GRAY – The Maine Wildlife Park will open its doors for the season on Friday, April 20, just in time for what looks like a warm spring weekend.

The 200-acre park has more than 25 species of native Maine wildlife. Visitors are guaranteed to see moose, white-tailed deer, black bears, mountain lions, porcupines, coyotes, owls, native turtles, hawks and owls and trophy trout, among other animals.

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 a gift shop. The calendar of special wildlife events is full, starting Saturdays in May and running through Labor Day. Bring a picnic and spend the day, there are no reservations required.

Maine Wildlife Park

• Open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 20 through Nov. 11

• Located on Route 26 in Gray, 3.5 miles from Maine Turnpike Exit 63

• Admission is free for ages 3 and under; $4 for ages 4-12; $6 for adults; $4.50 for seniors

• FMI: Call 207-657-4977; or check online at www.mainewildlifepark.com or www.mefishwildlife.com.