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," but to help save exotic animals who previous owners have tried to domesticate. 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 Thursdays and Fridays from 1pm-5pm at General Admission Rates. Guided tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays. You can also check out their calendar before you plan your visit to see any events that may be happening that day. Seasonally, Black Pine is open from early May and to sometime in October (weather permitting).  

Options to visit include:

General Admission - Tour at your leisure during the open hours of 1-5pm Thursdays and Fridays. 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 Saturdays and Sundays at 11am, 12pm, and 1pm. Reserving your spot ahead of your visit is strongly recommended. Reserve your time here. Cost ranges from $10-17.50.

Enrichment Tour - This is the best chance to see all of the Black Pine residents up close to appreciate and and learn about their behaviors and personalities. The Staff Guides leading this tour deliver enrichment items such as afternoon snacks and even meals to the big cats, bears, primates, and more! Because of the nature of this unique encounter, they suggest that all attendees should be over the age of 5. These tours are offered on Saturdays at 3pm. Reserve your spot here. Cost is $20.

Toddlers and Tots Tour - Shorter for young and old, this hour-long tour is tailored to be educational as well as entertaining for kids. Attendees can follow along with an animal scavenger hunt card to track the residents they see during their visit! Picnic tables are available on the grounds, and the paths are paved. These tours are offered on Fridays at 11am. Reserve your spot here. Cost ranges from $5-$12:50.