Oaklawn Farm Zoo
Oaklawn Farm Zoo was Nova Scotia's largest zoo, operating for 40 seasons in Millville, Nova Scotia. Founded in 1984 by Ron and Gail Rogerson, it was family-owned and featured the largest displays of Big Cats and Primates in Eastern Canada. The zoo closed its doors in December 2023.
Key Facts
- ›Opened in 1984 and operated by Ron and Gail Rogerson.
- ›Was Nova Scotia's largest zoo before closing.
- ›Boasted the largest displays of Big Cats and Primates in Eastern Canada.
- ›Covered 50 acres in a rural setting in the Annapolis Valley.
- ›Included a restaurant and gift shop.
- ›Announced closure in December 2023 after 40 seasons.
Big Cats, Primates
Rutledge
About Oaklawn Farm Zoo
Oaklawn Farm Zoo was a significant zoological facility located in Millville, Nova Scotia, Canada, situated just south of the village of Aylesford. For 40 seasons, it stood as Nova Scotia's largest zoo before its closure was announced in December 2023. Founded in 1984 by Ron and Gail Rogerson, the zoo was family-owned and operated, establishing itself as a notable attraction in the region.
History and Operations
The origins of Oaklawn Farm Zoo trace back to the 1970s when Ron and Gail Rogerson began a farm featuring conventional and exotic animals. By 1975, the farm was already attracting school field trips for educational purposes. In 1980, a program named "Learning to Live" was initiated, providing children with hands-on experience in animal care. This foundation led to the farm's incorporation as a zoo in 1984, with many new animals added to the facility.
The zoo occupied 50 acres in a rural setting within Nova Scotia's picturesque Annapolis Valley. It was recognized for housing the largest displays of Big Cats and Primates in Eastern Canada. The collection also included a wide array of mammals, birds, and reptiles, encompassing both exotic and native species, as well as domestic animal breeds. Popular attractions included opportunities for children to feed corn to hoofstock and the highly anticipated feeding demonstrations for big cats and bears, where owner Gail Rogerson would hand-feed the animals.
Oaklawn Farm Zoo also provided amenities for visitors, including a restaurant and a gift shop. The zoo announced its intention not to reopen for the 2024 season, bringing an end to its four-decade run.
Notable Animals
Among the animals housed at Oaklawn Farm Zoo, an African lion named Rutledge gained particular renown. Born at the zoo in 1991 and hand-raised, Rutledge achieved a world record at four years old for being the heaviest lion in captivity, weighing 807 pounds (366 kg). He lived to be nearly 18 years old before being euthanized in February 2009 and was buried on the zoo grounds. Another African lion, Obi, was also a resident, diagnosed with kidney failure in 2017 and euthanized in 2019.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Oaklawn Farm Zoo open?
Oaklawn Farm Zoo opened its doors in 1984. The Rogerson family had started a farm with conventional and exotic animals in the 1970s, and by 1984, it was incorporated as a zoo.
Who owned and operated Oaklawn Farm Zoo?
The zoo was family-owned and operated by Ron and Gail Rogerson. They started their farm operations in the 1970s, which eventually evolved into the zoo.
What were the notable animal collections at Oaklawn Farm Zoo?
Oaklawn Farm Zoo was known for housing the largest display of Big Cats and Primates in Eastern Canada. It also featured a variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles, including endangered and threatened species.
Was Oaklawn Farm Zoo involved in any special animal programs?
The zoo had a program called "Learning to Live" that started in 1980, allowing children to gain experience in animal care. A popular attraction was the feeding of big cats and bears, where owner Gail Rogerson would hand-feed them.
When did Oaklawn Farm Zoo close?
Oaklawn Farm Zoo announced in December 2023 that it would not reopen for the 2024 season, marking its closure after 40 years of operation.
Was there a famous animal at Oaklawn Farm Zoo?
An African lion named Rutledge was born at the zoo in 1991 and hand-raised. At four years old, he set a world record for the heaviest lion in captivity at 807 pounds (366 kg) and was later euthanized and buried at the zoo.
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