GRAY, Maine — The Maine Wildlife Park opened for the season Monday, with a week of sun and the year's hottest temperatures welcoming it.
On Wednesday afternoon, under a bright blue sky, hoards of children flooded the park's picnic area before teachers herded them back onto buses.
Friends Nancy and Tina bought tickets for Tina's grandchildren as a gift. The pair and the kids were fortunate they had the picture-perfect trip at all, as the park was a full month late in opening.
An early April storm tore down trees onto buildings and enclosures at the park while the animals were safe their separate winter homes. The ensuing cleanup pushed back opening day.
Wildlife keeper Kate Donovan was thrilled to begin teaching visitors about the animals, nearly all of which are native to Maine.
"You have all of these animals right in your backyard that we hardly know anything about," Donovan said in front of the black bear enclosure. "And then you can come here and see them in natural settings, see their natural behavior, learn about their natural diet ... It's a gem that we have here. It’s great to be able to teach the younger generation."
Animals at the park include moose, bears, eagles, deer, bobcats, and turtles. Many are there because they were injured, orphaned, or raised illegally by people.
The park is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tickets for adults and teenagers are $10, with discounts for children and seniors, among other groups.