Shubenacadie Wildlife Park facts for kids
| Date opened | 1954 |
|---|---|
| Location | Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia, Canada |
| Land area | 40 ha (99 acres) |
| Coordinates | 45°05′37″N 63°23′35″W / 45.0936208°N 63.393184°W |
The Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park is a special place in Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia, Canada. It's part of Nova Scotia's park system. This amazing 40-hectare park is home to many animals. It also has an interpretive centre, fun hiking trails, a picnic area, and a playground. It's a great spot to learn about nature and see wildlife up close!
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Park History and Purpose
The Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park started small in the late 1940s. It was first a safe place for orphaned white-tailed deer. A man named Eldon Pace looked after them. People became very interested in the park. Because of this, it officially opened to the public in 1954. Mr. Pace was the park's leader until 1988.
Over the years, the park grew a lot. It became one of Nova Scotia's most popular places to visit. Since the beginning, the park has helped countless injured animals. They care for orphaned birds, reptiles, and mammals. The park also teaches visitors about wildlife and the environment. Thousands of students have learned here through special programs.
In 2008, the park was officially named a wildlife park. This means it's a protected area. It helps keep animals safe and educates people.
Animals You Can See
The park is home to about 90 different kinds of mammals and birds. You can see many amazing creatures here. Some of the animals living at the park include:
- Dall sheep
- Indian peafowl (also known as peacocks!)
- Sable Island ponies
- Moose
- Black bears
- River otters
- Three types of owl
- Coyotes
- Skunks
- Raccoons
- Martens
- White-tailed deer
- Woodchucks
- Three types of fox
- Kestrels
- Beavers
- Turkey vultures
- Two types of lynx
- Peregrine falcons
- Mink
- Arctic wolves
- Red-tailed hawks
- Gray wolves
- Bald eagles
- Porcupines
- Cougars
- Snowshoe hares
- European magpies
It's a great chance to see many different animals from North America and beyond!
Shubenacadie Sam: The Weather Groundhog
The Wildlife Park is also home to a very special resident: Shubenacadie Sam! Sam is famous for being one of the first groundhogs in North America to predict the weather. Every year on February 2nd, which is Groundhog Day, Sam comes out of his house at sunrise. He looks for his shadow.
If Sam sees his shadow, it means winter will last longer. If he doesn't see his shadow, spring will come early! This fun event always brings a big crowd. Everyone wants to see what Sam predicts for the upcoming spring weather.
Greenwing Legacy Centre
Inside the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park, you'll find the Greenwing Legacy Centre. This center opened in 2006. It's a partnership between Ducks Unlimited Canada and the park. You can follow yellow duck prints to explore the amazing world of wetlands!
The center has many interactive displays. These displays teach you why wetlands are so important. You can also see live wetland creatures. There's even a gift shop where you can find cool souvenirs. It's a fantastic place to learn about these vital natural areas.
