Oaklawn Farm Zoo is Nova Scotias largest zoo and located off of Highway 101 at exit 16. Located only an hour and fifteen minutes from Halifax in the beautiful Annapolis Valley it is a great place to spend the day. Also just fifteen minutes away are the world famous shores of the Bay of Fundy where you can witness the worlds highest tides. Oaklawn Farm Zoo is a locally owned and operated zoo. It was established in 1984 and has grown to be one of the most popular tourists attractions in the Annapolis Valley and all of Nova Scotia. At the zoo on any given day you will find Atlantic Canada s biggest selection of Big Cats and primates. Also at the zoo are reptiles birds native wildlife farm animals and various other exotic animals from all over the world. One of the most interesting animals at the zoo has got to be Zena the zonkey. This animal is very unique in that it is a cross between a zebra and a donkey. The Oaklawn Farm Zoo is also famous and in the record books for a lion who resided there. Rutledge was crowned the Worlds Heaviest Lion in captivity in 1997 by the Guinness Book of World Records. While Rutledge has passed on there remains a large billboard honouring him at the zoo where you can have your picture taken. The owners of the zoo Ron and Gail Rogerson display the bond that they have developed with the animals at feeding time routinely feeding the large cats by hand. Kids of all ages can also feed animals at the zoo. There are corn machines located by the deer and goat enclosures where kids can experience the joy of feeding the animals. The zoo is also home to a large reptile collection inside the admissions and gift shop. Large snakes turtles lizards and spiders can be found on the upper level of the shop. The shop also sells ice cream and operates a canteen where you can pick up a snack to enjoy at the several picnic tables located around the park. Oaklawn Farm Zoo is open from Easter Weekend until mid-November from 10AM until dusk 7 days a week. After visiting the Oaklawn Zoo why not check out the Farmers Family Diner where you can treat yourself to great homestyle cooking made from local produce and meats.
