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.
This is a nice little zoo with both domestic and wild critters. They take in injured, rescued and surrounded animals. There are plenty of staff and they were caring, friendly and knowledgeable. We enjoyed our two encounters with the otters and capybara and recommend this place for everyone. Most of the animal encounters have age restrictions so be sure to check before booking.
kim johnson
July 5, 2026
This is a nice little zoo with both domestic and wild critters. They take in injured, rescued and surrounded animals. There are plenty of staff and they were caring, friendly and knowledgeable. We enjoyed our two encounters with the otters and capybara and recommend this place for everyone. Most of the animal encounters have age restrictions so be sure to check before booking.
kim johnson
July 5, 2026