Maine Wildlife Park
4.7(2.5K)google
4.5(101)yelp
WildlifeWildlife WatchingBirdsFamilyEducationalOutdoor
Overview
Gray is a town in Cumberland County, Maine, United States. The population was 8,269 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Portland-South Portland-Biddeford metropolitan area.
Practical Info
Mon9:30 AM – 4:30PM
Tue9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Wed9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Thu9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Fri9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sat9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sun9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Suggested Duration3-5 hours
Best TimeOperated seasonally from mid-April through November 11 annually. As Maine's state-run sanctuary for orphaned and injured native fauna, the golden hour to visit is at opening at 9:30 AM on a crisp late spring or early autumn morning. The resident moose, Canada lynx, black bears, and cougars are highly active during their morning feeding routines, offering clear viewings before they retreat into shaded daytime naps.
Getting ThereSituated in the town of Gray. For drivers, cruise north from Portland along the Maine Turnpike (I-95 North) to Exit 63 (Gray), turn onto ME-26 North, and drive approximately 3.5 miles following the detailed wildlife state signs to 56 Game Farm Road; the entrance features an expansive wooden canopy lot. No direct urban bus lines serve this sanctuary wilderness park.
Travel Tips
- Directly operated under state wildlife preservation ordinances, the facility opens daily from 9:00 to 17:00 strictly between mid-April and November 11; the entire multi-acre sanctuary enters complete lockdown for winter storage outside these dates.
- Housing rescued regional megafauna under strict state protective monitoring, the sanctuary enforces an absolute, non-negotiable ban on all domestic dogs and pets; companion animals trigger critical stress vectors in wild species, incurring heavy fines.
- State conservation laws mandate separate park ticketing independent of any federal passes; deploying drones or external camera flash units within paddock vectors is a statutory offense due to intense animal startled-response hazards.
Reviews
Positive
- The perfect spot to safely view native Maine wildlife up close! Big moose, lynx, cougars, and black bears are all here. Kids love it.
- Operating as a state-run sanctuary, tickets are very cheap and reasonable compared to commercial zoos, delivering high educational value.
- The setting preserves a raw forest atmosphere; flat wide gravel pathways offer great accessibility, and signs include audio guides.
- It features massive picnic shelters and modern clean restrooms. The staff consists of passionate forestry experts; easy drive with huge lots.
Heads up
- Because animals here are rescued wildlife under rehabilitation, they frequently hide deep in shaded brush to sleep during hot summer middays.
- During busy weekends and school field trip spikes, visitor density swells; the hands-on goat feeding zones get packed with yelling children.
- Adhering to strict non-commercialism, the single snack kiosk food options are limited to cold treats, lacking proper hot meals or diner meals.
- Strong seasonal restrictions apply; it opens strictly from mid-April to mid-November, locking gates completely during the long snowy winter.