Connecticut offers diverse wildlife experiences from the state's only AZA-accredited zoo to world-class aquariums and specialized wildlife sanctuaries. Families can explore marine life at two major aquariums, meet exotic animals at wildlife parks, interact with farm animals at petting zoos, and observe rescued raptors at nature centers across the state.
AZA-Accredited Zoo
Major Aquariums
Zoo Visitors Annually
CT Audubon Sanctuaries
Bridgeport, CT AZA Accredited
Connecticut's only zoo features 350 animals representing over 100 species, primarily from North and South America. Highlights include Amur tigers, red pandas, giant anteaters, Brazilian ocelots, and endangered species conservation programs.
Mystic, CT Beluga Whales
One of America's leading aquariums showcases six beluga whales in the largest outdoor beluga exhibit in the U.S., along with Steller sea lions, African penguins, and extensive jellyfish exhibits. Interactive touch pools and 4D theater enhance the experience.
Norwalk, CT Long Island Sound
The only aquarium devoted to Long Island Sound features over 8,000 animals including sharks, harbor seals, river otters, sea turtles, and jellyfish. Interactive touch experiences with stingrays, sharks, and sturgeon, plus an IMAX 4D theater.
1875 Noble Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06610 | Phone: 203-394-6565
Connecticut's only zoo, celebrating 100 years, features 350 animals from over 100 species. Exhibits include South American rainforest with free-flight aviary, New England Farmyard with goats and barnyard animals, La Pampa Plains with giant anteaters and maned wolves, prairie dog exhibit with pop-up viewing areas, and hoofstock trail featuring bison and pronghorn. Victorian greenhouse, indoor carousel, and camel rides available. Home to endangered Amur tigers, Andean condors, ocelots, red wolves, and golden lion tamarins. Open 7 days a week 9am-4pm. Admission: Adults $20, Children $16, Seniors $16, EBT cardholders $10. Free parking. Peacock Cafe and picnic grove on-site.
337 Torrington Road, Goshen, CT 06756
116-acre wildlife sanctuary featuring over 350 exotic animals from different species. Drive-through or walk-through safari experience with zebras, water buffalo, llamas, American elk, Japanese sika deer, and ibex in large natural enclosures. Petting zoo where visitors can feed and pet goats and llamas. Small museum showcasing mounted wildlife displays and historical artifacts. Live reptile and birds-of-prey habitats. Gift shop, picnic area, and fall hayrides available. Perfect for families seeking hands-on animal encounters.
Westfield Trumbull Shopping Center, Trumbull, CT
Interactive aquarium with safari tour experience featuring over 2 million annual visitors. Hands-on encounters with Asian otters, Amazon river sloths, stingrays, wallabies, and tropical fish. Touch pools and feeding experiences throughout. Open daily except major holidays. Offers unique interactive animal experiences beyond traditional viewing.
Enfield, CT
Serpentarium featuring over 7,000 square feet of exploration space housing hundreds of reptiles and amphibians. Extensive collection includes snakes, frogs, lizards, and turtles from around the world. Educational center providing virtual programs and in-person group sessions about reptile biology and conservation. Ideal for school field trips and educational programs.
Mystic, CT
Massive conservation area with natural habitat trails allowing families to observe wildlife in natural settings. Extensive trail system through diverse ecosystems. Perfect for nature walks, birdwatching, and experiencing Connecticut wildlife in undisturbed habitats.
55 Coogan Blvd, Mystic, CT 06355 | Phone: 860-572-5955
Leading marine aquarium featuring six beluga whales in the largest outdoor beluga habitat in the United States. One of only four sites in North America housing Steller sea lions. Collection includes four Steller sea lions, six northern fur seals, five California sea lions, harbor seals, Arctic spotted seals, colony of 31 African penguins, unicorn fish, blue tang, octopus, Japanese spider crabs, sand tiger sharks, bamboo sharks, sea turtles, clownfish, and extensive jellyfish gallery. Interactive touch pools with sharks and cownose rays, feed stingrays. Dino Seas immersive exhibit. Exploration: Wild exhibit showcases wetlands, Arctic, desert, and rainforest ecosystems. Foxwoods Marine Theater features California sea lion shows. Hours vary seasonally: January-February 10am-4:50pm, March 9am-4:50pm, April-September 9am-5:50pm, September-November 9am-4:50pm, December varies. Admission: Adults up to $41, Seniors $36, Children $31, under 2 free. Free parking, cafe, and concessions available.
10 North Water Street, Norwalk, CT 06854
Only aquarium devoted to Long Island Sound, designated "Estuary of National Significance." Features over 8,000 animals including multiple shark species in 110,000-gallon habitat, stingrays, harbor seals, sea turtles, river otters, jellies, crabs, and lobsters. Bi-lingual salt marsh exhibits. Three interactive touch experiences: sturgeon, stingrays, sharks, jellyfish, and intertidal animals. Also features tamarins and meerkats. State-of-the-art 4D theater showing Animal Kingdom 4D and seasonal films. Open daily 10am-5pm (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas). Admission: Adults $39.95, Children $29.95, Seniors $34.95. SNAP participants receive deep discounts, military personnel free admission, veterans discounted rates. Located short walk from South Norwalk train station. Over 1,400 parking spaces within one block.
Westfield Trumbull, CT
Over 2 million visitors annually explore interactive aquarium featuring touch experiences with Asian otters, Amazon river sloths, stingrays, and diverse marine life. Safari tour components include wallabies and exotic animals. Open daily except major holidays.
325 Cornwall Bridge Road, Sharon, CT 06069
1,147-acre National Audubon Society wildlife sanctuary with 11 miles of trails, two ponds, and newly expanded raptor aviaries. Features 10 species of live birds of prey including adult bald eagle, red-tailed hawks, red-shouldered hawks, peregrine falcon, and kestrel. Nature center building exhibits birds, snakes, and turtles. Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic admits hundreds of injured and orphaned wildlife annually with goal of releasing back to wild. Visitor center with exhibits and nature store. Pollinator gardens and working sugarhouse. Ford Pond trail recorded over 70 bird species. Property open dawn to dusk. Donations accepted. Operating hours 8am-5pm.
10 Woodside Lane, Westport, CT 06880
Non-profit science education center on 62-acre sanctuary with over 50 animal species. Animal Hall houses rescued wildlife species ambassadors including bald eagles, hawks, turkey vultures, black vulture, multiple owl species, box and wood turtles, little brown bats, and more unable to return to wild. Connecticut Birds of Prey Exhibit features raptor enclosures. Domestic animals in programs include rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, Madagascar hissing cockroaches. Daily programs: animal-themed story time 10:30am Monday-Saturday, Birds of Prey feeding 11am-11:30am daily. First Sunday monthly 1pm: birds of prey outside enclosures. Over 2 miles walking trails including universal access trail. Natureplace exhibit space. Open Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 11am-5pm.
Canton, CT
One-of-a-kind wildlife experience featuring live animals, 5 miles of trails, wildlife rehabilitation clinic, and year-round programs for all ages. Interactive natural history exhibits for hands-on learning. Professional wildlife rehabilitation services for injured native animals.
Stamford, CT
Woodland and swamp environments on 63 acres featuring several ecology trails, swamp walk, library, and greenhouse. Observe diverse plant species, birds, bobcats, beavers, river otters, and deer. Important stopover point for migratory birds. Visitor center houses nature store, natural history museum, exhibit room with live animals, and children's adventure center.
2325 Burr Street, Fairfield, CT
152-acre Roy and Margot Larsen Wildlife Sanctuary with 7 miles of trails through mixed hardwood forest, shrub habitat, ponds, and wetlands. One of three CT Audubon preserves harboring rare New England cottontail rabbit. Fairfield Nature Center features birds of prey compound for close-up views of hawks, owls, and falcons. Classrooms for environmental education, live animal displays, natural history exhibits, nature library, solar greenhouse, and gift shop. Founded 1971.
Milford, CT
Located on 8-acre Smith-Hubbell Wildlife Refuge and Bird Sanctuary on Long Island Sound. Opened 1995, features boardwalk, observation platform, and 70-foot covered observation tower. Haven for observing over 300 bird species. Prime birdwatching location on Connecticut coastline.
Pomfret, CT
Situated on 700-acre Bafflin Sanctuary featuring extensive grassland habitats. Opened 2000. Educational programs and trail system through diverse ecosystems. One of Connecticut Audubon Society's largest preserves.
Killingworth, CT | Phone/Text: 203-804-3453
Birds of prey rehabilitation center specializing in eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, harriers, vultures, and osprey. All staff possess CT Wildlife Rehabilitators License and Federal Permit. Wildlife emergencies, rescues, educational programs, and tours available. Contact 8am-6pm Monday-Saturday. Environmental awareness education focused on raptors.
Ashford, CT
Rehabilitates injured birds of prey and provides environmental awareness education to the community. Focus on raptor conservation and public education about these important predators.
247 S Main Street, Manchester, CT
Non-profit children's museum home to approximately 75 wild and domesticated animals. Animal Room features snakes, chinchillas, turtles, rabbits, various birds, fish, lizards, and Chuckles the groundhog who presides over annual Groundhog Day celebration. Tanks positioned at children's eye level. Hands-on learning for ages 2-10 with interactive exhibits, live animals, classes, concerts, special events, school outreach, and field trips. In-school resource lessons bring museum educators, artifacts, and live animals to schools and camps.
2 Deer Run Road, Farmington, CT 06032
Unique opportunity to observe waterfowl from around the world cohabitating in natural setting. Educational focus on conservation, life cycle, survival, and ecological importance of waterfowl species. Natural habitat design allows visitors to experience these birds as they would in the wild.
West Simsbury, CT
One of Connecticut's best-known petting zoos featuring 400 chickens plus alpacas, cows, emus, goats, peacocks, potbellied pigs, sheep, cats, dogs, geese, pigs, donkeys, llamas, miniature horses, rabbits, turkeys, ponies, horses, ducks, Guinea Fowl, and Kanye the Fancy Pigeon. Walkable petting zoo open April-Mid November 9am-5pm. Admission: $8 per person, FREE for under 2 or over 80 years old.
Bethlehem, CT
Wide variety of pick-your-own fruits and berries, farm store, and hayloft playscape. Pondside animal yard features brand new rock and pole course for friendly goat herd. Animal yard free for farm visitors.
Connecticut
Home to 25 dairy goats with adorable names. Year-round goat-themed activities including goat strolls, goat painting, and goat yoga. Goat heaven for enthusiasts.
Connecticut
Raises two breeds of alpaca, sheep, mini-horses, goats, pigs, and more. Welcomes families on regular basis, typically open weekends in spring. Feed and interact with variety of farm animals.
Connecticut
Petting farm with admission fee offering seriously cute animals to feed and pet. Birthday party hosting available near petting zoo area.
Woodbury, CT (near Orenaug Park)
Petting zoo featuring exotic and non-exotic species including deer. Educational tours with open-air experience feeding and petting various animals including typical farm animals. Well-suited for small groups and younger children.
Connecticut
Visit animals almost every day of the week. Feeding and petting not allowed, but children get first-hand experience observing farm animals. Free viewing experience.
Canterbury, CT
Home to more than 50 Peruvian huacaya alpacas. Many happy to be petted. Alpaca enthusiasts paradise with large herd of friendly animals.
132b S Road, Enfield, CT 06082
Connecticut-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) exotic pet rescue providing safe haven for 260 unwanted or illegally kept amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates, and large fish. Educational programs about responsible exotic pet ownership and reptile conservation.
Bethany, CT
15-acre non-profit animal rescue and sanctuary home to over 100 animals rescued from slaughter, abuse, and neglect. Founded 2000, has saved hundreds of horses, dozens of sheep, goats, hens, roosters, dogs, cats, veal calves, and more over the years.
East Haddam, CT
Non-profit animal rescue and animal-assisted therapy center helping make positive connections with life through rescued animals. Therapeutic programs utilizing animal interactions for healing and education.
New Milford, CT
16-acre converted 150-year-old dairy farm. Currently home to horses, steer, sheep, llamas, alpacas, miniature donkeys, goats, potbelly pigs, chickens, dogs, and barn cats. Historic farm setting providing lifetime care for rescued animals.
South Windsor, CT
Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal sanctuary started in 2021. Homes animals adopted through rescue or surrendered, providing proper care, rehabilitation, and safe place to live out their lives.
Norwalk, CT & Westchester, NY
Non-profit wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility, farm animal rescue and sanctuary, and domestic animal rescue and adoption center. For 20 years, go-to resource in Westchester, Rockland, Fairfield, and surrounding counties receiving about 8,000 calls per year for wildlife, farm animals, and cats in need.
Connecticut
Rescues and rehomes reptiles and parrots while inspiring education and love for animals in public. Specialized care for exotic pets needing new homes.
Connecticut
Rescues and rehabilitates horses that would have been slaughter-bound. Saved 38 horses in recent year. Provides lifetime care and rehabilitation for rescued equines.
Connecticut
Family-owned Connecticut farm offering pony party services and petting zoo services at farm or by travel. Provides fun and safe experience for all ages with pony rides and animal interactions.
Serving CT, MA, and RI
Mobile mini farm serving families, care facilities, schools, and event organizers throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Brings variety of farm animals to your location.
Southport, CT
Visit sanctuary by appointment or book animals to come to you. Specializes in bringing animals to events with emphasis on pony rides. Wide variety of animals for cuddling and interaction.
Connecticut
Petting zoo and pony rides for any occasion in CT. Professional mobile farm services bringing animal experiences to your event location.
Last updated on November 27, 2025