Boca Raton’s Africa USA
Do you know what tourist attraction Boca Raton used to have that drew over 300,000 visitors annually? Find out right after this.
John and Lillian Petterson initiated Africa USA as an ambitious project to establish an African wildlife park and botanical gardens in south Florida. Inspired during a drive through Boca Raton, where they encountered a landscape reminiscent of the sprawling savannahs of Africa, they seized the opportunity to purchase 300 acres in 1950 with the vision of revitalizing the town.
Transforming the land into Africa USA posed significant challenges. Firstly, it involved extensive earthworks, such as excavating canals and creating picturesque lakes that later became integral to the park’s allure. Additionally, engineers meticulously designed artificial waterfalls and geysers to enhance the natural beauty of the environment. Moreover, they carefully selected and planted over 55,000 plants to replicate the lush vegetation of an African jungle, ensuring visitors could immerse themselves in an authentic safari experience.
As the landscape took shape, it became evident that fully realizing Africa USA’s potential hinged on introducing its animal inhabitants. This crucial addition would not only enrich the park’s educational and recreational offerings but also fulfill the Pettersons’ vision of creating a sanctuary where visitors could observe and interact with exotic wildlife in a naturalistic setting.
Today, Africa USA stands as a symbol of innovation and dedication. Once captivating over 300,000 visitors annually, its legacy continues to reflect the Pettersons’ enduring commitment to conservation, education, and preserving natural habitats. As Boca Raton’s pioneering wildlife park, Africa USA remains a testament to the power of vision and passion in shaping communities and inspiring generations.
Lynn Johnsen
BocaBayouRealEstate.com
(561) 239-1900
