About Us
It begins with fun and ends with knowledge
Discover, explore, and learn -- wild adventures for every classroom.
The History of the Zoo
1979, Murray Killman bought his first cat. Maggie the Cougar was Murray’s first feline love as he studied her to be able to paint her. As an artist this became one of Murray’s biggest passions and he collected more cougars through the 70’s. Then through the 80’s he expanded to acquire Candy the Jaguar along with Ocelot’s, Bobcats and the Canadian Lynx. Enclosures for the animals were built as needed and thus started the Killman’s Wildlife Sanctuary. As the sanctuary grew a lot of work was done to the property that the current zoo continues to sit on. The whole top section of the zoo was a farmer’s field that Murray lovingly planted trees throughout that to this day continue to provide staff and visitors with lovely shade during the summer months. Along with all the trees three ponds were dug; one of them now is the main focus of the zoo when you pull in and on the rare occasion visitors are lucky to see one of our tigers go for a swim through the pond. The creek that runs through to eventually join with the Grand River was preserved and visitors can watch as it flows through and in between the trails.
Murray was trying to collect the 7 species of wild cats native to North America but sadly never was able to attain the last two: The Margay and the Jaguarondi remained elusive to Murray’s Sanctuary.
Our Story
Where learning comes alive with every roar, chirp and howl.
School Programs
and Day Camps
(Please book a minimum of 2 weeks in advance)
- 1 hour to complete and costs an additional $50.
- Your knowledgeable zoo guide will illuminate on the fascinating lives of our animals as you stroll through the zoo grounds.
- You will learn about the animal’s behaviours, habitats, diets and conservation efforts.
- Engaging in interactive discussions while offering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the incredible diversity of life housed within our zoo.
Right in Your Face
(Please book a minimum of 2 weeks in advance)
- Cost is $50 for, school class trips only
- Kids will explore the tiny world of animal fur, feathers, and droppings using microscopes. They’ll be amazed to see the hidden patterns and shapes that make these everyday things so special. A feather’s soft barbs, or the rough surface of a quill, each tell a story about how animals survive. With guidance, children will learn how these features help animals in the wild – for example, how oily feathers keep birds dry, or how quills protect animals from danger. Looking at droppings under the microscope will also give clues about what animals eat, how healthy they are, and how they help spread seeds and nutrients. By seeing why animals shed or drop these items, kids will better understand natural behaviours like moulting, staying safe, and surviving in their habitats.
Zoo Passport
(Please book a minimum of 2 weeks in advance)
- Cost is $2 per person
- Strolling through the zoo and enjoy conquering each page of the passport. Each page is a special journey into the world of Killman Zoo’s amazing animals filled with mazes, games and other fun animal activities. Join in conversation with the keepers and uncover some wild answers. Once you have completed the booklet, turn it in on your way out at the front desk and claim your epic freebie! Pencils are on the house with the booklets.
**Please note: All prices are subject to change without notice.**
Accepted forms of payment are Cash, Debit and Credit Cards (Amex, MasterCard and Visa). Cheques are accepted for groups only and have to be in advance of the visit to allow time for the cheque to clear the bank.