Mr. Drew and His Animals Too in Poland to close at the end of the month
Maine’s “Mr. Drew” Animal Sanctuary to Close Poland Facility Oct. 31
Poland, Maine – After a nine‑month run in a former Lewiston Mall space, Drew Desjardins, known locally as “Mr. Drew,” announced that his flagship exhibit, Mr. Drew and His Animals Too, will close in the town of Poland on Oct. 31. The decision, described by Desjardins as “very difficult,” follows a period of financial strain and the challenges of relocating a 200‑plus‑species collection from its original Lewiston site.
A Brief History
Desjardins first opened Mr. Drew’s in Lewiston in 2017 as a “dream come true” for the family, offering visitors hands‑on interactions with rescued reptiles, amphibians, insects, and birds. The Lewiston location closed in April 2025 when the mall lease was not renewed, prompting a move to a vacant industrial space in Poland. After a month of preparations, the new facility opened in early January 2026, featuring an education center and a geological exhibit that displayed gemstones, bones, and fossils.
Why the Closure
In a Facebook post posted Wednesday morning, Desjardins explained that the move had imposed “financial stress” and that the local economy made sustaining the business difficult. He added, “We love having a facility as it was a dream come true and we truly wanted to make Poland a destination rather than a drive‑through community, with the education center to be around for generations to come, far beyond myself, but alas, that will not be.”
Desjardins clarified that the closure is not the result of a “Hail Mary” fundraising effort. “Please know Mrs. Drew and I have accepted this decision and we are NOT seeking a ‘Hail Mary’, any public financial support or a GoFundMe,” he wrote.
What Happens Next
Desjardins said he will continue to travel across the state with a mobile exhibit, a practice he has followed for years. He plans to book birthdays, school visits, homeschooling groups, community events, and scouting meetings. “I am continuing to book birthdays, public schools, homeschools, community events, Scouting and more,” he added. While most of the animals will remain at the family’s home in Poland, some will be transferred to other educational facilities or trusted sanctuaries.
Community Reaction
Fans of the sanctuary shared their appreciation in the comments. A resident of Dresden Mills wrote, “Your effect has been undeniable. Education, respect, humor. I cherish my trip to your place. You helped me with fear of spiders! I held your tarantulas!” Another commenter recalled how visits to the sanctuary inspired him to foster reptiles and eventually adopt a hognose snake. “The educational outreach is at the heart of your program,” one fan noted, recalling a visit to the Arts Center in Waterville years earlier.
Final Days
The Poland location will remain open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Oct. 31, giving visitors one final chance to experience the unique collection and hands‑on learning opportunities that have earned Mr. Drew a devoted following across Maine.
