Review: Jungle Cat World Wildlife Park, Orono, Ontario

What was supposed to be a day at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park turned into an eye-popping experience at the Jungle Cat World Wildlife Park.

We stumbled upon this park in a little town called Orono and we thought we'd check it out. (Ok, let's be be real - we got lost, had a cranky toddler in the backseat and wanted to make the most of our road trip.)

The result? AMAZING and better than the Toronto Zoo! Here's why:

• Admission for adults is $15, toddlers ages 2 and under are free. Great price AND it's not like you're walking through a dinky pet store! Unlike the Toronto Zoo, where you can barely see a thing, you get an amazing view of the animals. Hey, my husband claims he heard a cougar crush a carcass while it was eating, what does that tell you? (No, we were not in the enclosure, we were properly situated and safe behind the fencing.)
• They had 50 cent popsicles. Woot Woot!
• The park had a decent variety of animals. If you're expecting, giraffe, alligators, elephants and the whole shebang, forget it. BUT you will see lions, tigers, cougars, monkeys, wolves, donkeys, birds, and a kangaroo and tortoise in an enclosure together.
• Not a lot of walking to do - score!  Everything is spaced out yet not too far away. 

Ok, the cons ...

• Alpaca, geese and goat poo everywhere. They're walking around being friendly with everyone, great, BUT you gotta watch where you walk. And where your kid falls.
• Not many garbage cans - don't bring a cup of coffee with you, trust me on this.
• Not much shading, so bring lots of sunscreen and wear a hat!

Bottom line: If you want to go somewhere zoo-like and you're on a budget, two thumbs up for the Jungle Cat World Wildlife Park! Great staff, good view of the animals, a super experience for the whole family - especially if you have young kids!

Have you been here? Which zoo have you taken your family to?