Tours and Rules
Kisma Preserve encourages visitors to take our tours and learn about our mission. We are here for animals. This is a permanent home for many whose lives have been forever altered by humans. This is the home of several of the staff. Our goal is an environment of tranquility. These values are at the core of our strict policies. If you are expecting a playground atmosphere, or feel you can't or won't be able to abide by our rules, then please find a more appropriate activity for yourselves. This should be considered when planning your trip.
A Basic visit involves a tour of the exhibit areas and resident animals with a knowledgeable guide.
A Basic introductory tour is about one and one-half hours. You will be with a group and a guide for the entire time. Our guides provide an introduction to our preserve and explain a bit about each animal's biology in the wild and how ours came to be here. This is a walking tour on gravel pathways and grass. There is opportunity to ask questions and take photos on a limited basis. If you want a basic tour, without the group, it may be possible to arrange for a personal guide for an additional fee. Subject to availability.
Special opportunities exist, at additional cost, for personal animal encounters, private behind the scenes tours, group visits, photography, camping and more. These special activities require a reservation, and are subject to availability. Donors and Supporters of The Kisma Preserve have priority in these limited encounters. Explore becoming a Supporter and enjoy the opportunity of a Life Time!
Meet a Wolf animal encounter. Learn about this fascinating animal in a close up experience with one or more of our wolves. Join us in our daily socializing or exercising routine. Reservations required. Not suitable for small children. All proceeds are used to care for our wolves year round.
Meet a Moose animal encounter. The experience of a life time is often available at Kisma Preserve. Our moose has lived here for her entire life and is very bonded to a few of our staff. Due to this behavior we are able to bring a few special visitors, safely to within a few feet of a moose. In some cases you will be able to offer a branch. This is such a special activity it is only offered on a limited basis. The moose decides when. In 2007 our moose were featured on the Animal Planet series Ms. Adventure. This is a truly unique activity. Reservations are suggested. Restrictions apply.
Primate Encounter. An opportunity to learn about these fascinating, intelligent animals. Meet 3 of our primates up close with a staff member. Offers a Photo opportunity and a memory of a lifetime. Funds earned go to care for the primates year round. Restrictions apply. Call for info.
Farm Animal Encounter. Close up touch and feed our goats, lammas, sheep, donkeys, and pigs. Fun for all ages!
Reptile Encounter. Meet the giant Sulcata Tortise, and a large constrictor. Great photo oprotunity, and a change to learn or overcome fears.
VIP Tour: Join a zookeeper as your guide and go behind the scenes. Meet many of our residents up close in our off exhibit areas while learning how we do what we do.
Meet some of these animals up close, like never before. Don't miss this unique and rewarding experience. Proceeds go directly to fund our animals year round. These tours are done on a reservation basis only. Generally last about 4 hours and are best when started late in the afternoon. This tour provides great photo opportunity and much more in depth information and animal time than our basic public visit tour. Not suitable for very young children.
All encounter experiences are subject to change. Restrictions apply. Reservations requires for VIP tour or wofl encounter. Highly suggested for any others.
Interested in learning more or making a reservation call Kisma (207) 667-3244
Rules:
- Feeding the animals is not allowed except while participating in a pre arranged animal encounter under the direct supervision of a staff member.
- NO FOOD ALLOWED! All personal food, snacks, picnic lunches, etc. must remain in your vehicle or at the front desk.
- All children must be closely supervised and remain with a responsible adult at all times.
- DO NOT RUN in the preserve.
- No Pets.
- Do not disturb, agitate or annoy any animal ever! This includes making noises of any kind at them including but not limited to howling, whistling clapping or squeaking.
- NEVER climb over or go under any fence for any reason. NEVER attempt to enter any animals’ enclosure or try to touch any animal.
- No strollers allowed.
Please respect our guides, animals and the other people on the tour – leave your cell phone in your vehicle or keep it turned off.
Viewing Guidelines:
Kisma Preserve can not make any guarantees as the animals are here in their homes and have free will to be wherever they choose within their enclosures.
With proper timing, you can maximize your chances of seeing your favorites "up and around". A few rules of thumb to follow at Kisma:
- Large fur bearing animals (Tigers and Bears for example) tend to head for the shade and sleep during the strong sun and heat.
- Moose and Deer tend to be most active early in the morning and toward dusk, especially in hot weather.
- Primates love warmth and sunshine. They go to bed early and they don't like rain. Some are visible inside but if you are a primate person come on a warm sunny day.
- Reptiles. If it is not warm and sunny, they are inside. Most can be viewed in or out of doors.
- Birds. Tropical’s love warmth and sunshine and are even more sensitive than primates. The rest of Kisma Preserves’ birds are native to the Northeast and are not really affected by any but the harshest weather.
- Chilly and windy days seem to invigorate many of the animals who are not from the tropics.
- Feeding and animal care are done throughout the day.
- The best sounds are late in the day or first thing in the morning.
- If your main objective is photography your best option is to schedule a private photo tour.
