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 Southwick's
Zoo is more fun than a barrel of monkeys
Article and photo
by Eric H.
MENDON, MASS. (New England USA)
-- Something feels so right about Southwick's Zoo the minute
you step out of your vehicle. The air is fresh, the view of rolling
hills suggests an area you'd maybe like to live in, and the distant
welcoming symphony of animal noises hints at hours of fun.
Southwick's Zoo, beautifully
situated on 330 acres in the heart of Massachusetts' scenic and
serene Blackstone Valley, is arguably New England's finest zoo.
It is simply more fun than a barrel of monkeys, a prime New England
travel destination for children and adults.
This is not your typical zoo.
On the premises is EARTH Limited, a non-profit organization with
a mission to educate people about environmental issues, with
a main focus on animal ecology, endangered species and threatened
habitats through the use of live animal presentations and hands-on
activities.
Southwick's houses hundreds of
animals, some of which are endangered species. You'll see the
usual suspects such as giraffes, lions, tigers, monkeys and kangaroos
along with lesser known animals like a pygmy goat, ankole bulls
and Nilgai antelope. An extensive array of birds and reptiles
will satisfy fans of those species.
Additionally, animal shows
result in family fun. From the grandstands, one can witness "bird
talk," and barnyard shows including a goat riding on the
back of a pony. Southwick's also features a wetlands area. A
rubber tired train takes visitors through acres of peaceful woodlands
and views of habitants.
For pure kid's fun, the "rides'
section and play park have as much appeal as the animal displays.
Here, children can ride elephants, camels, ponies and have fun
on kiddie rides and a long slide. The playground's play structure
is a recycler's dream made from 2, 424 plastic containers, 27,608
aluminum cans and 10 car tires, according to Southwick's literature.
What would a zoo be without fun
food? The Zebra Cafe offers great fast food; Clarice's Cupboard
sandwiches, salads, baked goods, fudge and ice cream; The Show
Stopper, fried dough, cotton candy, popcorn and rinks; The Pizza
Shack, to many a person's surpirse, pizza; and the Jungle Hut,
slush, popcorn, more junk food and film, sunscreen and bug repellent.
The new Purple Peacock Gift Shop
is a handsome, gleaming wood-built store with lots of well-made,
non-cheesey animal oriented gifts from around the world. It is
an ideal final attraction before leaving the premises.
If the day is still young, Mendon
features lots of fun things to do including a miniature golf
course, an old-fashioned movie drive-in theater, and George's,
an authentic drive-in stand featuring waitresses serving hamburgers,
hot dogs and ice cream to your car.
Southwick's Zoo makes for one
of the best family-oriented places in New England. Be sure not
to miss it as part of your New England vacation.
Southwick's
Zoo
2 Southwick Street, Mendon, Mass.,
Tel.: 508-883-9182
Outside MA (800) 258-9182
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