Domestic, Exotic, Wild (…a visit to DEW Animal Kingdom)

This past weekend we took the kids to DEW Animal Kingdom in Mount Vernon, Maine.   DEW is an interesting place.  It’s a refuge for unwanted domestic, exotic and wild (D.E.W) animals in the middle-of-nowhere in Maine.

Started by Bob Miner, a Vietnam vet who found a way back from reclusiveness through the animals, DEW has built up quite a menagerie of creatures.

When you first enter the park, you are presented with the normal animal park assortment of barnyard creatures such as sheep and goats.

My daughter made fast friends with one older looking goat.

First she gave him a big hug.

Then she went in for the kiss.

After passing by some bears, kangaroos and wallabys (wallabi?), I spotted this handsome fella.

In my opinion, the Hyena was the scariest animal in the park.  Bob told us that they can run at speeds up to 18 MPH which they can sustain for an hour.  There’s no out running these guys.  And just look at the way this hyena thinks that my son = Lunch.

Hyena Staredown

Man that’s creepy.  Here’s a video that shows Bob feeding the Hyena while it whines (laughs) and devours huge chunks of meat without stopping to chew.

Here’s another video of Bob and one of his tigers.  He is missing an eye but can still catch birds for a snack.

If you ever find yourself near Augusta, Maine, DEW Animal Kingdom is definitely worth checking out.