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Bowmanville Zoo

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Bowmanville Zoo was a zoo in Clarington, Ontario, Canada. Founded in 1919, at the time of its closure, in 2016, it was the oldest private zoo in North America. It was a large supplier of animals to the U.S. film industry.About 100,000 people visited the zoo each year, a figure which dropped by more than two thirds in its final year. The Bowmanville Zoo officially closed on October 10, 2016.HistoryThe land now occupied by the zoo, on the banks of Soper Creek, was part of the grounds of the Cream of Barley Mill, located further south on the creek. The mill owner developed a campground and park for tourists, aptly named "The Cream of Barley Campground", on the part of the property that was near the highway. Later, a petting zoo was added to the park.By 1928, the mill, camp, and park (which now included tourist cabins) were owned James Morden and operated by Alfred Shrubb, formerly a world-renowned long distance runner. By 1946, the park included tennis courts.Over time, the zoo aspect of the business became more prominent, and the cabins were turned into animal shelters and storage buildings.Michael Hackenberger was the final owner of the Bowmanville Zoo. In April 2016, Hackenberger was charged with 5 counts of animal abuse by the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) due to a video obtained by PETA of Hackenberger whipping a young leashed tiger profusely while swearing at it.

Address: 340 King St E, Bowmanville, ON L1C 3K5, Canada
Phone: (905) 623-5655
State: Ontario
County: Durham Regional Municipality
City: Bowmanville
Zip Code: L1C 3K5



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Reviews
I was there today. I was able to get up close to animals that otherwise would be on exhibit further away. The baby was able to get a look at the animals closer than other zoos. I enjoyed the visit - I wish I could have stayed for the animal show. They do have a great thing going over there and I hope that my family can visit there again next year. Please keep open!
This zoo is nice and simple! The kids loved it! It needs to be protected and encouraged by tourism. The zoo is currently being put down for reasons that nobody has any proof of. This is the oldest privately owned zoo in Canada, don't you think it should be helped instead of shutdown!? We don't close something that lasted this long over ridiculous speculations. Not one single person wasn't enjoying there day. The food is good, the cost is low, the staff is amazing and sweet and we even had a chance to hold a baby lion cub in our arms. Give it a chance or give it a try. It is a nice family place to go. The splash pad is also very nice so kids love to cool out. Please save the zoo and go encourage it :
I love the zoo. So many great memories are created there. We always buy our family membership and use it weekly. You can see the care and dedication the workers put into their job. The special bond between the animal and keeper is beautiful. Highly recommend a visit.
The Bowmanville Zoo is a wonderful little, privately owned zoo. Yes, I have been there in person. Limba was well taken care of and much loved by Robert, the rest of the staff, and all who knew her. I had the pleasure of meeting her and Robert a few years ago and I bought her a juicy watermelon that she greatly enjoyed. She rumbled and tapped her cheek which were her special signs that she was happy. Animal activists have nothing better to do than to sit comfortably at home and write scathing reviews of a place they have never been to. Why not focus your anger and efforts to a worthy cause like the fight against the poaching of elephants for ivory, the destruction of rain forests, or stopping the black market trade of exotic pets. What happens if the Bowmanville Zoo closes? The animals can't be released into the wild because they have lived their entire lives in captivity. Some born to it, some originated from the exotic animal trade and were discovered by authorities and bought to the zoo where they could be properly cared for Remember Robbie's story?. Releasing them would be like releasing my dog to fend for himself. He would die because I have cared for him all his life. Those animals will go to other zoos where they will not have individual attention and care they currently receive from the caring staff at the Bowmanville Zoo. Don't paint everyone at the zoo with the same brush because of your feelings against one person.
Took our two children and a friend to the Bowmanville Zoo today! We had a terrific time! The Zoo was very clean and lots of shade. The woman staff member at the entrance gate was very pleasant, patient and helpful! On the way out, we decided to buy a family pass to visit the animals again!
We visited the zoo today with our two year old. She loved all the animals. They were very active and you are able to get a lot closer to the exhibits than most zoos. We are sad to see a part of our childhood closing. Hopefully the animals will find homes where they are as loved as they are at this zoo.
July 2nd has been my first time to the Bowmanville zoo, and let me tell you, I was blown away! The grounds and staff were absolutely amazing and so very knowledgeable. I was able to interact with the smaller more gentle animals like goats, deer type animals, cows and more. There was a very educational feeding display for the big cats and a small talent show where all the animals are happy and healthy. I encourage everyone and anyone to visit this zoo to be educated and amazed by the beautiful creatures that live there!
Visited yesterday with my niece and we had a great time! All of the animals looked well looked after to me. Very clean just a little run down in some areas. Loved the walk up the bridge the Lions. I will definitely go back.
We have been visiting the zoo for years. It is a wonderful place to take your family. The zoo keepers are so friendly and knowledgeable, they love to share stories and answer questions. They and the animals have become an extended part of our family. Once inside the gates, there is a wonderful show that is entertaining, educational and its free! There are also carnival rides and a splash park included in your admission as well as a restaurant and gift shop I laugh at the bad reviews given from people who have never even been to the zoo, all the incorrect comments about it,
We live a bit far away...but visit your wonderful Zoo when we are in the area. It's always refreshing to see your beautiful HAPPY animals.I do follow your links and enjoy reading stories about the individual animals and the caring loving folks that are their keepers. Keep up the great work.God smiles on those who care for His creations.
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