In 1988, ME's Zoo, Inc. opened to the public Memorial Day weekend with 45 animals covering 55 acres.

Max was only given a few weeks to live with this serious blood disorder but was offered experimental treatments that could prolong his life.

Thousands of cars drove by the light display and the family began to receive cards and letters of encouragement.

Max would speak of how many people drove out to the country farm to see the Holiday display of Christmas Lights and an idea was born.

One newspaper writer, Larry Shores, compared Max to the main character of the movie Field of Dreams.

In 1990, Max and Omar drew national media attention when he rode Omar in protest of the office of the Indiana Civil Liberties Union in downtown Indianapolis to protest ICLU's actions to stop the live nativity scene at Monroe Central Elementary.

The zoo featured a wide array of animals, including primates, wild cats, bear, birds, llamas, deer, and reptiles.

[1] In addition to the animal exhibits, the zoo included picnic areas, a 40-by-50-foot (12 by 15 m) shelter for outdoor parties, a playground, and a gift shop.