Why You Should Visit Black Pine Animal Park in Albion, Indiana

Black Pine Animal Park is one of the most amazing zoos in Indiana today, but it isn’t really a zoo. It’s actually a rescue. Located in the small town of Albion, Indiana in Noble County, Black Pine is in the northeast section of Indiana, a short distance from SR 9. Unlike most exotic animal retirement/rescue organizations, Black Pine welcomes and encourages visitors.

Black Pine was established in 1982 by Brad Bonar and his wife Karen. After buying their dream home and remodeling, the question of what to do with the extra 12.5 acres was a definite conundrum. They decided to raise lambs, but got attached. On a whimsical whim, Brad decided to purchase an ostrich advertised in the paper, and Karen became a licensed DNR rehabilitator taking in orphaned and injured wildlife for later release in the wild. Somewhere along the line, llamas came into the picture, followed by mountain lions whose owner had become ill and could no longer care for them.

Slowly other exotic animals began to trickle in, which attracted onlookers who were curious about why a family would choose to help so many varieties of animals. The Bonars decided to open their “farm” for public admission to support its maintenance and pave the way for new residents. People looking to retire their unwanted exotic pets and businesses trying to get rid of old circus performers like bears and tigers would contact the Bonars, and the Bonars, having a warm spot for these throwaway creatures, opened their hearts and repeatedly set up new digs for the constant flow of animals.

Now, over twenty years later, the Bonars have added education to their list of goals with Black Pine. Over ninety animals in just under fifty species are housed at Black Pine Animal Park, where visitors are welcome to see all of the creatures in this public non-profit zoo. Black Pine has some exciting news now, as they are moving from their previous location to a better site.