Private Zoo To Close

ME's Zoo

I actually went to college about 20 minutes from the zoo, and did visit on one occasion. Not much to see at all, though it was better than many menageries I've seen. No tiny cages, and the animals seemed to be cared for fine. The exhibits were pretty spacious for deer, bison, elk, aoudad, eland, and kangaroo but there wasn't much to offer. The zoo is built on Indiana farmland, so out in the middle of nowhere. Muncie is the closest city, and is primarily a college town. Not much community support or interest. As the article mentions, they had an annual holiday event, which was the biggest event of the year. The day I visited, they had a white tiger on loan and the crowds were sparse. I'm shocked that it took this long for it to shut down.

Not sure if it was ever approached, but a partnership with Ball State University, which has a zoology program would have been beneficial. Many of the students, even in the zoology department were unaware that the zoo existed.
 
I visited once years ago. My aunt and her husband actually worked there for a period of time and were friends with the owners. I disagreed with their philosophy about collection planning (whatever was "cute") and their penchant for going in with big cats. I also didn't think much of the wallaby-on-a-leash. Hand-rearing sometimes is necessary but the goal should be to foster natural behaviors and return the animal to something resembling a natural life. I'm not sure whether they had any relationship at all with Ball State but I rather doubt it--it wouldn't have been their style.
 
I have recently started looking into opening my own private animal educational animal facility...and somehow I wondered onto information on ME's Zoo. I know its shut down and the animals left but I don't know what happened to the actual facility? Does anyone know anyone that would have information on how I can find out, I wanna try to bring back this facility to life!!!
 
This facility was built on land around the home of the owner I'm not sure if she still lives there or not.
 
yea i looked up there website and kinda figured that was the case, there website is still totally how it was when they were open too. None of the contact info was valid though, but I wrote a letter to whoever is living there now so hopefully it gets in the right hands!
 
WRZOO said:
I have recently started looking into opening my own private animal educational animal facility...and somehow I wondered onto information on ME's Zoo. I know its shut down and the animals left but I don't know what happened to the actual facility? Does anyone know anyone that would have information on how I can find out, I wanna try to bring back this facility to life!!!
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I hope you thoroughly investigate the huge investment in capital that an endeavor of this sort requires. Having exotic animals is much more complicated and a lot more expensive than people realize not to mention the number of government agencies whose regulations must be complied with. Way too often the results are often mediocre, inadequate facilities that overwhelm the owners.
 
yes I am not just some person who saw the recent movie and wants to buy a zoo...I have a specialty degree in zoo operations, and currently run a small zoo and am well aware of all the USDA regulations, costs, and requirements that make a well cared for zoo!
 
I would encourage you to go for your dream, but with open eyes. Most of the time this is tried on a shoe string budget, they fail, but there are successes for those willing to persevere. I did it, by being willing to make lots of personal sacrifices, and working 0o hr weeks for the last 17 years. The biggest mistake a small operation makes, is needing to make a profit right from the beginning. Usually doesn't work for a small place. Have another job, and start out only opening on weekends.
 
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