KENANSVILLE, Fla. — Long before highways crossed the country and cities filled the landscape, enormous herds of American bison roamed across much of North America.

Today, visitors can get a closer look at this powerful symbol of America’s wildlife during a drive through Wild Florida Adventure Park’s Drive-Thru Safari Park in Kenansville.

Often casually called buffalo, the American bison is actually a different animal from the true buffalo species found in Africa and Asia.

It’s also enormous.

Adult male bison can weigh around 2,000 pounds or more, making the species the largest land mammal in North America. Despite that tremendous size, bison are surprisingly fast and agile.

The story of the American bison is also one of conservation.

Once numbering in the tens of millions, bison populations collapsed during the 1800s because of widespread hunting and other pressures. Conservation efforts helped save the species from disappearing entirely, and bison today remain an important reminder of America’s natural heritage.

At Wild Florida, families can encounter these impressive animals while traveling through a 170-acre safari featuring more than 150 exotic and native animals.

And there’s something particularly memorable about seeing an animal this large from your own vehicle.

The four-mile safari route also introduces guests to giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, Watusi cattle and other wildlife, making every turn an opportunity to discover something different.

After the safari, visitors can continue exploring Wild Florida’s Gator Park or climb aboard an airboat for a journey through the Headwaters of the Florida Everglades.

It’s a day that can take visitors from an icon of the American plains to Florida’s legendary alligators and wetlands without ever leaving Kenansville.

Come meet an American giant.

Wild Florida Adventure Park is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is closed Sundays. Reservations can be made Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wild Florida is located at 3301 Lake Cypress Road, Kenansville, FL 34739.

For reservations or additional information, call 407-957-3135 or toll-free at 866-532-7167, or email info@wildfl.com.

Guests can also book an airboat adventure through Wild Florida’s website.

See the bison, explore the safari and experience some of the animals that make the natural world extraordinary.