Meet Exotic Animals at Black Pine

Just under an hour northwest of Fort Wayne is one of the best places in the country to visit if you're an animal lover. Nestled on 18 acres of hills and pine forest is Black Pine Animal Sanctuary in Albion, Indiana. Black Pine is home to over 75 displaced exotic animals. It's not a zoo and doesn't operate as one. Think of it as a forever home for rescued animals. In their own words, "We do not buy, sell, trade, or breed animals, or use them for commercial gain." Black Pine takes in and gives refuge to captive-raised animals that were not meant to be privately-owned domestic pets.

What Makes Black Pine Different

Black Pine is not your traditional zoo. The animals residing at Black Pine are not to enhance the "visitor experience" like what you might see at your hometown zoo, but to help save these animals. The residents at Black Pine are not acquired for breeding purposes and are not encouraged to multiply. Most of the animals hosted at Black Pine were born and raised in captivity and have experienced intimate relationships with their caregivers. The staff at Black Pine love to share the names and backgrounds of their residents to any visitors that come through as a way to help inform and influence responsible pet ownership and conservation. Just as much as the staff love the animals, the animals love them right back - almost always coming up close to see who is visiting.

Black Pine offers guided tours each day of the regular summer season as well as field trips by appointment. There are also knowledgeable staff on hand everyday to answer any question pertaining to Black Pine and the residents within.

Here's what you can expect to see on your visit:                                                  

• North American Black Bears
• Foxes (Arctic and Red)
• Wolf-Dog Hybrids
• Primates (Baboons, Velvet Monkeys and others)
• Birds (Emu and Rhea Americana)
• Cats (Tigers, Cougars, Bobcats, Servals and others)
• Reptiles (Pythons, Alligators, Tortoises and others)
• Others, including Donkeys, Fallow Deer and Pot-Bellied Pigs

Visit The Sanctuary

Black Pine's hours are Thursday through Sunday from 1pm-4pm at General Admission Rates. You can also check out their calendar before you plan your visit to see any events that may be happening that day. This year, Black Pine opened on Saturday, May 6 and will close sometime in October (weather permitting).  

Options to visit include:

General Admission - Tour at your leisure during the open hours of 1-4pm Fridays and Saturdays. Prices range from $10-17.50. This option is great for all ages.

Staff Guided Tour - Learn about the animals and how they are given the care they need in this hour and a half long tour with a knowledgeable guide. Plus, discover exciting stories and new information on this tour. Tour times are Thursday-Sunday at 10am and 12pm. Children under 5 should not attend this tour. Reserving your spot ahead of your visit is strongly recommended. Reserve your time here.

Private Tour - This two-hour long tour allows attendees to participate in a behind the scenes look of the Sanctuary. Learn about the care of animals and get up close and personal. Guests must be at least 10 years old to attend this tour. Pre-registering is necessary, and you must be registered at least 72 hours before the desired tour time. $50 per person. Reserve your spot here.