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DEW Animal Kingdom is located on 42 acres in beautiful Mt. Vernon, Maine, in western Kennebec County. With a wide variety of animals from all over the world, DEW Animal Kingdom has something for everyone young and old. Be prepared to be exhilarated and educated as you walk the trails alone or if you're lucky enough to catch a tour. Unlike "zoos" which allow you to see animals from a distance, DEW Animal Kingdom lets you get up close and intimate with some of the most exotic animals walking the planet. DEW Animal Kingdom is solely owned and operated by Julie and Bob Miner. D.E.W. Animal Kingdom is a smoke-free environment. There are no tobacco products allowed anywhere on the farm property. The animals and management appreciates compliance with this rule.
Our Mission:To farm in a responsible, caring and healthy environment for a variety of animals.To be able to educate another generation of children with another generation of animals.To enjoy and respect animal life.DEW Animal Kingdom Profile & HistoryOwners: Bob and Julie Miner Animal Residents: 200+ Brief History: After suffering debilitating strokes due to his service in Vietnam, Bob Miner returned to Maine to the D.E.W. Animal Kingdom farm in 1980. He started with traditional farm animals such as cows, pigs, goats, llamas etc. He soon discovered he had a knack for helping Maine wildlife and became permitted by the State to rehabilitate and return these animals to the wild. He then became involved with more non-traditional (exotic) livestock - lemurs, coatimundi, wallaby, etc.......Thus the name D.omestic E.xotic W.ild for the farm. In 1994 Julie and her two daughters, Hannah and Heidi, came as volunteers to the farm. Bob and Julie became fast friends and a hard working pair. Within 6 months they decided to marry. Up to this point the farm had run on odd hours and donations. They decided to set hours and a fee to better maintain the growing farm. In 1999 we decided to move our farm to 43 acres 1 mile up the road. After 3 years of blood, sweat, tears and laughter - with help and support from
friends and volunteers - we were ready to move. That was September of 2001. We
now live with our animals on the new property. We continue to improve
their habitats and strive to meet their needs 24/7. Our newest big project
is a new primate barn. After three years of saving, donations, volunteers
and hard work this barn will be finished this spring of 2007. Our animals come
from many different backgrounds. Some are from zoos, from individuals who
got in over their heads, people moving, people dying, rescues and some we
wanted. We strive to educate every person who visits our farm. Schools
visit for fun, educational, interactive tours as well as scouts, nursing homes,
challenged individuals, etc. We try to do tours throughout the day, on no
set schedule, but as we can. Sometimes tours are cut short by births or
injuries. The animals' needs always come first. Remember we are a
working farm, not a commercial zoo. We are family owned and operated--so we
do the majority of the work. We do have wonderful volunteers who we truly
appreciate. We also have the occasional intern that comes to work
and learn. We have a relationship with each and every animal on our farm. They all
have their own name and personality with their own moods and needs. We love our lives with them and enjoy sharing them with the public.
Remember.........Their future is our responsibility. Recent Visitor Photos: Bob teaching visitors about the animals. DEW makes you smile!!! Testimonials: " When we moved to Maine we had no idea that we could see animals from all over the world right here in Mt. Vernon." "Bob and Julie are so informative about the animals and you know they care for them deeply. I learned so much in such a short period of time. It was amazing!" "I got so close to Madenna, the hyena, I could smell her breath; boy is it foul!!" (volunteer quote) "DEW Animal Kingdom is another example of Maine's hidden treasures."
Comment from Owner Bob Miner : " When I returned to Maine I was a recluse and couldn't stand people. I started the farm as my own animal therapy. I discovered that I was really good at working with traditional farm animals, native Maine wildlife, and exotics. One day a local school asked if they could come and see my farm; for some unknown reason I said yes. I found this to be my connection back to people through the animals" 2008 New Baby Arrivals!!!
Common Marmosets Miniature Horse
New Residents
Asian Water Buffalo, Coatimundi, Spider Monkey,"James" the Tortoise, Timber Wolves "Lakota, Mouse and TaTonka", and Mini-Horse "Maggie-Mae" pictured with Jada and her Oma Julie Miner. What's new at the DEW: Monkey Barn Outdoor Exhibit The monkey barn is a new addition to the many wonderful habitats at D.E.W. Animal Kingdom. Bob and Julie wanted to create a larger area for the Lar Gibbon, Lemurs and Capuchin that would have indoor and outdoor access. The outside section is complete and the new tenants are quite excited. Seeing everyone outside adds a new dimension to an already wonderful experience.
Come see "Freddie" the Lar Gibbon and "Koda" the Lemur enjoy their new outside habitat. All donations are greatly appreciated !!!!!! Please see the D.E.W. Wish List page for items we are always in need of. Contact Information
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