Tony and Henny (De Gooyer) Stallmann were childhood sweethearts, Tony was the son of the towns local policeman and Henny was the local milkman’s daughter. Growing up Henny spent many years working as the milk maid for her father while Tony learned his trade as a carpenter.
In 1960 they were married in the little Town of Naarden Holland, 3 days later they boarded a plane to Canada, the newlyweds came with only a suitcase, a carpenter’s toolbox, and a heart full of hopes and dreams.
Both were incredibly hard working; Tony was now a carpenter by trade and worked long hours to support their growing family of 5 children, Henny stayed home to raise their children and to work the farm.
In 1976 the couple decided to purchase some land in the county of Brantford. Tony and Henny drove down Langford Church Road and as they came upon the property they could see “Twin Valleys”, Tony said he didn’t have to see the house he just knew that this was the perfect place for him, his wife, and their family.
During the years Tony having a great love for animals and nature began to create his own private collection of waterfowl, bird’s, elk, and deer along with many other animals.
Both were incredibly hard working; Tony was now a carpenter by trade and worked long hours to support their growing family of 5 children, Henny stayed home to raise their children and to work the farm. Unfortunately, there came a time that thru his work Tony was to suffer both a shoulder injury and the loss of several fingers in an accident making it next to impossible to continue his profession as a skilled tradesman.
As luck would have it from this unfortunate accident a dream was born, one of Tony and Hennys children suggested that their father and mother start a small petting farm where Tony could share his admiration and love for animals. and so, Tony and Henny along with their five children put in countless hours of hard work, dedication, and passion into developing and growing Twin Valley Zoo.
Sadly, in 2011 Tony Stallmann was diagnosed with terminal cancer, before passing his last wish was to be taken out in the zoo to see his beloved animals and the property that he and his family had created for just one last tour, he especially wanted to see the bears and the fish in the fishpond where he spent many happy moments sitting with his wife feeding the koi.
On May 19th, 2012, Tony in his 77th year (after being with his best friend and partner of 52 years) passed peacefully at home with his children and Henny by his side.
Over the years Twin Valley has evolved and matured while still maintaining its core values being the love of animals and nature and by creating an environment where animals are respected valued and protected. The Zoo continues to be owned and operated by the Stallmann family and their incredibly knowledgeable & dedicated Zookeepers and staff.
The Zoos story is a testament to the enduring commitment first laid out by Tony Stallmann to provide a loving and healthy environment for animals, from its humble origin to the present day. Twin Valley is home to over 70+ species of animals including lions, tigers, wolves, bears, deer, alpacas’ exotic birds and primates. It offers various attractions like picnic areas, play area, a nature trail, rolling hills and a beautiful natural surrounding.
We're proud to be able to say that.
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84 Langford Church Road, Brantford, ON