Accompanying the game reserves is a walking section where exotic birds and primates, as well as the park's herd of Asian elephants, are on display.

This safari park was founded by Gordon Debenham "Don" Dailley, a retired Canadian Army colonel, and opened its doors on August 21, 1969.

Dailley initially partnered with the Chipperfield family from England to purchase four farms in the Rockton, Ontario area totaling 250 hectares (620 acres).

[1] In the Nairobi Sanctuary, visitors can see Ankole-Watusi cattle, llamas, European white storks, Egyptian geese, and grey crowned cranes on a large open field with a pond.

The Rocky Ridge Veldt includes Rothschild's giraffes, Grant's zebras, wildebeest, Common eland, Barbary sheep, ostrich, white rhinoceroses, addax, and scimitar oryx.

The park is involved in the International Species Survival Plans for Asian elephants, cheetahs, White rhinos, and Cinereous vultures.

In March 2021, animal protection organization In Defense of Animals named African Lion Safari as the worst zoo for elephants in its annual report, citing cruel training methods, exposure to Hamilton's harsh winter climate, constant zoo transfers, and breeding processes.

[9][10] In April 1996, a couple driving through the game reserve were mauled by a Bengal tiger (which the zoo no longer exhibits).