Animal Adventures is New England’s largest exotic animal rescue, a family-run haven founded by zoologist Dr. Ed Laquidara and his wife Brenda in 1997. From sloths and servals to giant pythons, every resident here has been given a ...
This small Central Massachusetts zoo punches well above its weight, housing a surprisingly wide variety of rescued animals in a compact, easy-to-navigate space. Staff members like Tasha, Nick, Allie, and Christian consistently earn praise for being knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about the animals in their care. The specialty encounter experiences, particularly the otter and owl encounters, are standout offerings that guests tend to rave about. For families, there's a play area for kids and the chance to feed and interact with some of the animals, which adds a nice hands-on dimension beyond just walking through. Day passes give you the freedom to explore at your own pace, while private and VIP tours offer a more immersive experience for those who want deeper access and one-on-one time with the animals. It's worth noting that a small number of visitors have raised concerns about enclosure sizes and enrichment for some animals. These perspectives are worth considering, though the majority of guests leave with very positive impressions and a clear appreciation for the rescue mission driving the operation. Checking in advance about which animals are viewable on a given day is a smart move, as availability can occasionally vary.
Amazing hidden gem right here in central Mass! As animal lovers we decided to celebrated our 29th wedding anniversary with a private tour. We had a wonderful time learning about the animals, interacting and even holding them! Our tour guide, Tasha, was so nice and knowledgeable. You can really tell how much she loves all the animals. There are several tours to choose from with very reasonable pricing, or you can just get a day pass and explore on your own. We will definitely be booking another tour soon and requesting Tasha again! Thanks to the staff and animals that helped us celebrate our special day ❤️
Jennifer Petraitis
May 18, 2026
Amazing hidden gem right here in central Mass! As animal lovers we decided to celebrated our 29th wedding anniversary with a private tour. We had a wonderful time learning about the animals, interacting and even holding them! Our tour guide, Tasha, was so nice and knowledgeable. You can really tell how much she loves all the animals. There are several tours to choose from with very reasonable pricing, or you can just get a day pass and explore on your own. We will definitely be booking another tour soon and requesting Tasha again! Thanks to the staff and animals that helped us celebrate our special day ❤️
Jennifer Petraitis
May 18, 2026