a sneak peek at
Southwick’s Zoo
There’s no shortage of fun or furry friends at this dynamic locale
in Mendon, Massachusetts.
SEE A VARIETY OF ANIMALS IN NATURALISTIC SETTINGS
Southwick’s Zoo in Mendon, Massachusetts is home to more than
150 species, including main exhibits for the likes of African leopards,
laughing kookaburras, red ruffed lemurs, scimitar-horned oryx and
more. Visitors can also stop by the EARTH Discovery Center to see
the animals used in EARTH Ltd.’s live presentations and education
programs (think: axolotls, bearded dragons, and rainbow boas).
WITNESS EXCLUSIVE SHOWS AND KEEPER TALKS
Weather-permitting, Southwick’s is host to all sorts of daily presenta-
tions and events. On weekdays in June, visitors can look forward to
live animal presentations at the EARTH Discovery Center while
weekends will be dedicated to animal ecology presentations. The zoo
also plans to hold daily Avian Adventures and Wild Wings presentations
at their Bird Show Arena. Plus, while there will be specific sloth
keeper talks and coati keeper talks June through August, patrons are
always welcome to approach the Zoo Crew Stage to learn more from
the animal care staff, interns and docents. Zoo To Do’s
NAVIGATE THE RAINFOREST ADVENTURE MAZE
This is your chance to get both a mental and physical workout while
also learning a little bit more about conservation. Either explore
the meandering maze at your own pace or challenge your friends
to see who can find each checkpoint and reach the end first. *This event is twenty-one and older.
ENTER THE PARAKEET LANDING
This walk-through aviary is a unique interactive experience where
visitors are surrounded by cute and colorful parakeets and cockatiels.
Stop by to make a few new feathered friends.
ENCOUNTER YOUR FAVORITE ANIMALS UP CLOSE
Ever wanted to feed a giraffe? Hang out with a rhinoceros? Pet a two-
toed sloth? At Southwick’s, you can do all three. Each encounter begins
with a brief presentation focusing on the biology, ecology and
conservation efforts relevant to each species followed by memorable
meet and greets with the stars of the show.
Don’t
Miss!
SUNDAY, JULY 19: ZOO BABIES DAY
Say hello to this year’s newest arrivals! Birth certificates will be placed
around the zoo to highlight the baby animals born within the past year
and docents will have educational tables set up throughout.
*Event included with admission.
SATURDAY, JULY 25 AND SUNDAY, JULY 26: CHRISTMAS IN JULY
Celebrate Christmas in July! The zoo will be decorated, visitors can enjoy
holiday music and kids will even have the chance to meet Santa Claus.
*Event included with admission.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 1: EARTH AWARENESS DAY
Learn about a variety of zoological and conservation topics during this
educational event. Visiting exhibitors and vendors will be set up within
the zoo, and interns will be presenting their research projects. Learn
about a variety of topics including beekeeping, endangered species,
wetlands, birds of prey and more.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 9: SOUNDS OF AFRICA
Enjoy a day of African music, drumming and dance in the zoo.
*Event included with admission.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 23: SUMMER SLAM SAFARI SCAVENGER HUNT
Test your zoo knowledge and possibly win a prize during Southwick’s
annual scavenger hunt. Scavenger hunts of varying difficulties will be
available, including “Wicked Hard!”
*Event included with admission.
The Skyfari Sky Ride
The Woodland Express Train
The Soaring Eagle Zipline
46 YOUR ULTIMATE SUMMER GUIDE 2020
To see a full list of Southwick’s Zoo’s summer events,
head to southwickszoo.com.
TAKE A STROLL THROUGH THE DEER FOREST
The thirty-five-acre forest is home to a number of friendly fallow
deer who will be eager to score a few nibbles of deer feed (which
can be purchased at the forest’s entrance). But don’t come just
for Bambi; the winding trail throughout also gives way to a beauti-
ful ecosystem complete with a pond featuring painted turtles, frogs
and tadpoles.
FRIDAY, JUNE 26: BENEFIT EARTH BASH
Enjoy an evening of adventure in support of environmental education
during EARTH Limited’s largest annual fundraiser. Proceeds from this
evening event (5–10 p.m.) benefit EARTH Ltd’s educational programs at
the zoo. Guests will enjoy exploring the zoo after-hours, food, drinks,
entertainment, auctions and more. earthltd.org