Why You Should Visit Black Pine Animal Park in Albion, Indiana

Black Pine Animal Park is one of the most amazing zoos in Indiana today, but it isn't really a zoo. It's actually a rescue. Located in the small town of Albion, Indiana in Noble County, Black Pine is in the northeast section of Indiana, a short distance from SR 9. Unlike most exotic animal retirement/rescue organizations, Black Pine welcomes and encourages visitors.

Black Pine was established in 1982 by Brad Bonar and his wife Karen. After buying their dream home and remodeling, the question of what to do with the extra 12.5 acres was a definite conundrum. They decided to raise lambs, but got attached. On a whimsical whim, Brad decided to purchase an ostrich advertised in the paper, and Karen became a licensed DNR rehabilitator taking in orphaned and injured wildlife for later release in the wild. Somewhere along the line, llamas came into the picture, followed by mountain lions whose owner had become ill and could no longer care for them.

Slowly other exotic animals began to trickle in, which attracted onlookers who were curious about why a family would choose to help so many varieties of animals. The Bonars decided to open their "farm" for public admission to support its maintenance and pave the way for new residents. People looking to retire their unwanted exotic pets and businesses trying to get rid of old circus performers like bears and tigers would contact the Bonars, and the Bonars, having a warm spot for these throwaway creatures, opened their hearts and repeatedly set up new digs for the constant flow of animals.

Now, over twenty years later, the Bonars have added education to their list of goals with Black Pine. Over ninety animals in just under fifty species are housed at Black Pine Animal Park, where visitors are welcome to see all of the creatures in this public non-profit zoo. Black Pine has some exciting news now, as they are moving from their previous location to a better site.

Black Pine is open weekends only from 10am - 4pm Saturday, and from 1pm - 4pm Sunday. After relocation, hours are set to change. Admission is $4.50 for children 12 and under, and $5.50 for adults. They have special Field Trip information for those interested with groups of twenty or more, party packages, special feeding tours, and annual fundraising and fun events.

Black Pine offers Memberships and Sponsorships for those wanting to help the park. You can sponsor a habitat (tax deductible), donate items the sanctuary needs, join the volunteer staff, advertise for Black Pine to help awareness, or even purchase a gift or souvenir. Members of Black Pine Park get a discounted admission and gift shop rate for their gift of helping the others. Sponsors of animals or habitats get one free admission pass to the park and an adopted animal bio kit.

One of the best ways to help Black Pine other than letting people know about the great things Black Pine is doing for animals is to educate those you know about why people do not need to adopt exotic animals for pets. If you want to be surrounded by zoo animals, consider volunteering for Black Pine. They have the capabilities of feeding, caring for, and housing exotic animals. Sometimes, people will sell you exotic creatures thinking it is a great way to make a quick buck without warning you of the care level these animals need.

Black Pine Animal Park is not very expensive for admission, and they don't go wild on merchandising themselves like your average zoo. Their location is very close to Michigan, and quite accessible. Nearby Fort Wayne and Elkhart is a great place for accommodations while visiting the park. I do not recommend the feeding tour for little ones, but it is pretty cool to watch the animals get fed. It can be kind of gross, especially with the reptiles.

Black Pine is constantly growing, though they are quite busy with relocation. They even have an overnighter for kids and zookeeper apprenticeship programs. Black Pine's organization is now PARC, the Professional Animal Retirement Center, a 501 ( C ) 3 organization. Tax deductible donations can be made to Black Pine Animal Park at any time through Black Pine Animal Park's NP Fund, c/o Noble County Community Foundation, 1599 Lincolnway South, Ligonier, IN 46767 (260) 849-3335 , or through Paypal, but just visiting Black Pine Animal Park will help the animals.