Maine Wildlife Park
A day excursion to the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray, Cumberland County, is an unmatchable treat for nature lovers everywhere. Visitors of all ages have the opportunity to meet and take photos with the many precious animals that currently live at the park.
This is a great opportunity for children and adults alike to learn more about the precious flora and fauna that are native to the region, as well as the importance of wildlife conservation.
Attractions
There are currently more than 30 native species housed at the Maine Wildlife Park. Some of these animals include:
- Black bears
- Coyote
- Beavers
- Canada Lynx
- Gray Fox
- White-Tailed Deer
- Bobcat
- Multiple species of birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. Such as the bald eagle, trophy trout, wood turtle, wild turkey, and more.
These are just a few of the local wildlife that can be observed during your visit. It’s important to remember that the wildlife park is not a zoo, but a sanctuary for animals that cannot survive in the wild. All animals that are brought here have either been orphaned, badly injured, or were raised by humans and kept in captivity. These are animals that cannot live in their natural habitats without human assistance.
All animals kept at the Maine Wildlife Park are here for conservation and rehabilitative purposes. The park is operated by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
Extra Features
The park also has a Visitors Center, which features animal puzzles, light boards, animal pelt displays, and other activities to inform and entertain your young ones. You can also visit the Warden Museum which is on the park grounds and contains interesting displays on the history of the Maine Warden Service, as well as antique warden equipment and memorabilia.
Guided tours of the site and information programs are also available, and bookings can be made online or by phone. Make sure to check the official Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife first, as in-person tour availability is subject to change under current Covid-19 regulations.
And interactions with the animals aren’t limited to viewing. For just a quarter you can purchase feed that can be given to some of the animals in their enclosures. Visitors are also welcome to take photos of the wildlife.
You can even set up your own picnic on the grounds, so you can spend the whole day enjoying the wonders of the wildlife park. The picnic areas come with BBQ grills that are free to use, though you will need to provide your own supplies.
If you are coming in with a larger group you can also reserve one of the large picnic shelters on the park grounds. This is an ideal option for those who want to celebrate birthday parties, work functions, and other group-oriented functions. Small shelters with a 15-20 person capacity require a booking fee of $40.000. For large shelters that accommodate 80-100 people, the fee is $75.00.
Tickets and Admission
Admission prices vary depending on age. A single-day ticket for people aged 13-59 costs $10. For children between 3-12 and adults over 60 entry costs $7.50. Veterans and military personell pay $5.00, and children under 3 visit for free.
Season passes can also be purchased, giving you unlimited access to the site for the season.
Bear Pass: One pass-holder for $50.
Moose Pass: Pass-holder and 4 guests for $120.
Mountain Pass: Pass-holder and 7 guests for $160.
All payments need to be made by cash or cheque, as credit payments aren’t accepted on site.
Opening Hours
Access to the Maine Wildlife Park is seasonal. The park stays open from April 15 to November 11, 7 days a week. Tickets can be purchased from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, with visitors allowed to remain in the park boundaries until 6:00 pm.
Address and Contact Details:
56 Game Farm Road
Gray, ME
04039
Phone: (207) 287-8000
