DeYoung Family Zoo

DeYoung's small, hands-on zoo is by no means a slick, tourist-oriented place; it's been put together with a variety of gleaned materials. Its focus is endangered big cats: Asian leopards, cougars, Bengal and Siberian tigers, even lions. As there are fewer and fewer safe habitats for these large predators all over the world, zoos are almost the only places these animals can reproduce. Visitors can also get a close look at the much-discussed North American cougar (a.k.a. mountain lion, panther, and puma). Cougars, native to much of the United States, are again back in Michigan, it is clear.

The zoo's sole proprietor, Bud DeYoung, most always on hand to greet guests, bought up 80 acres of diverse habitat in Menominee County, when it was quite inexpensive in the 1974. His place is a magnet for many area young people and families from the Green Bay area.
Some injured animals have been sent to DeYoung's for rehabilitation. Others are unwanted pets that have grown too large and difficult. Once acclimated to humans, animals can seldom be released into the wild. One advantage of having a private zoo is avoiding the complicated politics of zoo boards and municipal budgets. Bud is able to keep large animals like Siberian tigers and grizzly and black bears in a climate akin to their native conditions. Large enclosures, often two acres, often include ponds and rocks. Some 75 wild turkeys live here. A pair of black bears have lots of acorns to eat in their two acres. People love watching the grizzly pair. Bud keeps only pairs; he doesn't want to replicate territorial hierarchies.

The animals are happier without the pressure of urban crowds. As the 24/7 resident manager, Bud is able to keep zoo visitors from pestering animals and giving them undesireable handouts. Their reproduction rates are higher than at many urban zoos, he says.

At this time other animals include grey wolves, camels, wallabies, emus, ring-tailed lemurs, and Malaysian bintorung. There's a new winter quarters for alligators and other reptiles.

Domestic animals and various babies are in the petting zoo, where they can be fed. Visiting families can be photographed with animals. Spring babies are in the hands-on petting zoo: pot-bellied pigs (often rescued), goats, sheep, llamas, even baby tigers.

According to its lively web site, www.deyoungzoo.com, the zoo grew out of Bud DeYoung's boyhood backyard "zoo" in his Indiana home outside Chicago. He served a brief stint as a caretaker at Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo. In 1974 he bought these 80 acres outside Wallace for his future zoo. He worked driving a semi and as a logger. By 1984 he had a DNR license to rehabilitate injured animals. Then he got a U.S. Department of Agriculture license for keeping carnivores. Four unannounced inspections a year are made to monitor animals' well-being.

Bud opened the zoo to the public in 1990. With recognition by the Department of the Interior, he is able to trade animals with other zoos and wildlife facilities. (Selling wild animals is prohibited.) Zoology students from Michigan State University and the University of Wisconsin intern here. Fifteen area volunteers give tours and help in many ways.

"Bud makes no profit on the zoo, with all the proceeds going into feeding and caring for the animals," according to the web site. "It is only run by donations. . . , admission paid by visitors, and the assistance of volunteers." Sponsors for individual animals are always welcome.

Donations of chain link fencing, bleach, utility poles, and foods like corn, apples and most fruits and vegetables, are always needed. Food for carnivores is donated by area dairy farmers when cows become hopelessly injured. The zoo, south of Wallace, is in an area of old farms that are mostly reverting to nature. Road kill is delivered by a Menominee County deer removal contractor.

The zoo is at N5406 County Road 577 south of Wallace and U.S. 41. From U.S. 41 at the blinking light and Chevrolet dealership in Wallace, take CR 342 2 miles west, then south 1 1/2 miles on 577. For the scenic backroads route from Menominee and 10th St./U.S. 41, take 18th Ave. west 1 _ miles past the airport, look for CR 577 and turn north. It winds some 15 miles north to the zoo. (906) 788-4093. Cost: $5/person, ages 2 and under free. Group and school rates available if scheduled ahead. Zoo open year-round. From April thru Labor Day daily 10-4 Central Time. Off-season hours: Sat & Sun 10-4 Central Time and by appointment. Handicapped and special-needs visitors are most welcome. Call ahead for group visits.

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