Heaven's Corner photo
ZooOhio, US

Heaven's Corner

Heaven's Corner was a unique animal sanctuary that opened its doors to the public, offering an intimate look into the lives of rescued exotic animals.

About

Heaven's Corner was a unique animal sanctuary that opened its doors to the public, offering an intimate look into the lives of rescued exotic animals. Situated in West Alexandria, Ohio, this non-profit organization began as a sanctuary for abandoned creatures in 1990, eventually welcoming visitors in 1999 to help fund its vital work. Guests experienced a personal connection with wildlife, learning about the animals' stories and the importance of animal welfare. Before its closure, Heaven's Corner was known for its dedication to providing care and refuge for its diverse residents, which at one point numbered up to 150 creatures. Visitors could witness animals in habitats designed to meet their specific needs. Planned developments included a river otter exhibit completed in 2008, and ongoing construction for bear and large cat habitats, indicating a commitment to enhancing both animal welfare and visitor experience. The zoo fostered an environment where education and appreciation for exotic animals thrived, attracting students and families from across the region. It offered a chance to see a variety of species that had found a second chance at life, making it a beloved local attraction for over a decade. The emphasis was on responsible animal ownership and understanding the behaviors of these magnificent creatures. Enhance your adventure: download the Snappit app to identify the local species you encounter.

Heaven's Corner was founded in 1990 as a sanctuary to provide a home for abandoned exotic animals. For nearly a decade, it operated as a private facility dedicated to animal welfare. In 1999, to help cover the increasing costs of caring for its residents, the sanctuary opened its doors to the public as a zoo. This allowed the community to engage with the animals and support the non-profit's mission. The facility grew over the years, with notable additions such as a river otter exhibit in 2008, and plans for bear and large cat habitats. However, its operation came to an end on May 13, 2015, when Heaven's Corner officially announced its permanent closure. This difficult decision was a direct consequence of new Ohio laws restricting the ownership of wild animals, which necessitated the rehoming of its felines and other large carnivorous animals.

What to do here

Visitors could observe abandoned exotic animals in their care, learn about their stories, and support the sanctuary's mission. Educational tours were also available by appointment.

Seasonal info

The zoo operated seasonally during summer and fall months.

Accessibility

Specific accessibility details are not readily available for its operating period.

Don't miss

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River otter exhibit completed in 2008

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Bear and large cat habitats under construction

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Personalized visitor experience

Wildlife you might spot

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Good to know before you go

When it was open, planning a visit during the summer or fall was recommended, as these were its operational seasons.

Booking educational tours in advance was possible, allowing for a more in-depth experience.

Visitors could support the non-profit's mission by making donations in addition to purchasing admission tickets.

Given its focus on rescued animals, it was an opportunity to learn about responsible pet ownership and animal behavior.

Frequently asked questions

No, Heaven's Corner Zoo permanently closed its doors on May 13, 2015, due to changes in Ohio's exotic animal ownership laws.
The zoo was forced to close due to new laws passed in Ohio that restricted the ownership of wild animals, particularly large felines and other carnivorous species that the sanctuary housed.
Heaven's Corner Zoo was an animal sanctuary that provided a home for abandoned exotic animals. Before its closure, it housed a variety of creatures, including river otters, and was developing habitats for bears and large cats.

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