Dean Harrison, the co-owner of Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Camp Verde, AZ has passed away.

He died of liver cancer that was diagnosed a week and a half prior. Dean went to be with the Lord on 1/8/2023 surrounded by his wife, Prayeri Harrison, and other family members. He was 75 years young. 

“Remember Dean as he was – full of light and love. Although he is not with us now, he will be watching from above,” says Prayeri Harrison.

This is the legacy of Dean Harrison:

His passion for Christ was undeniable and his abundant love of fellow humans is apparent in every word he spoke. Even the animals knew his heart and were drawn to him. Dean spoke with the creatures on their own level and understood their needs and desires by looking through their eyes instead of through a human’s eyes.

Thousands of people can attest that they have watched this communication in action at Out of Africa Wildlife Park which he founded in 1988 with his wife, Prayeri. After 35 years in Arizona, this sanctuary has brought an understanding of the wild and of how it relates to all of God’s Creation.

Dean Harrison was a one-of-a-kind person. His permanent smile and knack for making people laugh were unparalleled. His continual guidance of others towards God has rewarded him with abundant blessings throughout his life – which in turn blessed other people and animals around him. Through the animals, instincts, and laws of nature, he was able to teach people about themselves. 

His number ONE priority was becoming the person God himself could TRUST to carry out His Will. This gentle servant has now gone to be with our Heavenly Father. The world is blessed to have had such an incredible individual here for all of his 75 years. We will forever be grateful to God for allowing this “teacher” to have been part of our lives. 

Dean often said,
“The best lives are lived through love (and not fear).”
He also said to his daughter, Liana Harrison,
“Dreams do come true, in The Lord.”

A Celebration of Life Memorial will be open to the public on Saturday, February 25th at 5 PM. It will be held at Out of Africa Wildlife Park at the Tiger Splash Arena. Please use the GPS address 3505 W SR-260, Camp Verde, AZ 86322.

The Park will be closed at 4 PM to regular visitors and then will be allowing attendees of the memorial into the Park at 4:30 PM. Attendees are welcome to visit the whole Park for the day at standard admission prices.

In lieu of flowers, or gifts we ask that donations be made for the continued support of the animals.

Please send all correspondence to our mailing address:
4020 N Cherry Road, Camp Verde, AZ 86322 or contributions can be made by calling 928-567-2840.