WHEELING — Grab your safari hats and khaki — a new lion habitat is coming to the Oglebay Good Zoo in 2026.

The new 20,000-square-foot habitat will be the first of its kind in the state of West Virginia and the Good Zoo will be the first zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in the nation to offer up-close experiences with lions, according to a news release.

Visitors will also have the unique opportunity for a true safari experience with three exclusive “Base Camp Villas” available for on-site overnight stays.

Villa guests can experience night tours of the zoo and more opportunities for viewing the lions up close as well as dining options and in-room amenities.

Portions of the proceeds from the new exhibit will go towards lion conservation efforts to grow and protect wild lion populations in Africa. African Lions’ population has declined over 43% in recent years, making them a vulnerable species.

The zoo will provide education on conservation in conjunction with the exhibit and wants to ensure wild lions have a future. Oglebay is partnering with AZA’s African Lion SAFE Program, which works to preserve the lion population and its habitat.

“We are deeply grateful to Flip West and family, the Colcom Foundation, Helen J. Prince Foundation and other generous supporters for making this extraordinary project possible,” said Bob Peckenpaugh, Wheeling Park Commission President and CEO.