maple lane wildlife farm

This place is the kind that Black Pine in Albion wishes would be shut down. It needs to be illegal to own this kind of animals. Nobody should own them. Just a money making scam for some Amish. They don't care about the animals just money. DON'T GO !!! READ THE OTHER REVIEWS !!!

I went there with my ARC and being the animal lover I am, I was thrilled. The conditions of some of the animals such as the wolves, the bears and the big cats are somewhat a bit disappointing. Most of the bears, tigers, a male lion and hoofstock were sweltering in the heat; another male lion, a leopard, a coyote, foxes and two more bears were kept in corn cribs. Anyhow, it's a rather okay place to visit.

So many animals. To few people to care for them. Many unhappy/hungry animals. I wanted to call the animal shelter after visiting. It was sad to see so many uncared for animals. We rushed through just to see if we misjudged at first sight and smell. Nope. Sorry I would not go back or recommend this park. I hope this family gets help. Or these animals are placed in a better living conditions. Were they have space. shelter and food.

I was sad to see what I view as mistreatment of animals, and safety concerns, occurring at this roadside Amish zoo. There were large, dangerous animals that only appeared to be "secured" behind cheap carabiner clips. Visitors were checked in by a child, and didn't see an adult until leaving the site. We wondered what prevents visitors from doing something stupid and going behind safety barriers and even opening dangerous animal doors? We saw animals, in 80-90F temperatures, lacking shade and water, and some seemed to be literally bored out of their minds, pacing, digging, and biting their own feet and hands. Primates had maybe one toy each to look at, very sad. We couldn't figure out how some animals are even taken care of - unless workers go into their cages and endanger themselves. I don't want to see someone attacked?! Grown large mammals are kept on concrete, many were living in their own filth. To know that they keep breeding more animals made me sad, too. I don't want to see more babies born to live like this. There were hoof stock that had horribly overgrown hooves. It looked really painful. They just stood there, tied up, awaiting riders, but no riders came while we were there.I can not in any way recommend visiting this zoo. And I will not support paying to keep animals that way. There was no educational value, except to learn how NOT to treat animals.

This place is awesome, we love taking the kids here to show them how they are saving animals. Its interactive you can feed the animals. Take your kids there ask questions the owner is great and loves what he does. I love this place and we make many visits through out the summer.

This place is horrible. This Amish family-owned zoo houses many bears, tigers, a male lion, hoof stock, fowl and other birds, alligators, and more. They have been in violation of the AWA on many occasions. Informed eyewitnesses report grave concerns for the safety of youth who work there, the public who visit and "pay to play" with animals, ride a camel, ride pony-driven wagons, etc. It is appalling, primates lack enrichment, and child labor laws are certainly an issue. Please don't visit or support such poor conditions for these animals. Why would you want to go visit these animals in a small cage? Imagine living your life in one room. These are deplorable conditions.

Maple Lane has a variety of animals, but the habitats for the animals especially the big cats and bears were very inadequate. The animals were not in the correct housing to ensure employee safety and animal comfort. In addition, some animals were supplied with feeding tubes allowing visitors to feed the animals. This meant that some of the big cats were being fed vegetables. This is a very incorrect nutritional experience for these carnivores. Some animals in the summer were without any clean water to drink. Some of the primates lacked any enrichment which is changes in the habitat or environment to encourage the animal to exhibit natural behaviors. This could be new food, toys, a new scent, etc. This is vital for all animals especially the primates. If you would like to see animals in a location with appropriate housing, feeding, and enrichment please consider a visit to other local animal sanctuaries or zoos such as Black Pine Animal Sanctuary or Fort Wayne Zoo.

My family just visited this place and I would recommend it to all families. It was the neatest place to bring kids. I absolutely cannot wait to take my grandson back to it. It was so much different than seeing the animals at the zoo. You are very up close to most of the animals and you get to actually feed most of them. My grandson had such a good time there and could have fed the animals for hours. I also love how they have a picnic area so families can bring in their own food and eat around the animals. This was a by far a better experience than bringing your kids to the zoo. I wish however they would put a few more rabbits in the petting area (when we went there were only two). Also, my only concern with the place is I do hope they feed all the animals after everyone leaves and does not just rely on the food the customers are purchasing and feeding the animals with because that would not be right. I thought a few of the animals were a little on the thin side (however they could have been very old too) and a few were pretty hungry. Other than that I will definitely be back and cannot wait.

This is a very unique and wonderful experience. If you take the time to talk with the family that owns this farm you will find out that they work around the clock and care for these animals a great deal. The older lion has come to this farm to retire. He is originally from California and starred in a couple of movies and at age 14 he needed a laid back place to relax for the duration of his life. Those who operate the farm are informative and helpful. I was told that most of the animals are sent away for the winter months to places that have climates more forgiving than here. Some are only here temporarily while awaiting placement at bigger zoos. It is almost like a sanctuary for some animals to live out their last years, who are homeless, or need extra care. Some cages are smaller because of the temporary status, I believe. Very nice, relaxing, interactive, and enjoyable experience. I would recommend going here. I hope that everyone who goes is respectful towards the animals and make your children mind the rules.

I just visited this place and would have to say, yes, the animals are cool......BUT do not feel as if the lions, bears, foxes, nor tigers had the space that they needed. I think zoos are great for our children but NOT without the proper habitat! One of the lions are in a small cage connected to another small cage and all he can do is lay down and play with a ball on a string!!!!! NO room for him to run, play, jump! The other lion and tigers are in tall chain linked fences, I did NOT feel as if that was safe! I could see a bad accident coming from this place.......and again they have LIMITED space! Where do these animals go in the winter? The monkeys cages as well were small! Maybe I have too much care and love for the animals? Maybe this place is up to code? Has ANYONE checked?? THAT IS MY BIG QUESTION! I do NOT recommend this place.....I wish this amish family would leave it up to the professionals!!

Awesome place.... Live not to far from there was there the first time in June... enjoyed the time there very nice Amish family that run it grandson got to be able to touch a rabbit, pot belly pig and a baby fox... got to feed that other animals as well.. not like a zoo when all the animals hide in their house got to see all the animals.. We took along our picnic basket had lunch there plenty of picnic tables and also a play ground area for the kids.. just an over all great place to go with the kids...

Maple Lane Wildlife Farm is worth the drive to. The animals are awesome and the Amish Family that owns it are very friendly and knowledgeable. PLEASE visit if you are in the area. Close to Shipshewana.