Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle and a key figure in the tech industry, recently acquired Lion Country Safari in Palm Beach County. This 254-acre facility, known for its drive-through experience, was sold for $30 million by the original owners, who founded Florida’s largest safari park. The transaction was officially announced on November 19.
Larry Ellison’s Wealth and Real Estate Investments
As of now, Larry Ellison is considered one of the world’s richest individuals, with a net worth hovering around $253 billion. He possesses over 40% of Oracle stock and has interests in various other ventures, including Tesla. In recent years, Ellison has invested heavily in Palm Beach County real estate, purchasing numerous high-end properties.
- Acquired a mega mansion in Manalapan.
- Purchased a waterfront estate in North Palm Beach.
- Bought Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa for $277.4 million in 2024.
Real estate expert Neil Merin estimates that Ellison has spent nearly half a billion dollars on property acquisitions in this region.
Lion Country Safari: A Unique Wildlife Experience
Lion Country Safari, located at 2003 Lion Country Safari Road, has been operational since 1967. Initially, it featured only lions but has since expanded to include 89 species, such as chimpanzees, rhinos, and giraffes. The park remains open and will continue its normal operations despite the ownership change.
The sale aligns with Ellison’s philanthropic goals, particularly his support for wildlife advocacy. His family has historically funded initiatives aimed at protecting endangered species, including the recently opened Larry Ellison Conservation Center for Wildlife Care in Saratoga, California.
Ellison’s Political and Economic Influence
Larry Ellison is not just a business mogul; he has also been a financial ally of former President Donald Trump. Discussions have reportedly taken place regarding significant media acquisitions and settlements involving major networks, including CBS.
In September 2025, Ellison briefly became the world’s wealthiest person, surpassing notable billionaires such as Elon Musk and Larry Page. This surge in status coincided with a significant increase in Oracle’s stock value following strong financial performance.
The Magnitude of Wealth
To put Ellison’s wealth into perspective: if one spent $1,000 each hour, it would take over 114 years to exhaust a billion dollars. With his estimated value, it would take around 4 million years for a median earner in Florida, making approximately $63,000 per year, to accumulate his fortune.
Overall, Larry Ellison’s recent acquisition of Lion Country Safari is emblematic of his substantial influence in both the technology and real estate sectors, as well as his commitment to wildlife conservation.
