Oglebay Good Zoo is breaking ground on its most ambitious project to date: the Gary E. West Pridelands, a 20,000-square-foot lion habitat and immersive viewing area set to open in 2026. The public is invited to attend the groundbreaking ceremony on October 9 at 9 a.m. —a milestone moment for the zoo and the community it serves.
Located within Outpost Africa, the zoo’s new multi-species savanna experience, the Pridelands will be the largest lion habitat of its kind in the eastern United States and the only one in West Virginia. Once complete, Oglebay Good Zoo will become the first AZA-accredited zoo in the nation to offer a truly immersive carnivore experience—bringing guests face to face with African lions in a dynamic, naturalistic environment.
Outpost Africa will also be home to cheetahs, zebras, red river hogs, and other African species, creating a rich and interactive landscape that blends education, adventure, and awe.
As part of this expansion, guests will be able to book stays in Prideland Villas—luxury, safari-style accommodations offering front-row views of the lions, guided tours, and intimate evening encounters that connect visitors with wildlife in unforgettable ways.
Beyond the guest experience, this project deepens Oglebay Good Zoo’s commitment to global conservation. With African lion populations having declined more than 43% in the past 30 years, proceeds from the exhibit will support the Lion Recovery Fund and AZA’s SAFE African Lion Program to protect wild lions and their natural habitats.
“Outpost Africa represents the next chapter for the Good Zoo,” said Wheeling Park Commission President & CEO Bob Peckenpaugh. “At its heart, the Pridelands will offer a breathtaking experience—one that inspires connection, fosters understanding, and supports conservation.”
This transformational project has been made possible through the generous support of Flip West and family, the Colcom Foundation, Helen J. Prince Foundation, WesBanco, Wheeling Tire, and many others. Key partners include the Mills Group, LDL Studio, Allegheny Design Services, Vaughn, Coast & Vaughn, Harper Engineering, Waller Corporation, and WDM Architects.
The public is invited to join the celebration at the groundbreaking ceremony on October 9 at 9 a.m. at Oglebay Good Zoo.
For more information and ongoing updates, visit oglebay.com/good-zoo or follow Oglebay Good Zoo on social media.