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Where is the new Black Pine located? Is Black Pine Animal Park a zoo? Does it cost anything to visit? What kinds of animals can I see? Can wheelchairs be used at the park? Can other zoo passes be used at Black Pine?
Is Black Pine Animal Park a zoo? For those familiar with the original site location on Albion Road, the new site is very nearby! Black Pine's new site (as of December 2006) is at 1426 W. 300 N. in Albion, which is due west of the stoplight about 1.5 miles. In town, the road is called West Main Street, and is an extension of where State Road 8 ends at the stoplight. For more information, visit our Driving Directions page.
Is Black Pine Animal Park a zoo? Black Pine is like a zoo in that visitors can see many different kinds of animals in various outdoor exhibits. What makes Black Pine different from a traditional zoo is that the animals who reside here were not acquired solely to exhibit them or add to a 'collection', nor are they allowed or encouraged to multiply. Our residents were all been born and raised in captivity either as pets or performers. In many cases the animals have experienced intimate relationships with their human caregivers, which enables visitors to Black Pine to observe them from closer than most zoo animals. Most of our residents would not be accepted by zoos because they can not participate in breeding programs due to lack of records proving bloodlines, or zoos simply do not want or "need" them. In many cases Black Pine is their "last chance". Our animal residents all have names and personal histories that our staff love to share with visitors. The animals enjoy relationships with the staff who care for them and will almost always come up close to see who is visiting. In some cases there are even opportunities for safe and responsible interaction with visitors. Our knowledgeable, caring volunteer staff are always on hand to answer visitor questions and ensure they can really see the animals! We also offer staff-guided tours each day of our regular summer season as well as field trips by appointment. We strive to educate people and provide excellent animal care.
Black Pine Animal Park exists to give rescued and retired exotic animals a safe haven, and to educate people about exotic and endangered species and responsible pet ownership. We hope that our programs enable us to plant a seed of awareness in people to positively impact the conservation and preservation of exotic and endangered species and their natural habitats.
Black Pine was originally founded on a 12.5 acre site, but in December 2006 moved to a new 18 acre site. The new site features a beautiful pine forest and gently rolling hills. Here you will meet over 80 animals representing over 43 species from around the world, many of which are endangered. A typical self-guided tour lasts approximately one hour and staff-guided tours (with question and answer opportunities at each exhibit) last from 60 to 90 minutes.
Black Pine is open year-round with many options for visitors. For the most current season, hours, and admission information, click here.
Does it cost anything to visit? Yes. As much as we wish we could allow everyone to visit for free, it is our nominal admission fee that makes providing a home for our rescued and retired performing animals possible. Unlike most zoos and many similar sanctuaries we generate over 75% of our funds through tour fees and do not rely on large grants or fundraising campaigns for operating funds. We hope that once you've made a visit to the park and taken a tour you'll agree our admission fee is money well spent.
What kinds of animals can I see? We pride ourselves on being able to provide the opportunity to observe big cats, bears, primates, reptiles, birds, camels, sheep, and many more. Visitor favorites are the Bengal tigers, African lions, and chimpanzees. Click here to learn more about our animal residents, a family that is continually growing!
From time to time we have animals that, when safe for both the animal and our visitors, we will allow you to touch and see up close. Do not expect, however, to touch large carnivores or other dangerous animals. With education being a very important part of our mission we try our best to provide an experience that is interactive and fun for all ages. Even if you cannot touch the big cats and bears, you will see them in a much more intimate setting than you may imagine.
Can wheelchairs be used at the park? Yes. The park's visitor paths are recycled asphalt and the staff can also provide tours via golf cart if requested. Golf carts can only carry one passenger in the passenger seat, however.
Can other zoo passes be used at Black Pine? No, but we do offer our own park memberships, senior discounts, and a variety of specials throughout the summer. Black Pine is a not associated with any other zoo. Consult our Events & News page for upcoming specials.
Yes! But we do ask that none of the film or photos be used for commercial purposes without our expressed written consent!
It is important to understand that Black Pine is not set up specifically to entertain children, for the sake of filling time, or for burning off excess energy. Our hope is that children will visit with their families and/or classrooms to learn respect for animals and how to be responsible pet owners when they grow up.
We do not provide a playground or extensive "concessions". We frown upon bringing children to Black Pine if the goal is to let them burn off steam, and we do not allow running, noisemaking, or other such behavior that might disturb the animals or other guests. For those children who love animals, and parents who wish to instill in their children a respect for animals, we offer an unparalleled opportunity to observe them in a very intimate setting. Perhaps more importantly, we encourage children to ask questions of our keepers to learn about the animals and what it takes to keep them healthy, both in captivity and in the wild. We highly recommend bringing children of all ages for self-guided tours any time we are open, with adult supervision. We also recommend our staff-guided tours for ages five and up.
We host over 2,500 children on field trips each year, and highly recommend group tours for classrooms and other youth groups. Click here for more information.
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