The zoo closed in 2024. Owners found new homes for most of the animals already. It was a much loved attraction that will be missed by visitors and locals. read more

So I was back at the zoo a few weeks ago, and as always, we had a really great time. One thing that made this trip extra special was the zoo's gatekeepers... They have these gatekeepers, I think we counted seven in total, that start the zoo tour with you and take turns following you throughout the whole zoo, right until you're back at the entrance. Oh yeah, and did I mention that these "gatekeepers" are cats... Seriously, these cats who live at the zoo, follow you everywhere until you meet up with the next cat and then they essentially pass you off. They are the friendliest cats ever. These are the outdoor cats, but there's more cats inside at the gift-shop and they're equally as friendly and lovable. read more

It is a great place to spend the day with the family. We have gone there every year multiple times with a family plan. The only reason it didn't get 5 stars is I would like to see more it updated a bit more. read more

I tend to right the majority of my reviews on the ride back home LOL. So here I am sitting in the passenger seat on the way back from a lovely afternoon at Oaklawn zoo. It was a very hot afternoon so most of the animals were napping trying to beat the heat in the shade. We also got to see the new baby African lion, Hunter! He was in the maternity pen from 3-4 pm and we got there at three and headed right there. Maria was with him answering questions ect in a small enclosed area separate enclosure from the (adult) lions. He was...so adorable. She even lifted him in her arms and let us pet his soft baby fur through the fence. I really like Maria and she was super knowledgable and is always there to answer questions every time we come. The zoo is a smaller sized zoo but it's a really nice zoo that has a authentic, down to earth feel. read more

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Just a two hour drive from Halifax that happens to take you through the picturesque valley region including perfect coffee stops (Just Us museum in Wolfville) and lunch breaks (Port Pub in Port Williams), Oaklawn Farm Zoo is one part wildlife park, one part old-fashioned farm, one part actual zoo. A little mish-mash of everything that pleases an animal lover! I've always loved coming here although I feel better about some parts than others. The actual farmstead where you can see the pigs, the mass fields where ponies, camels and llamas hang out, the wilderness portion with North American creatures like raccoons, porcupines and rescued bald eagles - all of those rock my world! The big cats? Well, those I don't love quite as much. But hey - everyone's going to feel differently about anything that involves animals in captivity. All in all, though, I'm still going to keep coming back every year or two to check in for a great day trip out to the valley that never stops being fun whether you're two or eighty-two. Some tips: - Bring sunscreen. There isn't much shade to be found. - Bring lunch. There's a canteen with fries and ice cream, but plenty of picnic tables for a bring-your-own situation. read more

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I love the old standby of dinner and a movie, whether it's for date night or with a group of friends. But sometimes you just need to go out and do something a little more interactive in an environment that let's you have fun and get a chance to talk with your company. Located about an hour or so outside of Halifax, the drive over gives you the perfect chance to discuss hot topics, like what's your favourite animal, and if you could talk to the animals, would you chat with a chimpanzee or converse with polar bears and pythons? I love anything miniature, and this place had all kinds of tiny animals! Ponies! Mini goats! Bunnies and piglets! You can walk up and pet the llamas and feed the deer; but watch out, they're snotty little buggers when they sneeze on you, so bring some hand sanitizer. I'd also steer clear from the capybaras, as they like to swim in their own poop. I loved the more exotic animals, too, like the jaguars, tigers, a zonkey (!!!!) and various primates. However, most were hiding out in their cages and weren't too lively; be it from being in captivity or to hide from the shade, it really depends on your perception. If you're into creepy crawlies, there's a reptile house too, but I sort of cowered in the corner until my boyfriend was done. I loved the openness and haphazard setup of the exhibits. I didn't feel like part of a herd being corralled down a hall to view the exhibits in order; you can easily wander around at your own pace and in any direction you want. It's also almost as much fun to watch the fascination and wonderment on the surrounding kids' faces when they see their favourite animals as it is to see them yourself. There's a gift shop and canteen, all grossly overpriced as expected. Bring some extra cash if you want to buy a stuffed lion for your date, but save your pennies by packing a picnic lunch to share at one of the various tables. Be it a date or a day out with friends or with the kids, it'll definitely be a memorable trip. read more

I'm a little bit ashamed to admit that I enjoy visiting this zoo. Mainly because I feel bad for some of the animals whose enclosures are unfortunately not as spacious as they should be, and as some of the other animals' habitats are. However, this zoo can still be a fun place to visit, and provides a more exotic range of animals than the other wildlife parks or petting zoos around the province. My favourite animals are the frizzle chickens. Strutting their stuff like big feather boas with beaks and feet, they are definitely the divas of the chicken world. The grounds themselves are fairly large, you'll have a nice stroll ahead of you as you wind your way from one habitat to another. There is also quite a range of animals here, from the ones you would find on a local farm (goats, sheep, pigs) and within the wilds of the maritimes (foxes, deer), as well as creatures from around the world, including the big cats (tigers, black panthers, lions), camels, apes and monkeys, and a lot more. Prices are affordable, $7 for adults, with good discounts for students, seniors, and children 3-12 years of age (children under 12 get in free of admission). The zoo closes for the winter, but opens Easter weekend until mid- November. read more

This is a great zoo. It's small but that allows you to get up close and actually see the animals. It's also cheap. I got posted to Greenwood from Calgary so a seasons pass here is less than one visit back home. Some of the cages could be larger or the paths fancier, but that all costs. This zoo one of the things I will actually miss when I get posted out. read more

We took advantage of the long weekend to hit Nova Scotia's largest zoo, and in my opinion, the only zoo. Oaklawn has Atlantic Canada's largest display of large cats (cougars, jaguars, lions and Siberian tigers) and primates including some very cute monkeys and lemurs. While the zoo--it actually feels like you are in an animal lover's backyard, not a commercial enterprise--may be on a smaller scale compared to zoos in major cities, it has an impressive collection of animals (think zebras and camels), reptiles (lots of snakes and lizards) and birds (ostriches and emus) so pretty much one of everything except elephants and giraffes. Some of the animals don't look that well exercised, but that might be due to age. I should mention too that some of the animals are rescue animals, those lucky guys! The animals generally look content and the conditions are very clean. You can tell these animals are well loved. The park is well laid out, easy to get around and you can happily spend an hour or two and see everything. On the fun side, you can buy corn to feed the deer and for an extra fee, your kids can enjoy a pony ride. For more animal-centred fun, you can check the feeding schedule. The big cats are usually feed close to sundown, providing an even more interesting visit. The admission is reasonable. The grounds are well manicured with lots of picnic tables so you can take lots of breaks and bring your own snacks. You can also take advantage of the snack bar which has ice cream and a variety of fried foods at very reasonable prices. Oaklawn Farm Zoo is totally worth the 1h 45m drive from Halifax. read more

Well, a zoo. I zoo in Nova Scotia. This is something I take some issue with. First, it was a welcoming place that had a great main lodge, filled with souvenirs and a reptile loft. Pretty neat! The grounds are simple....not much walking to do and no real direction to take. So you can basically just wander and never lose your group or miss anything. Also, it had a great area for bringing a picnic and an ice cream barn. Ice cream shacks are my favorite. However, it is a "zoo", not a wildlife park or rehab, or rescue center. This I take issues with. I honestly do not think that NS is the best place for monkeys or tigers. Other animals, native to here, is fine. As well, their enclosures were a little small and stuffed with fisherprice toys or old furniture. Making me cringe. I do admit that it can be fun to see all of these animals and is a good adventure- but I would rather support a wildlife park. read more

A farm/zoo!!! Who knew!?!? What a fun day for all ages! Kids can enjoy riding horses, feeding super cute fawns and see a multitude of farm and wild animals from local to afar. Affordable and loads of spots to stop and sit and enjoy your day. read more

We visited the zoo on a Wednesday morning. Not much signage around town until you come up right on the zoo but we found it after turning around once or twice. The towns streets can be very narrow so take your time. We were there around 30 minutes after opening. Not too many visitors at this time so it's a great time to go. The animals were great and all easily viewable. They looked well taken care of and happy in their habitat. The staff really didn't make them selves know or offer much guidance, but we didn't really seek for it either. The gardens are also beautiful to see. Good day! Bring the kids! read more

5 star rating for the sheer size of balls to Feed a charging lion by hand. Big cat feeding is a must and a you will not get that at any other zoo. read more

This zoo is unique in the fact that it's small enough to give you an intimate visit with the animals, but still take care of the animals and keep them happy. It's run like a farm, because it used to be a working farm. Many of the animals there are rescues and this zoo serves as an animal sanctuary. As much rehab as can be done is provided for injured animals, and many have been rereleased in the wild (just read about the mating pair of owls that still live in the woods near the zoo, the story is in the main lodge.) Highlights: Jaspurr, the cougar, first rejected by his mother at upper clemens park and said to have a problem with his hip that he'd never live a fulfilled life. Thanks to Gail and the zoo's vet they gave him more than enough space and designed the enclosure to give him opportunity to climb a lot so he could repair his hip. Now, it's hard to see there was ever a problem. He is fat and happy and full of spunk. Also, he is one of the most beautiful animals I've ever seen. Smokey & Blueberry: Both these bears have sad stories at how they came to the zoo, but they love their home there and love to get treats from visitors at feeding time. just look for Smokey's old man sit. Any of the big cats. So happy, and many living to be so old. Where big cats have a life expectancy around 14 years (less in the wild) having big cats live to be 18-21 years old is amazing. Better yet is how you can tell they are happy when they play with their toys or just by seeing their plump forms. Many zoos have animals underfeed and that's not an issue here. Where other zoos are having problems keeping their animals healthy, Oaklawn had many happy ones living long lives. Feeding time. Feeding time is the best, because you see many of the animals alert and you learn all about them from the zoo owner Gail, followed by her dogs. I love the small animals, and the big ones. The Owls, the Horses, the Camels, the Cats, The Monkeys, The bunnies, the Porcupine (Ted Rocks), the Foxes, The Eagles, I could go on all day. Everything there rocks, and there is something for everyone. this is the kind of zoo you come back to over and over again. If you live in driving distance, get yourself a family season pass read more

I would have given this situation 2 stars but since my review was instantly deleted from their facebook without so much as a response it is now 1. We went to the zoo today - we have went many times. Always get a pony ride for our 5 year old son. the staff there acted as though they did not want to be there and wanted everyone to know that. They just stared ahead, no speaking with the children at all - very zombie like. My child's turn came and during his turn the pony decided to lie down. First he knelt his front legs and then his back and looked like he was about to go to his side. My son fell from the pony and was dangling by his ankle from the stirrup. The girl leading the pony just stood there. not caring, not moving. I got through the gate and ran up to them and he had fallen down to the ground and was not injured luckily. She still didn't have much to say other than that the horse was probably itchy and gave our ticket back for a ride on another pony. I understand that animals are not predictable but I would hope that the people leading your animals are prepared or trained to respond when a child is dangling from your ponies. The fact that your admin deleted my review almost instantly without contacting us is just more disappointment and further example of poor management. read more

I've been visiting this zoo since I was a child. In all of that time, I've watched animals come and go but one thing always remains, the owners have always stayed true to their roots. Their animals are family members, not "zoo" animals. You can see it in the way they treat the animals, how they intersect with them and by having a conversation with the owners or zoo keepers, you can see how much they love what they do. These aren't animals taken from the wild. Most are rescued animals and some have been adopted from other facilities. They have given these animals a very wonderful and loving home. I really recommend this place :) read more