Irvine in Orange County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Lion Country Safari

Photographed By Craig Baker, April 14, 2020

1. Lion Country Safari Marker

Inscription.
From 1970 to 1984, Lion Country Safari made it possible for children of all ages to experience the sights and sounds of an African safari - entirely from the safety and comfort of their cars. It was Southern California's first ever wild animal park. Millions of Americans and visitors from around the world came here for the unique opportunity to observe free-roaming lions, hippopotami, elephants, giraffes, and other wild animals. One of the park's most famous residents was Frasier, a former circus lion, who died in 1972.

The lone oak tree on the hillside across San Diego Creek is no ordinary tree. It is Frasier's Tree, named in honor of the beloved lion and his important role in helping so many humans gain a better understanding of, and respect for, the earth's marvelous wild inhabitants.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas.

Location. 33° 38.608′ N, 117° 45.129′ W. Marker is in Irvine, California, in Orange County. Marker is at the intersection of Dana and Pintado, on the left when traveling north on Dana. Located in the Los Olivos apartment village. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 26001 Pintado, Irvine CA 92618, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers

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are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Barton Mound (approx. 0.3 miles away); 1895 Sack Storage Warehouse (approx. 2.2 miles away); Old Town Irvine (approx. 2.2 miles away); Hotel, Store, Hamilton Bungalow (approx. 2.2 miles away); Bulk Storage Silo Warehouse 1949 (approx. 2.2 miles away); The Old Irvine Blacksmith Shop (approx. 2.3 miles away); History (approx. 3 miles away); Native Ways (approx. 3.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Irvine.

Regarding Lion Country Safari. The original Lion Country Safari opened near West Palm Beach, Florida, in 1967, and it is still open today. Here in Irvine, Frasier the lion became a major attraction when he fathered 35 lion cubs by the park's pride of six lionesses, all within two years, despite his advanced age. As a result, T-shirts, watches, and other souvenirs, and even a movie were made featuring Frasier’s name. He was buried in an unknown location on this hillside. After the park closed, Wild Rivers waterpark opened from 1986 to 2011, with the Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre / Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre next door. It is now a residential community.

Barton Mound
At this location in 1857, while Los Angeles County Sheriff James Barton and his deputies traveled to San Juan Capistrano to arrest Juan Flores for murder,

Marker and Lone Oak Tree image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Baker, April 14, 2020

2. Marker and Lone Oak Tree

The tree is in the distance on the hillside.

they were ambushed below this hill. James Barton was the first L.A.County Sheriff killed in the line of duty. (see nearby marker)

Photographed By Craig Baker, April 14, 2020

3. Lion Country Safari Marker

The hill in the background is California Historical Landmark No. 218 - Barton Mound.

Barton Mound image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Baker, April 14, 2020

4. Barton Mound

Credits. This page was last revised on April 8, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 16, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 1,496 times since then and 238 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 16, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.