The Maine Wildlife Park on Route 26 in Gray has delayed its originally scheduled opening day from Sunday, April 15 to Friday, April 20.

The amount of snowcover left on the ground, unseasonably cool temperatures that delayed melting, and the threat of more snow last week were all factors that contributed to the rescheduling of opening day. For more information and updates on the new opening date, call the park information line at 657-4977.

Are you looking for Maine Wildlife? Visit us on Route 26 in Gray, just 3.5 miles from Maine Turnpike Exit 63 on our opening day, Friday, April 20 (again, weather permitting). This is one of your only guaranteed opportunities to see a moose; along with white-tailed deer, black bears, mountain lions, porcupines, coyotes, owls, native turtles, hawks and owls, trophy trout, and more – more than 25 species of native Maine wildlife! Many of the animals at the park live there because they were injured or orphaned, or because they were human dependent – raised, sometimes illegally, in captivity. The park serves as a permanent home for wildlife that cannot survive in the wild.

There are nature trails and wildlife gardens to enjoy, interactive exhibits to view, a “snack shack” selling ice cream, candy and snacks, a nature store and gift shop; and more! The park-like setting, wildlife exhibits, and many flower gardens make this an inviting stop. Our calendar of special wildlife events is full, starting Saturdays in May and running through Labor Day. Bring a picnic and spend the day. No reservations are required.

The wildlife park will open Friday, April 20, weather permitting, and is then open daily through Nov. 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; visitors must leave the premises by 6 p.m. Admission to the park is free for ages 3 and under; $4 ages 4-12; $6 for adults, and $4.50 for seniors. Groups of 15 or more are $3 per person. Bring a picnic and spend the day.

The Wildlife Park has a tremendous cadre of volunteers who staff the admissions gatehouse, plant, water and maintain our gardens, lead tours for school children, transport wildlife to licensed wildlife rehabilitators, and volunteer in the gift shop and snack shack. Call to learn more about volunteer opportunities at the park.

For more information about any of these programs, call the Maine Wildlife Park at 657-4977 x0 and listen to the recorded messages; or go online to www.mainewildlifepark.com or www.mefishwildlife.com.