Exotic Animal Paradise, a drive-through animal park that's operated on old Route 66 for nearly 35 years near Strafford, Mo., announced Thursday it is set to close Oct. 1, according to the Springfield News-Leader.
The animal park was sold to a real-estate developer, the newspaper said. It will make way for a golf course and possibly a family entertainment center.
I'll have more as the story develops.
UPDATE: Here's more from KOLR-TV in Springfield:
Owner Ron Armitage … said the sale is necessary because keeping the park open is no longer financially feasible. Armitage cited the high cost of fuel, feed, labor and regulatory costs as the reason for selling the park.
"It is a sad time to have such a wonderful family attraction close," Armitage said in a statement. "And just the overall family atmosphere it has provided over the years, has made it a very difficult decision, but i think it`s the right decision and at the right time."
Exotic Animal Paradise drew an estimate 200,000 visitors a year, said Susan Wade, spokesman for the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau. That made the attraction the third-most-visited site in the Springfield area behind Bass Pro Shops and Wonders of Wildlife Museum.
UPDATE2: Here's a new, fairly complete story from the News-Leader.
Sad to see this news. Visited this park in 1984 while passing through on a vacation (not even knowing then it was on old Route 66). Then visited again in 2004 on my first full trip down all Route 66. Little had changed in 20 years and the animal park was a blast. Was looking forward to taking my new born son there when he was a little older and I take him on his first 66 trip, but I guess it won’t happen now.