We like treats too.

By clicking “✔”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analysis, and marketing. View our Privacy Policy for more.

Dating back to 1960

Our Story

From Holland into the Twin Valleys

Take a journey through our families adventure from across the pond.

An earlier photo of the homestead at the Brantford Twin Valley Zoo.Photo on an early letterhead for the Brantford Twin Valley ZooEarly sign and open date for the Brantford Twin Valley Zoo in 1995A cute photo of a smiling black bear at the Brantford Twin Valley ZooThe last photo together, of Tony and Henny Stallmann, the founders of the Twin Valley Zoo.

Get to know us, the Stallmanns.

Twin Valley Zoo, a family-run haven for wildlife, was the brainchild of Tony Stallmann, who cherished a profound love for animals and nature. Over the years, the zoo has stuck to its core values - respect, value, and protection for animals, encompassing over 70 species from lions to exotic birds. Tony passed away in 2012, leaving behind a legacy that continues to thrive under the Stallmann family and a dedicated team.

Nestled amid rolling hills and scenic surroundings, Twin Valley provides more than just a glimpse into the animal kingdom. With picnic spots, play areas, and nature trails, it's a place where humans and wildlife coexist. The team at Twin Valley Zoo invites everyone to partake in their vision - a world where wildlife and humans flourish together, driven by conservation, education, and engaging experiences.

Tony Stallmann, founder of the Twin Valley Zoo as a kid.
Tony Stallmann, founder of the Brantford Twin Valley Zoo, with a donkey at the Zoo.
A group activity at the Brantford Twin Valley in the 2000s.
1991
Brantford Twin Valley Zoo logo, dark
2023

1960s

The Earliest Years

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.

Tony and Henny Stallmann, Founders of Twin Valley Zoo, seen getting married in Holland.
An earlier family photo of The Stallmanns, founders and owners of the Twin Valley Zoo

The kids

Carpentry and Parenthood

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.

twin valleys

Discovering the Twin Valleys

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.

An earlier photo of the homestead at the Brantford Twin Valley Zoo.
Tony and Henny Stallman having breakfast with animals at the Twin Valley Zoo.

The Dream

Triumph from a Near Tragedy

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.  

2010s

A Love and a Wildlife

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.

The last photo together, of Tony and Henny Stallmann, the founders of the Twin Valley Zoo.
Tony Stallmann on a golf cart at the Twin Valley Zoo with a baby tiger.

Our Tony

Founder, Father & Husband

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.

The Family

Legacy Lives On

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.

Henny Stallmann, and the Kids of the founding family of the Brantford Twin Valley Zoo
An aerial photo above the popular Brantford Twin Valley Zoo

the Story

We Welcome You

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.

Our Supporters

Thank-you to everyone who contine to support us!

And
Share
In
the
passion

Adventure into Twin Valleys this coming year!

plan a visit

Brantford's #1 Thing To Do.

We're proud to be able to say that.

* Voted by users on TripAdvisor

400
+
Animals at the Zoo
100
K+
Annual Zoo Visitors
30
+
Years Animal Caretakers
An aerial photo above the popular Brantford Twin Valley Zoo

Our Address

84 Langford Church Road, Brantford, ON

Copy
Copy icon
Get Direction For you