African Lion Safari 2023

On August 9, 2023, the Vietnamese Women’s Association of Toronto organized an outdoor excursion to visit African Lion Safari for nearly 100 elderly individuals. African Lion Safari is a family-owned safari park in Southern Ontario, located between the cities of Hamilton and Cambridge, approximately 100 km west of Toronto.

Around 9 o’clock in the morning on August 9th, two school buses parked along St. Clair Avenue in front of the Vietnamese Women’s Association office to pick up the elderly participants for the outing. All the elderly men and women, along with the association staff and volunteers, quickly settled into their seats and eagerly anticipated the trip. At exactly 10 o’clock in the morning, the convoy set off under the beautiful mid-August sun.

The buses traveled smoothly along the bustling streets of Toronto, gradually leaving the city behind, and revealing the picturesque and poetic landscapes of Hamilton. The group arrived at African Lion Safari around 12:30 noon. They proceeded to board the Safari Tour Bus to begin their exploration of wild animals. The lovely tour guide, who also served as the driver, enthusiastically provided information and took the elderly guests to see and experience the lives of wild animals that they had only seen in books or on television. From rhinos, zebras, giraffes, and antelopes to monkeys, lions, vultures, and swans, they all appeared vividly before their eyes. Everyone seized the opportunity to take photos and capture wonderful moments with these adorable creatures for an hour.

Next, the group quickly went to watch and appreciate a performance showcasing the intelligence and astonishing abilities of beautiful parrots, as well as the flying styles and hunting skills of hawks, eagles, falcons, and owls. Before concluding this exciting tour, the group had the chance to explore a conservation area with local native wildlife on the beautiful “Natural Boy” railway ride for 15 minutes. Lush green trees, wild scenery, and distant elephants made the outing a beautiful and meaningful experience.

The buses returned the elderly participants to the Vietnamese Women’s Association office at 5:30 in the afternoon. Everyone bid farewell and made plans for their group trip next year.