Rarely seen North American animals such as timber wolf, lynx, elk and moose can be seen up close. As well, the zoo displays animals from around the world including tigers, lions and Japanese macaque.

The Zoo also has a refuge area that cares for injured or orphaned wildlife such as moose, calves, bear cubs and beaver kits. While we toured two young moose were being tended to including the one at the left. As well, two tiny orphaned bear cubs were sleeping soundly in their cage.

The Zoo actively researches hand rearing techniques of these distressed animals and aims to reintroduce them back to their wild habitat unless circumstances prevent it.

Each year the zoo has on display many young animals born at the zoo. Our tour included baby moose, fallow deer, yak, sheep and Canadian lynx to name but a few.

Young kids will enjoy the hands-on mini-farm where they can feed the animals, take pony rides and pet most of them. Seed dispensers are available where animals are allowed to be fed throughout the zoo.

A new addition to the zoo is the Buffalo Safari. Several times each day you can board the shuttle into the herd of bison. Along the way knowledgeable staff tell the history of the bison.

You get a very up-close and personal look at these massive creatures as they come to feed at the side of the tour shuttle.

The largest bison, [pictured at left], weighs in at over 2200 pounds. His size alone makes him master of the herd which he proudly shows when they come to feed along the shuttle ride.

The Bison Safari is free with admission to the zoo.

Other services at the Zoo include picnic area, snack bar, washrooms, souvenir shop,educational kits, guided tours and a fun playground area for the kids.

Our family visits the Earlton Zoo at least once or twice a season, definitely a great day-trip for any family. If there's a zoo near you be sure to encourage your family to drop by this summer!