Southwick's Zoo

Southwick's Zoo and its collection

Southwick's Zoo, opened in 1963, is a zoo in Mendon, United States.

The collection runs to over 850 animals and more than 165 exotic species.

History

The family homestead began in 1803 as a dairy and vegetable farm, and animal keeping started in the 1930s with Justin F. Southwick's exotic poultry. By 1956 the whole property was given over to bird keeping, funded partly by a donation box. The current zoo opened in 1963 as Southwick Wild Animal Farm and has remained under the Southwick and Brewer families.

Animals and collection

It claims the largest primate troupe in New England and the region's only chimpanzee exhibit.

Exhibits

Deer Forest covers 35 acres and holds fallow deer, turtles, hawks and wild turkey. Parakeet Landing is a walk-through aviary with parakeets and cockatiels.

Things to do

Things to do include Skyfari Sky Ride, Woodland Express Train, Soaring Eagle Zipline, Bird Shows and Keeper Chats.

Conservation and approach

EARTH Ltd supplies education programmes and live animal shows on ecology and adaptation at the EARTH Discovery Center. It also runs outreach and seasonal programmes for children and trains interns and docents.

What the venue says

• live educational presentations and programs
• In-park dining options include: The Deli: Wraps, soups, salads The Creamery: Ice cream, candy-shoppe treats The Zebra Café: Burgers, pizza, chicken, fried food The Snack Factory: Pretzels, kettle corn, cotton candy The Dog House: Hot dogs, french fries, novelty ice cream
• Parking is FREE at Southwick's Zoo. Parking for the zoo is located in the large lot across the street from our main entrance. The parking lot in front of the main entrance is reserved for Galliford’s Restaurant & Tavern parking and handicap parking.
• Accessible (handicap) parking spaces are also provided in our main parking lot (while available).