Grandfather has seven environmental habitats for black bears, bear cubs, panthers, hawks, bald eagles, golden eagles, white-tailed deer, and river otters.

Environmental habitats are large enclosures that allow visitors to see animals in natural situations. Unlike the exhibits found in city zoos which bring in plants and boulders to recreate an appropriate setting, these enclosures were built around the animals' actual native habitat. Those rocks really were put there by nature!

Paved viewing areas give visitors an up-close perspective of the animals as they live in the wild. Separated from the animals by moats or elevated above the habitats on large retaining walls, these viewing areas allow you to stand only a few feet away from animals you may never see in your own back yard! Last year a new otter habitat was opened! A special aquarium-like viewing area allows you to enjoy watching the playful otters above or below the water.