Magnetic Hill Zoo — Attraction in Moncton

Our unexpected visit to the Moncton Zoo during our family trip from Toronto, ON, to Halifax, NS, left an indelible mark on our hearts. Serendipity guided us to this captivating haven of biodiversity, recommended by the gracious hotel staff. Despite its more modest size compared to larger zoos, the Moncton Zoo enthralled us with a diverse collection of animals from around the world.

The Black Panthers stole the show, earning our resounding five-star praise. Their sleek, ebony coats exuded an air of mystique that left us spellbound. With piercing gazes and graceful movements, these enigmatic creatures seemed to possess an otherworldly allure, etching an unforgettable memory in our minds.

Though the zoo may not boast grandiose dimensions, its thoughtfully curated exhibits offered an intimate encounter with an array of species. Animals from different regions coexisted harmoniously, creating a unique and authentic atmosphere.

Arriving early in the morning, we witnessed a tranquil scene of animals awakening to the golden hues of dawn. Some creatures still dozed, while others gracefully embraced the new day. Nature's serene awakening heightened the magic of our experience, fostering a sense of peace and wonder.

For our children, the Moncton Zoo became a realm of enchantment, igniting their curiosity and kindling a passion for conservation. The zoo's educational efforts resonated deeply with them, instilling a profound appreciation for Earth's rich biodiversity.

As we bid adieu to the Moncton Zoo, a sense of gratitude enveloped us. Gratitude for stumbling upon this hidden gem, gratitude for the zoo staff's dedication to animal welfare, and gratitude for the cherished memories that will forever reside in our hearts.

Our brief encounter with the Moncton Zoo transcended the boundaries of a mere visit—it became an unforgettable journey that reminded us of the intricate connection between humanity and the natural world. And as we continued our expedition, we carried the essence of the zoo's beauty and wisdom, a precious gift bestowed upon us by...

Just happened to show up when the weather was perfect and they had Guest Appreciation Day, so the reduced prices and discounted Gift Shop items was a pleasant surprise!

The tour is just over 2 km long and as two adults with no kids, it took about 2 hours to wander around and get a good look at almost all of the animals. There is a large playground to stop at in the middle of the venue.

The entire path for the habitats was wheelchair accessible. I haven't been to every shop, but the ones I have seen/been in were all accessible (no stairs). The only places they had stairs, were for some of the random, smaller exhibits (bugs behind glass in a small trailer-esque) setup.

Only a few animals we couldn't spot/see at all (red foxes), and a couple of unoccupied exhibits (maybe two habitats), but overall it was great for the price. Remember to bring change (loonies and quarters) if you want to feed some of the animals like goats, alpacas and deer. The goats and alpacas do not seem to be interested in petting. Just food. Approach at your own risk as they may spit!

I give it a 4 because the habitats for some of the larger animals could be better. I know it'll take time and money but with how long they've been around, I feel they could be better, and filled with more enrichment items.

I took a detour down the wharf later. Quaint and cute but nothing really there for me (that I can afford). You can control some little motorized boats (unsure if there's a cost to it). Went to the butterfly dome and it was pretty, and the butterflies were beautiful and large, but the space is so small and there are too many people to enjoy it properly. It was 10$ per person, which I guess helps keep the guest count lower, but it didn't...

Our family visited the zoo on Sunday and I will say that 99% off the experience was amazing. It was obvious that they cared greatly for the animals and provided them with the best supports and environments for each animals individual needs. It was a lovely walk through to see all the animals and we even experienced the staff handling a medical emergency like seasoned professionals.

So why the 3 star review? Honestly I am trying to give them credit for everything they are doing so well and the obvious care and love they have the the animals in their care. What I witnessed at the tiger enclosure almost ruined the whole thing for me.

The Tiger was let out into it's enclosure which has a large clear panel that visitors can walk right up to to get closer to the tiger and take pictures. There are clear signs that say do not tap or hit the panel or tease the tiger in anyway. As soon as the tiger appeared people rushed the glass and started banging on it, yelling at the tiger and generally agitating the animal until it was leaping and roaring at the people. There were no staff in sight to protect the tiger from the abuse of the zoo patrons. The poor tiger was being mistreated with no support from it's caregivers.

I did look for staff to talk to them about it but it was the very end of the day and I couldn't find any. After the joy of seeing all the other animals so cared for this incident was disturbing and leads to my review. I hope this problem can be rectified so the tiger enjoys his habitats as much as the rest of...