Over 300 animals. Walk along the raised “cat walk” in Wild Woods and observe predators in action (stroller friendly). Play in the Animal Splash Bash (splash pad), ride elephants and camels, and see a show! Tel: (905) 623-5655
Ages: All ages
Major Intersection: Hwy 401 & Liberty Street South
Address: 340 King Street East, Bowmanville, ON
If you make an inquiry, please mention that you saw this listing on the Melanie On-The-Go / Kids On-The-Go website. Thank you!
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Science with Toddlers: 2½ years‐4 years
Activities We Did:
Visited the zoo, watched a feeding of the wildcats, watched a horseshoe, took photos.
Good to Go!:
It’s small, animals are up close and there’s a show to watc a few times a day.
Not so Much/ Suggestions for Improvement: The Bowmanville Zoo is an atrocious place and after my visit, I don’t understand the positive reviews. I wished I had never gone and after returning, did research and found articles such as this
http://www.facekitty.com/2008/05/bowmanville-zoo-6-reasons-why.html
The zoo is dirty, unkept, and overgrown. The website is completely misleading and when we were there, there were NO rides except for a broken down carousel that I would never put my child n and a dirty half inflated rubber slide that was covered in muck and half hidden by overgrown weeds.
The animals looked mistreated, sad and dirty. It was a hot day and we saw empty water bowls, feces in cages and flies everywhere.
The show in the pavilion was a joke. I still can’t get the song out of my head and have nightmares about those mistreated horses. They preformed half heartedly and missed most of their steps. It went on for an eternity and I could only shake my head and wanted to cry.
I have never felt so strongly about a place and unless they miraculously changed n the last few months, I don’t understand the positive views. I have visited many zoos in my life, including other private zoos. Bowmanville is the worst I have experienced. The only thing I can think of is that the small size, being up close to animals and the fun with your young child blinded people to the facts. The animals are up close, yes. But in tiny dirty cages. Did everyone miss that? I for one wish I could do something to help and am going to keep my eyes and ears open.
Quick Tips for Others:
Skip this zoo and visit Elmvale or ne otpf the other wonderful zoos or animal parks in Ontario or Quebec even.
Additional Rating:
- Value: 0.5/5
Activities We Did:
Animal Show in Animatheatre
Carnivore Feeding (Lion, Tiger, Wolves)
Elephant ride (highlight of the trip)
Feeding animals (goats, deer)
Splashpad (with mushroom fountains and in different directions)
Picnic (in picnic tables with tent)
Good to Go!:
For a small zoo, we were pleasantly surprised at the number of animals and variety of activities. The animal show was surprisngly good with horses, tiger cub, and elephant performing on stage. We got to see animals up close in the show and during the feedings. For the brave little ones, feeding the goats and bigger animals straight from the palm is really a lot of fun as well. All in all educational, fun and great value. Great outing with elderly grandparents since we didn’t have a to walk a mile between animals/activities!
Quick Tips for Others:
We brought a picnic to the site and it turned out to be a great idea because they have rows of sheltered picnic tables. Bring a bathing suit and sand toys for the splashpad and sand pit. We went mid morning and could enjoy the mid-day feeding and show. Check out their website for the animal feeding times and also it has a great coupon that we used.
Additional Rating:
- Value: 4.5/5