24 Jan 2020
Parks! America makes play to add Texas safari park Aggieland to its roster
BY Andy Knaggs
Aggieland Safari Adventure Zoo and Safari Park in Bryan, Texas, is the subject of a potential purchase by Parks! America, which currently owns and operates two regional theme parks, the Wild Animal Safari parks in Georgia and Missouri.
The zoo and safari park is owned and operated by the student body of Texas A&M University – students at the university are referred to as "Aggies" – and was only opened in May 2019.
Set in 450 acres of land about 120 miles from Houston, it features a 250-acre drive-through safari and an adventure zoo for an on-foot safari experience, including opportunities to feed animals such as giraffes, kangaroos, otters, birds and tortoises.
There are more than 100 species of wildlife on-site, as well as facilities such as a covered pavilion, an activity recreation area for kids and dining at the Savannah Grill.
Parks! America has entered into a non-binding Letter of Intent dated 15 January 2020 to acquire the park for US$7.5m (€6.8m, £5.7m). At least US$5m (€4.5m, £3.8m) of this will have to be raised through financing, with the remainder coming from available cash.
The Letter of Intent gives Parks! America a 90-day exclusivity period to execute a definitive agreement, subject to conditions such as satisfactory due diligence, the satisfactory completion of an audit of Aggieland, and necessary regulatory, corporate, shareholder and third-party approvals being met.
Dale Van Voorhis, chair and CEO of Parks! America, commented: "Aggieland Safari fits well in our existing park mix, providing geographic diversification. It is a new park, having recently completed a successful inaugural season, has a high-quality infrastructure and is home to more than 1,000 animals, birds and reptiles.
"We believe Parks! America will add value with our expertise in operating and marketing unique wild animal experiences."
Close Window