Good News York | EP. 158 – feat. Jeff Taylor from The Wild Park
In this episode of Good News York, host Noah Chrysler sits down with Jeff Taylor — the visionary entrepreneur behind The Wild Park, The Haven, and Taylor’s Wilderness Safari, all located right here in Chittenango, New York.
Jeff opens up about what it took to build one of the most unique animal parks in the country from the ground up over 16 seasons — battling local pushback, navigating red tape, and constantly pushing the limits to turn a bold dream into a thriving destination. We explore The Wild Park’s massive and interactive zoo experience featuring some of the largest private big cat collections in the country, with over 30–40 cats and 600–800 animals total. Jeff also gives us an inside look at The Haven — a stunning wedding and concert venue that sits on a savannah where giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and African antelope roam freely. Named the most unique concert venue in the country, The Haven has an incredible 2026 lineup including Drake Milligan, Avery Anna, Buckcherry, Montgomery Gentry, Marshall Tucker Band, and The Band Perry.
Jeff discusses the return of live Tiger Shows, his new non-profit Friends of the Wild, the philosophy behind keeping animals in captivity, and why he believes zoos play a critical role in conservation and education. He also reflects on the lessons learned from years of entrepreneurship, the importance of his team, and what’s next for this ever-expanding empire.
If you’ve never been to The Wild Park — this episode will make you want to go. And if you have, you’ll love hearing what’s coming next.
Chapters:
0:00 – Intro
0:13 – Jeff Taylor Introduces Himself & The Wild
0:56 – What Is The Haven?
2:13 – A Wedding Venue on an African Savannah
3:04 – Most Unique Concert Venue in the Country
4:12 – 2026 Season Opening & What’s New
5:01 – Tiger Shows Are Back & Friends of the Wild Non-Profit
6:18 – Feeding Tigers: What Do They Actually Eat?
7:20 – 16 Seasons of Fighting for the Business
8:31 – Lessons Learned: Running Out of Forgiveness
9:10 – Animal Welfare & Caring for 600–800 Animals
11:17 – Why Zoos Matter: Conservation & Education
12:26 – Building a Great Team
13:03 – The Team Behind the Magic
14:15 – How to Visit & Follow The Wild Park
15:10 – Outro
🌐 Links & Info:
📍 Good News York: www.goodnewsyork.com
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🎬 Video production by ClickStream Studios: www.ClickStreamStudios.com
