food, a miniature scale model of the entire park, and “To Build a Happy Place,” a live musical revue followed by a wide-screen Panavision movie showcasing the construction of the 800-acre Kings Dominion complex.

Perhaps most exciting, visitors could also ride Scooby-Doo (now called Woodstock Express), a double out and back, or basic figure eight, roller coaster designed by the renown designer John C. Allen of Philadelphia Toboggan Company. Whether you knew it as Scooby Doo, Scooby-Doo Ghoster Coaster, or Woodstock Express, the ride continues to be a rite of passage for young children of the Greater Richmond area for 50 years now.

Guests enjoy previews of the Scooby-Doo roller coaster

When Lion Country Safari welcomed its first guests on April 27, 1974, the public was emerging from the first peacetime fuel shortage and major energy crisis of the century. Kings Dominion positioned Lion Country Safari as an educational opportunity and a family-oriented entertainment and recreational outlet. Creative strategy established that this “may be your only opportunity” to see African animals in a natural environment and cataloged the plight of endangered species. A sense of urgency was thus utilized to justify excursionary visits at a time when people were increasingly conscious of the demand to curb unnecessary travel. As the season matured and the gas shortage eased, it became clear that most people felt the problem was over - but the travel industry remained seriously affected. Virginia travel was down an estimated 15% for the entire year of 1974, and both fuel and inflation were considered to be primary causes.

Work progresses on Kings Dominion while Lion Country Safari operates

Nonetheless, Lion Country virtually achieved its final attendance objective of 650,000 by the end of the first operating season on November 3, 1974. In-park studies conducted throughout the season revealed that an extremely high percentage (85%) of visitors interviewed planned to return to Kings Dominion in 1975 when it opened, and it is also noteworthy that only 50% of the visitors surveyed had seen the Preview Center film “To Build A Happy Place”.

Thanks to a 1974 Lion Country Safari guidebook, we can visualize what this “first season” experience was like!

From “On Safari in Virginia”

"While driving over the picturesque Safari trails of Virginia's Lion Country, it becomes dramatically evident at every turn that an authentic African wildlife preserve has been transplanted successfully to the Eastern United States. As in the fabled African bushveld itself, magnificent animals, including rare and endangered species, roam free in their simulated natural habitat. Unfolding during your leisurely motor safari will be three separate sections, names for some of Africa's most colorful wildlife sanctuaries and romantic locales-Tsavo Park, Serengeti Plains, and the Umfolozi Reserve—all conjuring up the haunting mystique of the so-called Dark Continent. The beautiful and exotic animals that roam over Africa's picturesque terrain may be admired here in all of their natural splendor. The simulated African settings have been re-created with painstaking fidelity, and the animals dwell together in contentment, free from peril. Let us, then, begin our trek through the ever-changing African wildlife kingdom to enjoy— at close-up range— an adventure often unmatched even in the African bush.

Foundations for the monorail track are laid next to the safari driving path

Tsavo Park

First among Virginia's Lion Country Safari's three drive-through areas is Tsavo Park, inhabited by a wide range of animals, from antelopes to elephants, camels, and numerous exotic birds.

Largest of all land mammals, African elephants, are easily distinguished from their Asian counterparts by their huge ears, often protruding from their massive heads like enormous sails billowing in the wind.

Students of African Mammalia will be intrigued with this serene section, pausing to identify the many species dwelling together so harmoniously.

If you look closely you will see such varieties of antelope as scimitar-horned oryx, eland, blackbuck, sitatunga, aoudad, nilgai, gemsbok, and the white-bearded gnu or wildebeest. New specimens are constantly added as they become available; many are born at Lion Country Safari's other African wildlife preserves in Florida, California, Texas, Georgia, and Ohio.

Giraffes browse contentedly here among the antelope and elephants. Normally nervous and skittish in the wild, the giraffe has adapted well to Virginia environs. The world's tallest mammal has become so assured at Lion Country Safari, in fact, that he often poses willingly—approaching automobiles to accommodate enraptured photographers.

Special delivery! The giraffes were excited for their new home!

Serengeti Plains

As you enter this section reserved for the "King of Beasts", you will experience your first eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation with free-roaming lions —undisputed monarchs of the African plains.

Whether lazing majestically along the road or strolling imperiously among automobiles, these magnificent sultans of the savanna are despite their seeming affability as untamed as their brethren roaming the African plains. And, because they are not caged their behavioral patterns are much like their wild counterparts in Africa.

While driving slowly among our prides of lions it is absolutely imperative that you keep your automobile windows closed. If you experience any difficulty whatsoever (automotive or otherwise), remain in your car and sound your horn. A patrolling Ranger will respond immediately with assistance.

During your safari through the Serengeti Plains, you may encounter a lioness with cubs. Because these little tykes are so playful and energetic, they may dart away briefly from Mama and stray onto the road. If you drive too closely to the straying cubs, Mama may approach growling, ears flattened and tail lashing, to warn you away from her young. Please heed the warning and maintain a respectful distance. Popular literature almost invariably characterizes Panthera Leo as a creature of the jungle. Nothing could be further from the truth. The lion is an animal of the open orchard, bush, and savanna— the great grass plains that cover so much of Africa. It should have become obvious by now that lions are group-oriented. In that respect, they are distinct from virtually all other felines. The size of a lion family, or pride, can vary in the wild, according to hunting opportunities. In some parts of Africa, three or four lions can comprise a normal pride, but in lusher areas, 20 to 30 may hunt together. The average pride at Lion Country ranges between 15 to 20.

Lions came right up to your car and even sat on them sometimes!

Umfolozi Reserve

In addition to a dazzling variety of antelope, this section belongs to one of Lion Country Safari's most interesting species—the white or wide-lipped rhinoceros. A real traffic-stopper, the white rhino is actually battleship-gray in color. Rarer than its black rhino cousin, this species is threatened with extinction in East Africa. The name white rhino originated with Dutch colonists in South Africa who referred to this species as "wyd" or wide, a reference to their wide-lipped mouths, which are particularly well suited for grazing.

The white rhino is the second largest land mammal in Africa, next to the elephant. At Lion Country Safari rhinos are permitted to roam freely among cars winding their way along the safari trail under the scrutiny of game wardens and rangers.

At the Virginia wildlife preserve is one of the largest single assemblages of white rhinos outside of Africa. The entire herd of 20, ten females and ten males, was flown to the United States from Natal Park, South Africa — the largest shipment of animals ever flown into the United States.

Another magnificent animal commanding attention in this section is the hippopotamus, or "river horse" as the ancient Greeks called it. Hippos have taken happily to their new home here, lolling in their private pools, sunbathing, dining, and drowsing. If you cannot glimpse the hippos immediately, wait a minute or two because occasionally they submerge completely, surfacing every three or four minutes for a breath of fresh air.

The resident ostriches here are the largest of all living birds. Unable to fly, they strut about. Often comical in their antics, ostriches can be quite dangerous if provoked. Hundreds of ostrich eggs are being laid and hatched annually at Lion Country Safari parks.

Most compatible with many of the other animals is the zebra, grazing alongside the giraffe, elephant, and ostrich. This striped cousin to the horse is easily "spooked" by intruders, so please pause for a moment on your safari and let the zebra's natural curiosity bring him to your car window.

Although there are many species of zebra, the ones you see at Virginia's Lion Country Safari are mainly of the Burchelle species (notice the light brown stripes between the dark black ones). Following your trek through the preserve, you are invited to linger awhile longer. Enjoy our Safari Camp (entertainment area, with its African-theme rides and shows, authentic African curio bazaar, and many other attractions-notably Pets Corner and animal nursery.

Safari Camp

After completing your safari through the African wildlife preserve, visit the theme-amusement area and enjoy a visit to the baby animal nursery, pets corner or the Afritheater bird show.

Stop by The Hungry Hippo, an African-style restaurant with an American-style menu, or visit The Elephant's Trunk to browse in a curio shop featuring authentic African artifacts.

Animal Nursery

Newly-born animals may be admired in this glass-fronted building where lion cubs, chimps, ostriches and other exotic species play until they can join their elders within our African wildlife preserve. Included in the nursery building is an animal care center, with kitchens for special diet preparation and veterinary offices.

A caretaker with her lion cubs overlooking the field of dreams - Kings Dominion

Pets Corner

Particularly enjoyable to youngsters is this miniature wildlife preserve where they may come in direct contact with various species of small animals.

Boys and girls may feed and fondle a wide variety of domestic and exotic animals.

Afritheater Bird Show

One of the most exciting and versatile bird acts in the world is performed several times daily in the Safari Camp's Afritheater. You will see exotic and beautiful birds roller-skate, ride a bicycle, kiss anyone in the audience on command and perform astounding acrobatic stunts.

The Hungry Hippo

A refreshing respite can be enjoyed in this African-style restaurant which features an American-style menu. There is spacious seating inside, plus two large patios which afford a spectacular view of the entertainment area.

The Elephant's Trunk

Visitors are invited to browse in this African curio shop and purchase an authentic memento of their safari. This bazaar features hard-to-find items designed and made by African tribal craftsmen, including exquisite jewelry, handbags, wood carvings, and other artifacts.

Hanna-Barbera's Cartoon Characters

These lovable and famous characters from television greet youngsters of all ages who visit Lion Country Safari's African theme-amusement park. Yogi Bear, Scooby Doo, The Flintstones and The Banana Splits are just a few of the delightful characters you will see and meet roaming through Safari Camp.

To Build A Happy Place

This is an exciting preview of Kings Dominion, offering an advance look at the many attractions awaiting pleasure-seekers when the 200-acre amusement complex opens in the spring of 1975.

A talented young troupe greets visitors with a musical preview of the $50 million entertainment complex. Then follows a 15-minute film in Ultra-Panavision of this soon-to-be fabulous world of Kings Dominion. With its phenomenal stereophonic sound and spectacular special effects, this movie is a must for all visitors to Lion Country Safari. Warning! Hang onto your seat when the roller coaster film begins.

Artist's concept of Kings Dominion

Lion Country Safari's African wildlife preserve will be one of the five theme areas featured in Kings Dominion "Land of Family Fun". There will be The Happy Land of Hanna-Barbera, where such beloved cartoon characters as Yogi Bear and Fred Flintstone come to life. It'll be a land of laughter and fantasy with a super sports car ride, the Scooby Doo Coaster and numerous other rides adding to the fun. International Street will feature the charm, grace and intrigue of many foreign lands. Quaint specialty shops and sidewalk cafes will line the boulevard which will be dominated by a 33-story replica of the Eiffel Tower and a stupendous fountain display. Coney Island, will be re-created with a turn-of-the-century amusement park atmosphere. Featured will be twin racing roller coasters that reach speeds of 60 m.p.h., a cable-car skyride and many more exciting and fun-filled rides. The Old Virginia theme area will evoke a wonderful nostalgic era, complete with a musical variety show featuring the park's talented youth. Major rides will include a 19th Century railroad and a thrilling Log Flume. There will be diversified live entertainment throughout the park in small and large groups, including a 30-minute musical review and an amazing porpoise show.Join us in the spring of 1975 for the gala opening of Kings Dominion.

Concept art of the all-new amusement center

When Kings Dominion finally opened the next year in 1975, an air-conditioned monorail was installed to safely guide passengers embarking on their educational journey throughout the preserve and eventually maneuvered inside and around The Lost World mountain, housing infamous rides such as The Time Shaft, Journey to the Land of Dooz, and The Haunted River. The attraction was eventually renamed Wild Animal Safari, and the wildlife experience ceased to operate at the end of the 1993 season. All animals were safely relocated to other habitats and preserves. Many of the backroad paths that drivers navigated on still exist in behind-the-scenes areas of the park to this day.

The monorail driving past wild animals

As Kings Dominion approaches its 50th Anniversary in 2025, it’s worth reflecting on how the park began operations, and that some components of the park, like Woodstock Express, the park’s first-ever operating ride, will be celebrating their anniversary as well.