Three zoos, each with a wide range of animals, are all located within 26 miles of Norton, Massachusetts. Take your pick from small zoos that are easy to tour in less than a day for families with young children to a zoo that covers more area for those who want to make a day of it. Along with the animals, the zoos provide many activities and programs to enjoy.
Capron Park Zoo is located approximately six miles from Norton in Attleboro. It’s on the small side as far as zoos go and is just the right size for children. There is a playground on-site for when children (or their parents) need a break.
The zoo features animals from Africa, Asia, Australia, and the North and South Americas. The animals include lions, lemurs, meerkats, hornbills, sloth bears, snow leopards, two-toed sloths, kangaroos, golden lion tamarins and dart frogs. Animals can be “adopted” with a donation of $25. Adopters receive an adoption certificate, a color photo of the adopted animal and a fun fact card.
Each month, the zoo holds an event called the “Zoocademy Lecture Series for Adults." There is a different topic each month and each requires pre-registration. There are also several programs throughout the year for kids. Capron Park Zoo also hosts wildlife travel tours to such places as Costa Rica, Kenya and Tanzania.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily November through March, weather permitting.
Roger Williams Park Zoo, located in Providence, RI, is 26 miles from Norton. The zoo features over 100 animal species from around the world in natural settings. Exhibits include The Fabric of Africa, North America, Tropical America, Australasia, Marco Polo Trail and the Feinstein Junior Scholar Wetlands Trail. Some of the animals at the zoo are giant anteaters, moon bears, elephants, giraffes, gibbons, snow leopards, red pandas, harbor seals, penguins and anacondas.
A calendar of events lists activities from a gibbon’s birthday party to Santa’s arrival in a helicopter. Some events are free while others require tickets purchased in advance. Many programs and field trips are also available for children and families.
The zoo is open daily year-round from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It also closes at 2 p.m. on the last Saturday in June for its annual Zoobilee! Feast with the Beasts fundraiser.
Southwick's Zoo is located 26 miles from Norton in Mendon, MA. It’s home to a wide variety of animals in naturalistic exhibits. Some of the African animals that reside at Southwick’s zoo are lions, tigers, leopards, giraffes, monkeys and zebras. Animals from other areas include kangaroos, sika deer, lemurs, water buffalo, yaks, bearded dragons and borneo bearded pigs. There is a North American exhibit with elk, red deer, hawks, otters and swans.
One feature of the zoo is the Skyfari Sky Ride. The 16-minute ride takes visitors over Deer Forest, the chimpanzee exhibit and more. New in 2010 is the Parakeet Landing walk-through aviary where parakeets and cockatiels may greet you by landing on you.
Three daily shows are included with admission – Records & Burpee’s Family of Performing Animals, Educational Live Animal Presentations by Earth Ltd, and Bird Talk. Print or download a free monthly calendar with zoo specials and activities listed.
The main zoo grounds are open mid-April to mid-October. Rides open at 11 a.m. In addition, the Skyfari Sky Ride is open weekends though November, weather permitting. A free petting zoo and their Purple Peacock Gift Shop are open every day until Christmas.
