FAQs

Q1. How long does it take to tour
Pymatuning Deer Park?

A1. On average, at least one hour is required.

Q2. Can we bring our own food into the park
to feed to the animals?

A2. State law prohibits food brought in from outside the park for feeding the animals.

Q3. Are cameras permitted?
A3.Cameras of all types are encouraged, as you are up-close and personal with most of the animals displayed, and there are many opportunities for hands-on interaction.

Q4. Are wagons or strollers available for rent?
A4. No, however, the use of strollers or wagons is highly recommended.

Q5. Is Pymatuning Deer Park wheelchair accessible?
A5.The park is wheelchair accessible and there are blacktop walks, however, there are several steep hills that demand adult assistance with manual chairs.

Q6. Are there any concession stands or
places to eat at Pymatuning Deer Park?

A6. One concession is located adjacent to our picnic area prior to entering the park. It offers items such as but not limited to drinks, hotdogs, chicken strips, French fries, nachos, pizza logs, and ice cream novelties. A second concession is located inside the park in the Western Town area. It offers drinks, fresh-popped popcorn, candy, and ice cream novelties.

Q7. Does Pymatuning Deer Park have a pavilion,
and can it be reserved?

A7. One large pavilion is located outside the park in our picnic area. It is filled on a “first-come, first-serve” basis. Individual tables or the entire pavilion may be reserved by calling ahead to verify availability.

Q8. Does Pymatuning Deer Park offer group rates?
A8. See Hours & Fees page for group discount information.

Q9. Does Pymatuning Deer Park host birthday parties?
A9. See Hours & Fees page for group discount information.

Q10. Are service dogs permitted in the park?
A10.No. Due to the hands-on, close-contact nature of our park, the presence of free-roaming birds, and the potential negative reaction by our animals and/or the service animal, we do not permit any outside animals to enter the park. Unknown dogs, cats, and other pets can cause our animals to become dangerously agitated putting the health, safety and welfare of our animals, visitors and employees at risk. Please see the Department of Justice bulletin below for an explanation.

EXCLUSION OF SERVICE ANIMALS
Q25. When can service animals be excluded?
A. The ADA does not require covered entities to modify policies, practices, or procedures if it would “fundamentally alter” the nature of the goods, services, programs, or activities provided to the public. Nor does it overrule legitimate safety requirements. If admitting service animals would fundamentally alter the nature of a service or program, service animals may be prohibited. In addition, if a particular service animal is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it, or if it is not housebroken, that animal may be excluded.

Q26. When might a service dog’s presence fundamentally alter the nature of a service or program provided to the public?
A. In most settings, the presence of a service animal will not result in a fundamental alteration. However, there are some exceptions. For example, at a boarding school, service animals could be restricted from a specific area of a dormitory reserved specifically for students with allergies to dog dander. At a zoo, service animals can be restricted from areas where the animals on display are the natural prey or natural predators of dogs, where the presence of a dog would be disruptive, causing the displayed animals to behave aggressively or become agitated. They cannot be restricted from other areas of the zoo.