Southwick's Zoo, Mendon

Beautiful environment, friendly staff, tons of shade, and animals that appear to be happy and well taken care of. The employee at the turtle exhibit (the first exhibit we looked at) seemed to really enjoy his job a lot. After telling us a bunch of turtle facts, he asked me if it was my first time there. It was my second, with the last time I was there being years earlier. He went into great detail about all the different expansions the zoo went through since my last visit. He was a pleasant man. I loved the chairlift ride because it managed to provide a nice view of the zoo and its exhibits without being too high, which is nice for someone like me with intense acrophobia (and plus it was a nice break from all the walking). By far my favorite part was the deer forest. I own a Great Dane dog, and I find it adorable how the deer act, look, and feel pretty much identical to Great Danes (the mooching, the love for being pet, pushing themselves into me once they realize I'm carrying food... it's ALL there, haha). We were there for about 4 hours, and it went by quick. We'll be returning for sure. A perfect 5 out of 5 from me.

This is by far one of the best zoos in the New England area. Lots to see. Has animals that some of the other zoos around don't. Nice shady areas if it's summer. Very nice gift shop also! Great zoo for all ages!! Every summer it's one of our favorite places to go!!