Maine Wildlife Park opening Saturday for the 2013 Season

Moose at the Maine Wildlife Park.

The Maine Wildlife Park, located on Route 26 in Gray, will open for the 2013 season on Saturday, April 13 at 9:30 a.m. – just in time for school vacation!

Even though there is still some snow on the ground, it’s a bit muddy, and the new bathroom building project is in full swing (and may temporarily disrupt some activities in the picnic area), the wildlife park will welcome visitors the second Saturday in April this year.

So many families cannot wait to visit their favorite animals after a long winter. Close to 10,000 fans have kept in touch with our wildlife via Facebook throughout the winter, “liking” and commenting on photos posted of wildlife individuals as they adapted to winter snow and cold. But they are ready to see them again in person!

“I encourage Mainers and their families to visit The Wildlife Park and enjoy the all the displays, exhibits and demonstrations the park offers,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “It is a wonderful opportunity to experience Maine’s wildlife up close and to learn about their natural habitat, as well as our state’s conservation efforts to protect them.”

The Wildlife Park has a variety of NEW events planned for weekends, beginning Saturday, May 4, with a live wildlife exhibit and demonstration from the W.I.L.D. Center of NE, which will bring an interesting menagerie of exotic wildlife related to our very own Park critters. Learn about, see and photograph unusual animals like a Serval Cat, Crested Porcupine, Arctic Fox, Indigo Snake or Alligator Snapper – and many more!

Other new programs throughout the summer will include Falcons, Lobsters, a Mad Science Fire and Ice Show, Outdoor Safety and Survival, the Dry Mills Hatchery Display Building Dedication and park-wide Open House, an evening Table Tour featuring local specialty foods, a night visit with Northern Stars Planetarium, a Maine Authors Day, an all-new Pow Wow and a meet and greet with the stars of “Northwoods Law!” Plan to purchase your family pass now so you don’t miss any of the fun and be sure to pick up an event calendar!

The Maine Wildlife Park is owned and operated by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. The park exists to promote an understanding and awareness of the wildlife, conservation and habitat protection programs and projects of MDIFW.

The Maine Wildlife Park has over 30 species of native wildlife on display, plus wildlife gardens, nature trails, a fish hatchery and other interactive exhibits and displays. The park is open daily from April 13 through November 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; visitors must leave the premises by 6 p.m.

Admission to the park is free for ages 3 and under; $5.00 ages 4-12; $7.00 for adults, and $5.00 for seniors. Groups of 15 or more are $3.50 per person. Bring a picnic and spend the day! Family and Community Season Passes are available and are an incredible bargain for families and groups that visit the park several times over the course of the summer.

Remember that Family Passes make a great gift and are available for purchase in the Department of Fish & Wildlife’s online store at www.mefishwildlife.com. For more information about any of these programs, please call the Maine Wildlife Park at 207-657-4977 or visit us online at www.mainewildlifepark.com , www.mefishwildlife.com or on Facebook!

GEMS OF ROUTE 26: Rich in culture, ecology and history, the Maine Wildlife Park, Shaker Village, Poland Spring Inn and Resort, Poland Spring Preservation Society, Poland Spring Preservation Park, Harvest Hill Farm and the grounds of McLaughlin Garden truly are “The Gems of 26.”

Visitors are encouraged to go and experience the park, as well as five other unique sites – all less than an hour from each other on the picturesque Route 26 in Western Maine. Route 26 connects Western Maine to the rest of the State via Maine Turnpike’s exit 63 in Gray; meandering through gorgeous countryside and boasting culturally, historically, and ecologically significant attractions. Just thirty minutes north of Portland, a family can spend a day or several days visiting all five important and interesting destinations for very little monea true value. www.gemsof26.com