NEWS
Parks! America makes play to add Texas safari park Aggieland to its roster
POSTED 24 Jan 2020 . BY Andy Knaggs
Visitors to Aggieland can feed a number of animals during drive-through and on-foot safari experiences Credit: Aggieland Safari
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."
 


CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2024

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
 
Leisure Management - Parks! America makes play to add Texas safari park Aggieland to its roster...
24 Apr 2024 Leisure Management: daily news and jobs
 
 
HOME
JOBS
NEWS
FEATURES
PRODUCTS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION
PRINT SUBSCRIPTION
ADVERTISE
CONTACT US
Sign up for FREE ezine
Latest news

24 Jan 2020

Parks! America makes play to add Texas safari park Aggieland to its roster
BY Andy Knaggs

Visitors to Aggieland can feed a number of animals during drive-through and on-foot safari experiences

Visitors to Aggieland can feed a number of animals during drive-through and on-foot safari experiences
photo: Aggieland Safari

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."



Connect with
Leisure Management
Magazine:
View issue contents
Sign up:
Instant Alerts/zines

Print edition
 

News headlines
Six Senses unveils urban wellness retreat in Kyoto inspired by Japanese Zen culture
Six Senses unveils urban wellness retreat in Kyoto inspired by Japanese Zen culture   23 Apr 2024

Six Senses Kyoto opens its doors today, marking the eco-luxury hotel and spa operator’s entry into Japan and a new addition to its urban collection. .... more>>
RSG opens flagship John Reed in Berlin, as its builds out its 'world city' portfolio
RSG opens flagship John Reed in Berlin, as its builds out its 'world city' portfolio   23 Apr 2024

With the launch of its 49th John Reed, RSG Group is looking for more opportunities for its high-end brand in the US and Europe. Cosmopolitan cities .... more>>
PureGym's new results set it up for accelerating growth
PureGym's new results set it up for accelerating growth   23 Apr 2024

PureGym saw revenues rise by 15 per cent in 2023, with the company announcing plans to develop 200 new clubs in the next three to four years. .... more>>
UAE’s first Dior Spa debuts in Dubai at Dorchester Collection’s newest hotel, The Lana
UAE’s first Dior Spa debuts in Dubai at Dorchester Collection’s newest hotel, The Lana   23 Apr 2024

The UAE’s first-ever Dior Spa has officially launched at The Lana, Dubai – the Dorchester Collection’s debut property in the Middle East. Bathed in .... more>>
Deloitte says European health club market hit an all-time high for revenues in 2023
Deloitte says European health club market hit an all-time high for revenues in 2023   22 Apr 2024

Following three disrupted lockdown years, the European fitness market bounced back in 2023, according to Deloitte and EuropeActive’s hot off the press .... more>>
Treningshelse Holding snaps up another Norwegian fitness chain as it sets its sight on market leadership
Treningshelse Holding snaps up another Norwegian fitness chain as it sets its sight on market leadership   19 Apr 2024

Norwegian health club operator, Treningshelse Holding, which owns the Aktiv365 and Family Sports Club fitness chains, has acquired fellow Norwegian operator, Aktiv Trening. The .... more>>
Company profile


Painting With Light

By combining lighting, video, scenic and architectural elements, sound and special effects we tell stories, create emotion and give your audience an experience that they will always remember.

View full profile>>

Catalogue gallery


Featured Supplier

Elevate your spa business: master global standards and thrive in Saudi Arabia's tourism boom

Elevate your spa business: master global standards and thrive in Saudi Arabia's tourism boom

Discover how to prepare your spa or wellness facility for the influx of international guests and meet global standards as tourism in Saudi Arabia surges. More>>




in this issue

• Virgin gets right to wipe out rent arrears
• Fitness industry mourns passing of Jan Spaticchia
• STA offers mindfulness resources



Latest jobs

Jobs Search



Fitness Motivator and Personal Trainer
Location: Market Rasen
Company: Everyone Active
Recreation Assistant (Dry Site)
Salary: Competitive
Location: Market Rasen
Company: Everyone Active
Party Leader
Salary: Competitive
Location: Gainsborough
Company: Everyone Active
Diary dates
Powered by leisurediary.com




22-24 Apr 2024

UK Aufguss Championships

Galgorm Resort, York,







Published by Leisure Media Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385 | Contact us | About us | © Cybertrek Ltd