Wagon Trails Animal Park in Vienna has announced on Wednesday that its 23rd season will be its final season before permanently closing.

The park is run by a small family. In a statement from the family, they said while they love what they do, they have also gotten older and realized that closing the park is the best decision.

"It has been our privilege to be part of your family's memories over the years, and we hope to see you for a safari this summer," the statement said.

In the past, the owners were concerned for the park's future once the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, stating that they were unsure if they were able to open.

However, the park did decide to open for drive-through guests only with other restrictions such as guests not being allowed to feed the animals.

Christine Bertok, whose family owns the park, tells 21 News that while the pandemic was a challenge for the park, it did not contribute to the decision to close.

"Our small family has run Wagon Trails and cared for the animals ourselves. It has been 365 days a year commitment that we have truly loved doing. But we have gotten older and see the 'writing on the wall' that is time to close," Bertok said.

Wagon Trails will be open for its final season beginning April 30 and running until September 5.