Lion Country Safari renews autism-friendly certification

Lion Country Safari has renewed its Certified Autism Center designation from IBCCES, with updated sensory and autism training for most front-facing staff. The move extends accessibility efforts at Florida’s largest and oldest drive-through safari for autistic and sensory-sensitive guests and their families.

Why it matters: - Lion Country Safari’s renewal signals a continued effort to make a major Florida wildlife attraction more usable for autistic and sensory-sensitive guests. - The certification matters because it ties staff training and guest services to accessibility standards, not just marketing. - The park’s accessibility features can affect how families plan visits and how comfortably they move through the safari and walk-through areas.

What happened: - Lion Country Safari renewed its Certified Autism Center™ designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. - The renewal was announced Sept. 23, 2026, in Loxahatchee, Florida. - Lion Country Safari has held the Certified Autism Center designation since 2024. - At least 80% of front-facing staff completed updated autism and sensory training as part of the renewal.

The details: - Lion Country Safari said the training gives staff practical tools to support autistic and sensory-sensitive guests and their families. - The park offers wheelchairs for rent at the Guest Services area in the Gardens walk-through park. - Accessible viewing windows are available at many habitats, including the flamingo, squirrel monkey, reptile, sloth and porcupine habitats. - Lion Country Safari is Florida’s largest and oldest drive-through safari. - The park spans 300 acres and includes a four-mile drive-through safari and a 55-acre walk-through Gardens area. - The safari is home to hundreds of animals, including rhinos, lions and giraffes. - Lion Country Safari said its focus under new ownership includes conservation, education and an elevated guest experience. - More information is available on Lion Country Safari’s accessibility page.

Between the lines: - The renewal shows accessibility is becoming part of the operating model for tourist attractions, not an add-on. - IBCCES is using renewal requirements and staff training to keep certification tied to ongoing standards. - Lion Country Safari’s inclusion in the IBCCES Accessibility App may help the park reach families who actively search for sensory-friendly destinations.

What’s next: - Lion Country Safari is expected to continue updating facilities and guest services to support accessibility. - Families can also use IBCCES tools such as AccessibilityCertified.com and AutismTravel.com to find certified destinations and related resources. - The park’s ongoing training and certification will likely remain part of its guest experience strategy.

The bottom line: - Lion Country Safari is trying to make its safari experience easier to navigate for more visitors while reinforcing accessibility as a core service, not a one-time project.