West Midland Safari Park enlisted some extra help this year for the festive season in the form of 60 elves, who have been very busy indeed!
Lead by a completely new role — head elf — the team of Santa’s little helpers worked extremely hard transforming the park’s Discovery Trail into a winter wonderland, ready for Santa’s arrival. The big man himself arrived on 12th November, ready for the start of the park’s annual Santa Safari event.
Not only did the elves set up the magical grotto and create a cosy craft club for Mrs Claus to run, they also planted over 350 Christmas trees, surrounded by a sprinkling of over 1,500 kg of ‘snow’.
Next on the elves’ agenda was ‘Elf School’, where they undertook an intense training course that included learning good elf etiquette, the best ways to spread Christmas cheer and what toys are the most popular this year. They also learnt how to take the perfect ‘elfie’ for the park’s competition, where guests can win a Family VIP Experience.
Head elf, Tinker, said, “We were really busy setting up for Santa Safari – it is our favourite time of the year! After a quick refresh on ‘elf and safety,’ we got to work setting up; hanging hundreds of lights, filling the toy shop with gifts and making sure every bauble is hung perfectly.”
She continued, “The elves and I are really excited to meet all of the boys and girls who are coming to see Santa this year. We have created a whole host of festive activities to take part in too, such as Christmas crafts with Mrs Claus, an ‘elfie’ competition and some festive animal encounters and shows, where you can meet one of our friendly, furry friends! We hope everyone has an amazing and magical time!”
Santa will also need children’s help this year as one of the elves has gone rogue and hidden all of the reindeers’ presents! Children will need to follow a trail to see if they can find them all and if they succeed they will be rewarded with a special gift.
As well as all of the activities, shows and a visit to Santa, children will be treated to their own choice of present, a photo with Santa to take home, choice of drink and cookie. Not forgetting adults who will also be treated to a hot drink and mince pie.
Santa Safari opened on 12th November for weekends only then runs daily from 26th November until Christmas Eve.
Admission is £21.00 for adults, £17.00 for children aged 3-15 years, £7.50 for children under the age of three and £19.00 for concessions. Admission includes a voucher for a return ticket or safari gift. Group and school discounts are also available and annual pass holders or visitors using their return voucher can upgrade to Santa Safari by booking ahead. The Adventure Theme Park is closed during the winter season.
Further information and tickets are available from the Santa Safari official website www.santasafari.com or by telephone 01299 400700. You can find out more on the safari park’s official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/WestMidSafari
Watch the Santa Safari video here.
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