9 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Maine

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The beautiful state of Maine invites visitors to discover fascinating and educational zoos, animal parks, and aquariums.

Are you interested in learning more about Maine’s rich history and resources devoted to the breathtakingly rugged coastline and the marine and aquatic life there?

Come and explore the rich marine resources of flora and fauna and lighthouses, too.

Suppose you want to spend time with the animals locally and from afar.

In that case, there are zoos and wildlife refuges to make that happen, where you can photograph, interact, contribute to animal conservation efforts, and enjoy the rich New England ecosystem.

Now, a word to the wise: please check the open hours and dates before planning your trip due to the region’s distinct seasons.

Now go experience and enjoy all that Maine has to offer.

Best Zoos & Aquariums in Maine

Maine Wildlife Park, Gray

At the Maine Wildlife Park, nature enthusiasts, families, wildlife lovers, and photographers can encounter wildlife, learn about the animals, and take photos.

The park is home to over 30 species of Maine wildlife.

Unfortunately, these animals can’t be returned to their natural habitats because they were orphaned, injured, or raised in captivity and are human-dependent. 

Presentations, Field Trips, and Tours

Presentations and wildlife talks are offered at the Maine Wildlife Park throughout the week, and pre-recorded virtual programs are available. In addition, guided tours are available by reservation.

The Nature Store carries a variety of wildlife-related items for all ages, and much of the merchandise is Maine-made!

The Visitor Center offers visitors the opportunity to experience a variety of activities. Walk the Tree Trail, which allows visitors to view Maine’s bold and beautiful trees, along with names and descriptions. 

And the Game Trail has 13 hidden animals for you to uncover and a trail quiz testing your knowledge! 

York’s Wild Kingdom, York

At York’s Wild Kingdom Zoo & Amusement, there are many beautifully landscaped animal exhibits and many animals to see up close!

Over 200,000 people visit York’s Wild Kingdom annually, recognized for its knowledgeable curators and rare species.

Beyond being just a zoo, York’s Wild Kingdom offers family rides, a petting zoo, a miniature golf course, a gift shop, concession stands, a golf course, and more. 

Lions, Emus, and Tue-Toed Sloths, Oh, My!

See animals such as the African Lion, Emperor Scorpion, Emu, Prehensile-Tailed Porcupine, Lady Amherst Pheasant, and Two-Toed Sloth. And the Rainbow Lory, Ostrich, and Common Marmoset.

Did we mention the Pony?

Plus a Red Kangaroo and a Pygmy Goat, too!

Plus many more animals at York’s Wild Kingdom.

Butterfly Kingdom

Spread your wings at the Butterfly Kingdom!

This gorgeous and lush 5,000-square-foot exhibit is aflutter with many species of South and Central American butterflies, plus birds and small mammals, in culturally informative displays.

And there’s a sparkling waterfall.

Kisma Preserve, Trenton 

A stable, lifetime home for non-domesticated animals, Kisma Preserve enacts its mission of providing care for animals and educational experiences to visitors.

This is a forever home for many whose animals’ lives are permanently entwined with humans, specializing in offering visitors unforgettable interactive experiences with animals.

Unique Opportunities for Engagement

For personal animal encounters, photography, and camping, unique opportunities exist at additional costs.

Noteworthy options include: Meet a Bear!, Meet a Wolf!, Wolf & Bear, and the Private VIP Tour.

Activities are offered according to availability and require a reservation. 

DEW Haven / Maine Zoo & Rescue, Mt Vernon

The non-profit DEW Haven Maine Zoo & Rescue is committed to providing a refuge for animals while promoting education on animal wellness based on respect and conservation.

Founded by Bob and Julie Miner, DEW Haven | Maine Zoo & Rescue began as a farm in 1980, transforming into a rescue and zoo.

DEW is a refuge for over 200 animals from around the world.

In addition, DEW educates the community through fun, interactive, and educational tours.

DEW Haven has a rustic landscape created from 90% recycled materials and wide natural pathways, and strolling through the grounds has the feel of a nature walk.

Interaction

Animal feed is available in the gift shop; as guests stroll around, signs indicate which animals guests can feed.

Visitors are welcome to take the quarter-mile loop as often as they like.

And staff members are available to answer questions. 

DEW Haven, Maine Zoo & Rescue seeks to make guests’ visits with the animals as inter-species engaging as possible.

As a result, visitors are often inches from the farm animals and four from the exotic animals.

Oceanarium and Education Center, Bar Harbor

The Oceanarium and Education Center is a “science museum of the Acadian sea, shore, and sky” and a captivating resource for the entire family!

Formerly known as the Desert Oceanarium – Southwest Harbor, the Oceanarium and Education Center is re-opening in Spring 2023, bigger and better than ever!

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay

While not a zoo nor an aquarium, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, located along the MidCoast, provide a captivating and authentic Maine experience that is perfect for families, nature enthusiasts, and those interested in enjoying the flora and fauna of this vital region.

Explore 323 acres of gardens and natural spaces, including the Native Butterfly and Moth House and the Bibby and Giles Rhododendron and Perennial Garden.

Billing itself as “a people’s garden,” Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens has evolved from a genuinely grassroots effort into New England’s most extensive botanical garden. 

Families will enjoy a visit to the Harold Alfond Children’s Garden, where kids of all ages can search for tadpoles and turtles in the pond, check out what’s growing in the Learning Garden and greenhouse, and a visit with the resident chickens.

Tours

Docent-led tours, from the history of the wild and cultivated spaces to expert-enhanced art exhibits!

Hours: May 1-October 23; the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is open daily, rain or shine, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The State of Maine’s Department of Marine Resources runs the following three resources:

Burnt Island Lighthouse, Boothbay Harbor 

Lying roughly a mile from the port of Boothbay Harbor, accessible only by kayak or boat, the historic site of Burnt Island Lighthouse is an excellent recreational and educational installation for everyone, from visitors to school groups to boaters.

Discover Burnt Island’s history, investigate the five-acre island, see its working lighthouse, and encounter the former keeper.

The island is open seven days a week, June–October, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Gulf of Maine Learning Lab, Boothbay Harbor 

Explore the Gulf of Maine via this interactive space.

In this hands-on, interactive lab setting, visitors can investigate the real-time research DMR’s scientists are conducting in their laboratories.

The Learning Lab is intended as a window into DMR’s research lab.

As a result, visitors can dive deeper into what makes the Gulf of Maine ecosystem special.

The Gulf of Maine Learning Lab is a fascinating space for marine discovery for guests of all ages.

It is also an opening for the community to experience and interact directly with DMR research besides professional researchers.

The Learning Lab is situated at DMR’s Boothbay Harbor marine science research facility, adjoining the Maine State Aquarium. 

Discovery Wharf at Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries, Boothbay Harbor

Situated at the center of Stonington harbor, Maine’s most elevated lobster landing port, visitors can discover fisheries at the on-site interpretive center, Discovery Wharf.

From local school groups to guests, enjoy a get-your-hands-wet experience and interact with and learn about the Gulf of Maine marine ecosystem and local fisheries.

Meet Captain Leroy Weed, star of the popular online video series “Ask Leroy!” and learn about commercial fishing in Maine in a fun way!

And did you know that Discovery Wharf is a terminal on the Downeast Fisheries Trail?

Special Features

Marine Touch Tank: Meet Maine’s denizens of the deep blue in the live touch tank.

 Interactive Touch Wall: With the 15 ft interactive touch wall, fisheries come to life at your touch. 

Virtual Reality Station: The 360° virtual reality video collection allows guests to get into the action. 

Hours: Re-opening in May 2023.

9 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Maine – Summary Table

Maine Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: Maine Safety Review

Safety Index:

86

• OVERALL RISK: LOW
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
• MUGGING RISK: LOW
• TERRORISM RISK: LOW
• SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW