ZooIndiana, US

ME's Zoo

ME's Zoo, a privately owned wildlife park in Parker City, Indiana, captivated visitors with its intimate animal encounters and heartwarming origin story.

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About

ME's Zoo, a privately owned wildlife park in Parker City, Indiana, captivated visitors with its intimate animal encounters and heartwarming origin story. Spanning over 40 acres, the zoo was home to more than 300 animals, making it a beloved regional attraction. Beyond its diverse animal collection, ME's Zoo gained renown for its spectacular "House of Lights," transforming into a dazzling Christmas wonderland with over 200,000 twinkling lights each holiday season, a tradition born from a personal family experience.

Visitors to ME's Zoo could marvel at a wide array of creatures, including impressive white Siberian tigers named Bobby and Masai, the majestic African lion Zeus, and the friendly camel Omar, who was a mascot and offered rides. The zoo also featured primates, bears, leopards, exotic birds like parrots, llamas, deer, and reptiles. Interactive experiences, such as children getting to feed goats and touch turtles and snakes during educational programs, fostered a unique connection between guests and the animal kingdom.

The zoo's blend of exotic animals, educational opportunities, and the unforgettable Christmas light display created a memorable experience for families and individuals alike. It was more than just a zoo; it was a community hub that celebrated Max Oren's dream and offered a more personal, hands-on approach to wildlife appreciation, distinguishing it from larger, more traditional zoos. Be ready to snap and learn! Get the Snappit app to identify any nature species you find here.

ME's Zoo opened its gates to the public in May 1988, founded by Max and Eileen Oren. The inspiration for the zoo began after Max Oren was diagnosed with aplastic anemia in 1986. His community's act of decorating his property with over 10,000 Christmas lights to cheer him up, believing it might be his last Christmas, sparked an idea. Max, a former carnival game operator, sold his equipment to acquire animals, turning his farm into a zoo. Initially starting with 45 animals, ME's Zoo quickly grew to house over 300 diverse species across its 40 to 55-acre property. Despite Max's continued health battles and his passing from leukemia in 1993, Eileen and their daughter, Kim, along with numerous friends and volunteers, continued to operate and grow the zoo, keeping Max's dream alive. The zoo continued its cherished Christmas lights tradition in his memory. Sadly, after two decades of operation, ME's Zoo closed permanently on September 27, 2009. Efforts to relocate the zoo failed due to significant financial hurdles (over $3 million needed for a new 100-acre site), and many of its animals were successfully rehomed.

What to do here

Visitors could observe a wide range of exotic animals, enjoy educational presentations by animal curator Paul Cross, and experience camel rides. The zoo also offered picnic areas, a playground, and a gift shop. During the holidays, the extensive light displays, festive figures, and Santa appearances were essential sights.

Seasonal info

The Christmas light display was a significant seasonal event, running from Thanksgiving to Christmas. School groups frequently visited in the spring for educational programs.

Accessibility

Historical records indicate animals lived outdoors with habitats connected by paths, and the zoo included picnic areas and a playground. Specific details regarding modern accessibility standards (e.g., wheelchair access on all paths) are not explicitly documented in the available historical information.

Don't miss

The renowned "House of Lights" during the Christmas season was a major draw. Animal highlights included the white Siberian tigers (Bobby and Masai), the African lion (Zeus), and the beloved camel (Omar).

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Osprey

Garter Snake

Leopard Frog

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

(Retrospective - based on how one would have visited):

Plan a holiday visit

For an unforgettable experience, visit during the Christmas season to witness the magnificent "House of Lights" display.

Seek out educational programs

Look for opportunities to attend animal presentations led by the animal curator for close-up animal encounters and learning.

Enjoy interactive experiences

If available, don't miss the chance for camel rides or the possibility of feeding goats and touching smaller animals.

Bring a picnic

Take advantage of the zoo's picnic areas for a relaxed meal amidst the animal surroundings.

Allocate ample time

With over 40 acres and 300+ animals, plan for at least a half-day to fully explore all the exhibits.

Visit with school groups

Spring was an excellent time for educational outings, offering a structured and informative visit for children.

Frequently asked questions

: ME's Zoo housed a diverse collection of over 300 animals. Visitors could see primates, wild cats like white Siberian tigers (Bobby and Masai) and African lion (Zeus), bears, various birds including parrots, llamas, deer, and reptiles. The zoo was also famous for its camel, Omar.
: During the holiday season, from Thanksgiving through Christmas, ME's Zoo transformed into a spectacular "House of Lights" with over 200,000 lights. This festive tradition, which began as a gesture of support for founder Max Oren, included elaborate displays, figures, and even Santa Claus, making it a hugely popular attraction.