Maine Wildlife Park
This August my girls and I went on a girls’ getaway trip to Freeport, Maine. Since the three of us are animal lovers, we decided to drive a half hour away to Gray, Maine to visit the Maine Wildlife Park. It ended up being one of the most memorable days of the summer thanks to the hospitality of their staff. We were able to first enjoy the park on our own and were then given a behind-the-scenes tour to get up close to some of our favorite animals. Little did we know how close.
When we were offered the opportunity to “feed the bears” we assumed it meant we would be feeding them grain through the viewing area. We had no idea they meant we would be given a once in a lifetime chance to feed a 500-pound black bear grapes from the palm of our hands. What an amazing experience as the gentle giant, Red, softly took his treat. I was shocked at how calm my daughter was as she fed him.
The biggest anticipation for my girls was finally being able to see a moose for the first time in their lives. They had no idea they would be given the opportunity to meet Zoe and Byron up close, pet them, and even feed them a banana. They fell in love and it was an experience they will never forget.
Another thrill we had was meeting a gorgeous bald eagle. He injured his wing as he fell from a tree after it was struck by lightning. Since he cannot fly, he will not be released back to the wild so this will be his new home. He was so close to us we could have reached out and touched him.
We also learned about the specific diet each animal has. We were able to see what goes into the feeding routine and how they keep track of what each animal eats.
There were so many adorable animals (over 30 different species) that we couldn’t decide which were our favorite. They have every Maine animal you could think of including a bobcat, lynx, fox, deer, coyote, owl, skunk, vulture, and many more.
A fun section of the park is the Wetland Trail. As you walk through the shady woods, there are riddles written on signs that give clues to different animals you can see while walking. Search for wooden animals hidden all over…and don’t forget to look up!
Maine Wildlife Park is run by a dedicated staff of caring people who always make the needs of the animals their top priority. In fact, about 40% of the people that work there are volunteers. Unlike a zoo, the park does not feature exotic species from outside of Maine. Many of the animals are non-releasable for a variety of reasons including injuries, human dependence, or illegal human possession. Here they will be cared for and protected for the rest of their lives.
Tips:
- Bring quarters to feed the bears, deer, ground birds, and trout.
- Use your mobile device to take a self-guided tour of the park. It’s a great way to learn more about each animal.
- There are wildlife talks on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11:00 and 1:00 in July and August.
- There is a Snack Shack.
- The park offers remarkable programs throughout the year. Check out their website for their calendar.
HOURS: Open daily 9:30-4:30. Visitors may stay until 6:00.
COST: Ages 4-12 $5.50, Ages 13-59 $7.50, Ages 60+ $5.50.
ADDRESS: 56 Game Farm Road, Gray. Maine 04039
PHONE NUMBER: 207-657-4977
WEBSITE: mainewildlifepark.com
A sincere thank you to Maine Wildlife Park for having my family as guests of your park and for the unforgettable behind-the-scenes experience. As always, opinions are 100% my own.