Our Story
A family-run wildlife haven dedicated to rescue, lifelong sanctuary care, and inspiring community responsibility.
Today
DEW Haven | Maine Zoo & Rescue operates as a small non-profit, family run zoo, in Maine.
The proceeds from ticket sales go directly to helping care for our animals. Julie, her daughter Heidi, and son-in-law Ryan dedicate their lives to caring for the animals along with their staff, interns, and volunteers.
After years of blood, sweat, tears, and laughter—DEW is now a haven to over 150 animals from all over the world. The family strives to educate the community about the animals, in hopes to help people understand animals futures are everyones responsibility.
Sanctuary Core Pillars
100% Ticket Funded
Proceeds from admission directly fund daily food, specialized veterinary care, and habitat enrichment.
Family Run Care
Julie, Heidi, and Ryan lead daily operations alongside dedicated sanctuary staff, collegiate interns, and volunteers.
Education & Stewardship
Empowering visitors to recognize that wildlife conservation and animal welfare are a shared community responsibility.
Animals
All the animals at DEW Haven have their own story as to how they ended up in our care.
One of our main goals is to provide space for animals who are in the most need of a forever home. Our animals come from a variety of the following: zoos that closed down or did not want/need them anymore, people who had mistreated them, or owned them illegally, or owned them as a pet and could not take care of them anymore, were purchased/adopted from reputable USDA licensed facilities, or were born right here at DEW Haven.
Closing Zoos
Zoos that closed down or did not want/need them anymore.
Illegal & Mistreated Cases
People who had mistreated them, or owned them illegally.
Surrendered Exotic Pets
People who owned them as a pet and could not take care of them anymore.
Reputable USDA Facilities
Purchased or adopted from reputable USDA licensed facilities.
Born at DEW Haven
Born right here in our sanctuary care at DEW Haven.
Meet Every Resident
Every animal has a name and a personal story of recovery.
“After years of blood, sweat, tears, and laughter—DEW is now a haven to over 150 animals from all over the world.”
— The DEW Haven Family · Julie, Heidi & Ryan
Experience DEW Haven in Person
Every ticket directly provides lifelong care, fresh meals, and a peaceful forever home for our rescued animals.