*** Black Pine Animal Park is where owners and zookeepers, Brad and Karen
Bonar, find themselves living life on the wild side. Tigers, Lions, Birds, Cougars,
Lemurs, Birds, Caracals, Snow Leopards,Birds, More Tigers, More Birds, and the list
grows on and on. 1997 marked the third summer season at this unique zoo, located
on the west edge of Albion, Ind., just twenty odd miles north of Fort wayne. Boasting
an "extraordinary experience", Black Pine aims to educate, amuse, and entertain
visitors of all ages with a menagerie of mammals and feathered friends. What
was a few years ago a private venture and, really, a hobby, has grown into an opportunity
for visitors from all over the world to get an up-close encounter unlike any zoo
most have ever trekked. With a growing number of volunteers, and the Bonar's themselves
leading the way, park patrons are guided on a tour that puts into words what usually
only appears on sun-faded signs. In addition to learning about habitats, life expectancy,
diet, population status, and the like, many other interesting facts are shared during
tours. Stories along the way include the telling of the star-studded history of Coby,
a white- faced chimpanzee who, when young, kept company with folks like Gene Kelly,
Lauren Bacall and Jackie Onassis. Today, with his roommate Tarzan, Coby signs to
his keepers for another sip of that refreshing cold drink, and, a banana too, please.
Many endangered species have made their home at Black Pine, where they've formed
strong bonds with the Bonars. As Black Pine has grown, widely recognized animal
handlers and trainers have relied on the park to become a home to their retired performing
animals. In addition to the daddy of India's babies, Caesar, a third Bengal tiger
named Bimbo ( I dare you to make fun of him to his face ), as well as a Siberian
Tiger, the Chimps, North American Black Bears, and a Dromedary Camel have made Black
Pine their home of rest. Although one would imagine the task of feeding an array
of animals this size daunting, if not bankrupting, Black Pine has found relief through
some win-win negotiations. Sponsors such as Kroger's foodstore in Columbia City,
and Sturges Super value in Kindallville have worked out an agreement that allows
Black Pine to feed hundreds of pounds of produce each week to their hoofed stock
and omnivores. rather than paying a refuse removal company to haul away what can
no longer be displayed for sale due to bruising, becoming overripe, or other blemishes,
they donate the "waste" as food for the park's inhabitants. With what
is likely Indiana's largest group of carnivores ever assembled in one place, the
meat-eaters prove to be another challenge. With hundreds of Deer killed each year
on area roads, the local law enforcement, as well as citizens of the community, call
all year long with directions to carcasses which are victims of roadway collisions.
Adding to the feast are farm animals which have perished due to natural causes or
accidents, donated by dozens of local farmers. In total, up to 200 pounds of meat
a day is fed at Black Pine, and without the outpouring of generous support, it would
surely be unbearable. In addition to those who offer support through feed, there
are many who offer monetary support towards construction and maintenance. Zoo patrons
have the opportunity to purchase park memberships, or "adopt" animals and
become a Black Pine Parent. As well as the on-site viewing available at the park,
Black Pine can be seen "on the road" as well. During this summer season,
the Fort Wayne Wizards welcome Black Pine's petting zoo to several Monday night home
games at Memorial Stadium. Other opportunities to see the traveling brood included
the Baby Fair and Family Expo held at the Fort Wayne Grand Wayne Center, the Indiana
State Fair in Indianapolis, and multiple visits to the campground area at Chain O
Lakes State Park just south of Albion. Highlights of the on-site tours include
an animal feeding and petting area enjoyed by people of all ages, and include free
on each tour. The very popular Feeding Tour, every Saturday and Sunday at four p.m.
is a unique chance to see the animals receive their evening meal. The big cats make
this a glimpse not soon to be forgotten.
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