DEW HAVEN IS A NON-PROFIT MAINE ZOO & RESCUE...
dedicated to providing a safe haven for our animals, and promoting society's education regarding animal wellness, respect, and conservation. DEW Haven is a working farm, not a commercial zoo—think rustic nature versus concrete. Founders, Bob and Julie Miner, built DEW Haven from the ground up starting as a farm in 1980, and transforming into a zoo and rescue. After years of blood, sweat, tears, and laughter—with help and support from friends and volunteers—DEW is now haven to over 200 animals from all over the world. Bob and Julie live with the animals and dedicate their lives to them. They strive to educate the community with fun, educational, interactive tours, in hopes to help people understand animals futures are everyones responsibility.
What to expect:
- Rustic, outdoor landscape built from 90% recycled materials
- Pay at our gift shop and enter the quarter mile trail
- Choose to purchase food to feed our domestic animals
- Go around the loop as many times as you want
- Take a tour if available during your visit
- Four feet between you and most of our exotic animals
- ZERO direct contact with any exotic animal
- Rules are enforced for our animals safety
- Pack a lunch and eat at one of our picnic tables
- Portable toilets are available and located only in parking lot
- Gift shop items are available to purchase
THE DEW HAVEN TEAM
meet the key people behind the animals
Bob
Bob started DEW Haven as a farm in 1980 after suffering debilitating strokes from his service in Vietnam. He started with traditional farm animals and soon started helping rescue Maine wildlife and getting a few exotic animals. Bob is the co-founder of DEW Haven and has 30+ years of experience working directly with animals. He is truly in his element when working with the animals and loves to teach people about all the critters at DEW.
Julie
In 1994, Julie and her two daughters Hannah and Heidi came as volunteers to the farm. Bob and Julie hit it off and married six months later. Together, they grew DEW Haven and moved to a larger location. Julie has 20+ years of hands on experience working directly with animals. She is the glue that holds EVERYTHING at DEW together.
Heidi
Heidi is the youngest daughter of Bob and Julie. After completing her masters and starting a family she chose DEW Haven as her career choice. Heidi is our marketing manager and DEW Keeper.
Hannah
Hannah is the oldest daughter of Bob and Julie. DEW Haven has been a part of her life since she was 10. After graduating college and starting a family, Hannah decided DEW Haven was where she wanted to be. She moved back to Mount Vernon and became the DEW Haven office manager and DEW Keeper (she does everything from managing the emails, to working directly with every animal on site)
Ryan
Ryan became a part of DEW Haven when he married into the family. He now works at DEW Haven helping the people and animals in anyway he can. Among many things, Ryan focuses on construction projects.
Kate, Interns, & Volunteers
Kate is our wonderful employee. Her love for the animals and work ethic make her the perfect addition to the DEW Haven family staff.
We thank those who donate their time, energy, and love to helping our incredible animals. You all make our lives a whole lot better.
HOURS:
OPEN SEASONALLY
SPRING
May 5–June 21
Monday–Friday: CLOSED
Saturday: 10 am–5 pm
Sunday: 10 am–5 pm
SUMMER
June 21–August 31
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday–Sunday:
10 am–5 pm
FALL
September 1–October 7
Monday–Friday: CLOSED
Saturday–Sunday:
10 am–5 pm
WINTER
October 8-April 30
CLOSED
PRICING:
CASH OR CREDIT ONLY
ADULT
(ages 13-64)
$15
CHILD
(ages 4-12)
$10
SENIOR
(ages 65+)
$10
VETERAN
(active or retired military ID REQUIRED)
$10
INFANT
(ages 3 and under)
FREE
*HOURS AND PRICING are subject to change without notice
WE CLOSE FOR RAIN! PLEASE CHECK FACEBOOK BEFORE VISITING
DEW Haven is home to domestic, exotic, and wild animals. we have the most exotic cats in all of new England. feel free to scroll through these photos of some of the animals you could see during your visit!
All the animals at DEW Haven have their own story. They come from zoos that closed down or did not want them anymore, people who had mistreated them, or owned them illegally, or owned them as a pet and could not take care of them anymore, were purchased, or they were born right here at DEW Haven.
What should I bring with me?
We recommend coming prepared with the following items: sturdy shoes (mud boots during mud season), bug spray, sun screen, snacks and/or lunch, camera (for personal use only), stroller (if you have little ones).
Do you have a gift shop?
We have a small gift shop with items such as, t-shirts, stuffed animals, water bottles, pictures, magnets, and feathers.
Shop at DEW Haven online today.Do you have picnic tables?
Yes. DEW Haven has picnic tables. Please feel free to pack a lunch and eat right at DEW. WE DO NOT SELL FOOD OF ANY KIND.
How do you feed all your animals?
We purchase produce and grain from local stores. Our meat is donated from local farmers who lose their livestock as a result of a natural cause, and we pick up roadkill deer, moose, and bear within a 40 mile radius of DEW Haven.
We appreciate your support. Donate to DEW Haven through squareup or you can buy food off our Amazon wish list
How is DEW Haven funded?
We are a non profit organization not funded by the state or federal government. All of our funding comes from admission and gift shop sales, as well as donations. We use this money to feed, house, and meet all our animals' needs. Order off our Amazon wish list!
Where do the animals at DEW Haven come from?
All the animals at DEW Haven have their own story. They come from zoos that closed down or did not want them anymore, people who had mistreated them, or owned them illegally, or owned them as a pet and could not take care of them anymore, were purchased, or were born at DEW Haven.
What happens to the animals in the winter?
The animals at DEW Haven stay at our facility year round. We provide proper housing for all of Maine's seasons. For the winter months, we have heated barns for the animals who are unable to adapt to our cold climate. Most of our animals are adaptable to the cold and prefer the cold over our humid summers. Check out the DEW Haven Facebook page for year-round posts and updates on our animals.
Do you offer group rates?
Yes, DEW Haven has group rates available for official organized groups (e.g., schools, summer camps, rec programs, etc.).
Can anyone have exotic animals?
No, you would need to obtain special licenses and permits to own any exotic animal.
Do you sell exotic animals in the pet trade?
No. We NEVER sell exotic animals in the pet trade. We do not believe individuals should own exotic animals. We save animals from these types of situations.
Are white tigers a result of inbreeding?
No, white tigers are a subspecies of the Bengal tiger. It is a recessive gene that a Bengal tiger must carry to produce a white offspring. This occurs naturally, the first of which being found in India. Just like any animal species, inbreeding is a problem with white tigers. Some facilities have inbred many species of animals and to stop inbreeding, some have gone to the extreme of not breeding animals, or specifically not breeding white tigers at all. While others, like DEW Haven, take precaution to make sure our paired animals are unrelated. While DEW Haven has bred our white tiger twice, she was bred with an unrelated Siberian tiger (to broaden the gene pool even further), and has since been fixed to prevent over breeding. The two cubs we kept, have been fixed to prevent inbreeding. The other cubs were donated to facilities with similar standards and education programs to DEW Haven. Our goal in breeding these magnificent creatures is to prevent their extinction.
what does dew stand for?
Domestic, Exotic, and Wild.
IS DEW HAVEN WHEEL CHAIR ACCESSIBLE?
Yes. DEW Haven is wheel chair accessible. Some seasons, the terrain is more rough, but we have people come with wheel chairs regularly.
is DEW Haven coming back to animal planet?
Currently we have no plan to film anymore episodes of the show Yankee Jungle. We are so thankful for the opportunity we had, the people we got to work with, and the support we received from the community. Order the seasons on Amazon
What time of day is best to come?
The animals are most active first thing in the morning and on cooler days.
are pets aloud?
Pets are not allowed to visit DEW Haven. Our animals (especially the large cats and the monkeys), do not like outside pets. We do allow service animals. Please understand these animals can upset our animals as well. We appreciate you being considerate and quickly moving past an animal that does not like your service animal.
What happens if its raining?
We often close for rain. If we have to close for the day, we post on Facebook at 10 am at the earliest (simply because the weather changes so frequently). We hate to close and understand it can be difficult for travelers. Please understand most of the animals will go in their houses when it rains. Check for closings on DEW Havens Facebook
can i take pictures?
Pictures can be taken at DEW Haven, but must only be used for personal use (i.e., photos cannot be sold for any profit). SELFIE STICKS ARE PROHIBITED (they have been used to poke animals, which is why they are no longer allowed).
How can i help?
We appreciate the support of our patrons. Here are a few ways you can help support DEW Haven.
Purchase a needed item off our Amazon wishlist
Donate to DEW Haven at our square online store
Like, follow, share, and comment on our Facebook page
HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT DEW HAVEN?
PLEASE TAKE A LOOK
Wildlife facilities require a lot of hard work, organization, and upkeep for both the grounds and the animals in their care. DEW Haven offers a wonderful internship program for those interested in getting experience working with domestic and exotic animals. DEW has had interns from various backgrounds and college majors, including but not limited to; biology, pre-vet, tourism, zoology, animal behavior, and wildlife biology. We accept interns of any animal related major.
An internship position at DEW Haven offers many different experiences to learn how to care for a variety of species. Duties include cleaning animal enclosures, monitoring behaviors, learning husbandry techniques, checking food and water, helping to educate the public, and researching, creating, designing, observing (and in some instances personally implementing) enrichment projects for the animals. Those who are interested in pursuing a career in animal husbandry or research will find that an internship at DEW provides a great foundation for figuring out a path. Not only will you learn information about exotic, wild, and domestic species, you will learn numerous skills in communicating with the public, how to follow safety procedures, how to work with your hands and tools, and also how to think critically to plan projects for the benefit of the wildlife.
Testimonies from a few of our past interns:
“Working at DEW Haven for the summer opened my eyes to the possibility of what I could do in my future. It solidified my love for animals and gave me once in a life time experiences.” —E.A.
“No matter what struggles I am going through, the second that I step foot here, I feel at peace. Being able to give these wonderful animals love, and care for them, gives me the most overwhelming emotions. I am so grateful to Julie, Bob, and their family for giving me the opportunity to have those feelings.” —S.C.
“I was part of implementing new enrichment and husbandry practices to continue providing mental/physical stimulation and to optimize the well being of each animal.”—J.P.
“The impact that these people and these animals had on me is indescribable. Before this internship, I had no real experience, especially with animals like wallabies or alpacas, so having them stop to take the time to educate me on the animals and the care of these animals was incredible.”—K.R.
“Since interning at DEW Haven I have received my Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science and I am now in my first year of Vet School. I have made animal health and husbandry the focus of my education and it is experiences such as those at DEW Haven that reinforce my decision to further this education.”—L.R.
“While at DEW Haven, I was able to learn valuable skills and information about how to care for wildlife in captivity as well as how to rehabilitate Maine wildlife. In total, I earned 7 college credits during my time interning at DEW.”—D.D.
DEW Haven offers college students, enrolled in animal related fields, a life changing summer internship program
—2017 interns working on an enrichment project for our resident black bears A special thank you to our past interns, and to the Sidney Firehouse for donating the fire hose.
DEW HaveN tours are at 11 on weekends*
(weekday tours occasionally at 11)
There is no need to sign up. Once you have purchased your ticket into DEW, you are able to join a tour if one is provided during your visit. Please remember our animals needs ALWAYS come first. * If our tour guide is needed for anything animal related, the tour can be canceled. We greatly appreciate your understanding. Tours are occasionally added in on weekdays, but are hit or miss.
DEW HAVEN GROUP TOUR
DEW Haven offers a group rate for official organized groups*
Education is a huge part of what makes DEW Haven unique. One of our favorite ways to reach our community is through scheduled group tours for local elementary, middle school, high school, and college classes. DEW Haven offers discounts for rec programs, summer camps, daycares, and other official groups.
*To qualify for our group discount you MUST schedule your visit through email. We require at least 48 hours notice (large group slots fill FAST, email today to book your spring, summer, or fall slot).
WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU
DEW Haven is a family-run business in Mount Vernon, Maine. We spend the majority of our time outside, taking care of our wonderful animals. The best way to reach us is via email. We appreciate your patience in understanding our animals always come first!
Email DewHaven.ME@gmail.com
Address 918 Pond Road, Mount Vernon, Maine
Phone +1 (207) - 293- 2837
©DEW Haven—Maine zoo and rescue
918 pond roaD | Mount VernoN | Maine
