GRAY – The Maine Wildlife Park, Route 26, a 200-acre haven with more than 25 species of native Maine wildlife on exhibit, will open its doors for the season on Thursday, April 24.

Visitors will see a moose, white-tailed deer, black bears, mountain lions, porcupines, coyotes, owls, native turtles, hawks and owls and trophy trout. Many of the animals at the park live there because they were injured or orphaned, or because they are human-dependent since they were raised (sometimes illegally) in captivity. The park serves as a permanent home for wildlife that cannot survive in the wild.

There are nature trails and wildlife gardens, interactive exhibits, a snack shack, a nature store and gift shop.

The calendar of special wildlife events is full, starting Saturdays in May and running through Labor Day. For a list, visit www.mainewildlifepark.com.

The park will be open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Nov. 11. Admission is free for ages 3 and under; $4 for ages 4 to 12; $6 for adults; and $4.50 for seniors. Groups of 15 or more are $3 a person.