4/23/2007

Maine Wildlife Park hosts 2007 Summer Wildlife Days

Route 26, Gray
Contact: Lisa Kane @ 287-3303 Lisa.Kane@maine.gov
www.mainewildlifepark.com 207-657-4977 X 0
Open daily mid-April-November 11 9:30am-4:30pm
Sponsored by the ‘Friends of the Maine Wildlife Park’
These special displays may be viewed from approximately 11:00am to 2:00pm unless otherwise noted.

Saturday May 5 SPARKS ARK
Dave Sparks, owner/operator of the local ‘Sparks Ark’ company, will set up and staff an informative exhibit about Wild Animal Emergencies and Nuisance Wildlife Relocation. Have you ever have a raccoon stuck in your chimney, a skunk under your porch, woodchucks in the garden, or bats in your attic? Dave Sparks, and others like him, are licensed animal damage control agents and the professionals to call when you experience a problem with area wildlife. Dave makes every effort to ‘live trap’ nuisance wildlife and relocate it to more appropriate habitats, far away from humans. But he can also give you tips, tricks and ways to discourage wildlife that may be causing trouble in your gardens, home and buildings. This is an informative exhibit and program, with tips you're sure to remember. Dave usually brings a few critters along with him for you to see up close and personal.

A summer series of wildlife exhibits and demonstrations targeted for the general public is offered throughout the season at the Maine Wildlife Park, located on Route 26 in Gray. 'Wildlife Days' are held on consecutive weekends through the summer, and are sponsored by the Friends of the Maine Wildlife Park. Presenters featuring a variety of wildlife topics will set up exhibits and demonstrations from roughly 11:00am to 2:00pm on most Saturdays. We encourage visitors to stop by, ask questions and even participate in some activities.

Three popular ‘Night Visits’ will also be offered, when the park opens on moonlight evenings for a June 30th “Creatures of the Night” Hike from 8-10pm; a July 28th “All about Owls Hike”, from 8-10pm, and the very popular October 26th “Halloween Night Hike”, from 6-8pm.

The Wildlife Park Nature Store is full of new wildlife and nature merchandise for all ages; and the Friends of the Maine Wildlife Park ‘Snack Shack’ sells ice cream, soda and light snacks, with all monies raised donated to the Wildlife Park for wildlife exhibit improvements and new construction.

The Maine Wildlife Park has over 25 species of native wildlife on display, plus wildlife gardens, nature trails, and other interactive exhibits and displays. The park is open daily through November 11th from 9:30am-4:30pm; visitors must leave the premises by 6:00pm. Admission to the park is free for ages 3 and under; $4.00 ages 5-12; $6.00 for adults, and $4.50 for seniors. Groups of 15 or more are $3.00 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.

For more information about any of these programs, please call the Maine Wildlife Park at 207-657-4977; or check us out online at www.mainewildlifepark.com or ww.mefishwildlife.com.