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 rescue center clearly knows how to create memorable animal encounters. Visitors consistently rave about the private tours and special experiences like the popular otter encounters, where you'll actually play with and pet the animals (just watch out for their sneaky habit of stealing shoelace aglets!). The staff gets glowing praise across the board, with guides like Nick, David, Jeremiah, and Marshall mentioned by name for being knowledgeable, passionate, and genuinely caring toward the animals. People appreciate that these aren't just handlers going through the motions—they love what they do, and it shows. What makes this place stand out is the hands-on interaction. Guests have fed and petted capybaras, met foxes and kangaroos, hung out with surprisingly interactive owls, and encountered everything from ferrets to marmoset monkeys. The rescue mission resonates with visitors too, as they take in animals from the fur trade, former pets, and even closed zoos. The location in Hubbardston offers a calmer, less crowded alternative to traditional zoos, which families with kids prone to sensory overload particularly appreciate. One critical review mentioned concerns about animal care standards, though this appears to be an outlier among overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Visited in the afternoon for the otter experience for an early Valentine's Day. Nick accompanied us for the otter experience, was very informative, and helped maximize our time of enjoyment with Ming and Shaolin while keeping us safe. While wandering for the remainder of our time, Mike was kind enough to guide us through the rest of the campus, was also very informative, and allowed us to see/pet various animals. It was easy to tell he is very passionate about the work and loves the animals he cares for. Had a wonderful time!
Binh Cao
February 7, 2026
Visited in the afternoon for the otter experience for an early Valentine's Day. Nick accompanied us for the otter experience, was very informative, and helped maximize our time of enjoyment with Ming and Shaolin while keeping us safe. While wandering for the remainder of our time, Mike was kind enough to guide us through the rest of the campus, was also very informative, and allowed us to see/pet various animals. It was easy to tell he is very passionate about the work and loves the animals he cares for. Had a wonderful time!
Binh Cao
February 7, 2026