Claude M. Conley as a young boy had a vision of someday having his own zoo.  At the young age of 10 he started with 2 peacocks.  Continuing to realize his dream, he purchased the first herd of buffalo in the state of TN from Witchita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Lawton, OK in 1963.  Today with over 60 species, the vision continues to grow through sons Claude and Jon. 

The Zoo and Park reside on a Century Farm, given as a land grant by President Andrew Jackson to Mrs. Helen Conley's  family in settlement of the south.  Hillcrest began in the 1860's as an agricultural farm and continues to produce cotton today!  Over the years we have collected the breath-taking array of animals you see.  Thank you for visiting TN Safari Park at Hillcrest, we look forward to seeing you again. 

West Tennessee is the ideal climate and environment for the animals. The weather is never too extreme and the land is suitable for all the species.  More than 200 baby zebras have been born at the park since the 1980s and more than 80 baby animals of other species have been born there in the past 10 years. In addition to the Safari Park, this is a working farm with an additional 200 acres set aside for growing cotton and raising cattle.  The Conley Family invites you to visit Tennessee Safari Park. We promise you will not be disappointed in the variety of animals you will see.