Our Story

The Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo spans 210 acres and boasts more than 260 animals. Originally a cattle ranch, in 1997, Dan Franklin began adding buffalo and removing cattle. His herd of buffalo grew to more than 300 and was, at one time, the largest herd east of the Mississippi River. Construction of the zoo began, and the Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo officially opened in November 2001. The zoo has grown over the years to include an expansive range of exotic animals, a reptile exhibit, petting zoo, and playground.

Home to one of the tallest giraffes in the United States, Tall Boy towered over the park at 19 feet tall until he passed away in January 2015. The park is also home to world famous, Oliver, a Capuchin monkey whose two escapes in 2007 made newspapers all over the world. His escapes were even mentioned on The Colbert Report and David Lettermans Top 10 List. Oliver is now the proud father of 6 baby Capuchin monkeys.

The park is a wonderful adventure for children and adults featuring a drive through safari, a petting zoo, playgrounds, and more! Drive-through safari park is available to anyone with their own vehicle, where you might come face-to-face with any of our many buffalo, zebras, camels, ostriches, or Watusi cattle! Pavilions are open to reservations for parties, and our picnic area is the perfect place for a peaceful lunch with your family and friends.

We give thanks to our friends at Premium Productions in Tupelo, MS for all of our amazing photography and videography!