04/16/2026
A Hidden Gem Worth Discovering — Lupa Zoo, Ludlow MA
My wife and I have lived in this area our entire lives — over 70 years — and had driven past the signs for Lupa Zoo for years without ever stopping. Today, we finally went with our grandchildren. We are so glad we did.
Admission & Value
Entry was very reasonable. Between grandparents and grandchildren, we paid around $44 total. A season pass runs about $150, which is an excellent value if you plan to visit more than once.
Layout & Size
The zoo is laid out in sections like the larger zoos we’ve visited over the years, but it’s small, compact, and easy to navigate — perfect for a family with young children. We may have caught them just as they were opening for the season, so the food grill and splash pad weren’t running yet, but that was perfectly fine. We came for the animals!
The Animals
I know I’ll forget some, so apologies in advance — but here’s what we saw: porcupines, capybaras, alpacas, bison, elk, several types of deer and goat, tapir, donkeys, several types of pig, and an impressive variety of small monkeys — at least six different species, all smaller than chimpanzees. There were also ringtail lemurs, marmosets, a bird area with peacocks, pheasants, chickens, pigeons, and even a raven, plus a small reptile area featuring snakes, scorpions, lizards, and turtles.
For the Kids
There are two playgrounds, best suited for children up to about age 6 or 7. The main play area also has some really creative features — musical instruments, ride-on toys, and even modern outdoor electronic reaction games where a button lights up and kids run to press it before the next one lights up on the other side. Our boys had an absolute blast.
The gift shop was stocked with a fantastic assortment of stuffed animals and all the things a child who just visited a zoo is going to want.
The Vibe
This is a small, family-run zoo and it feels like one — in the best possible way. The enclosures look lovingly handmade, which adds real charm. The background music throughout the park was a pleasant surprise: not too loud, not a generic radio station, just fun and well-chosen. A nice touch.
Getting There
📍 Lupa Zoo — 62 Nash Hill Road, Ludlow, MA 01056
Easy to find off the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90). Take Exit 51 (Burnett Road) or Exit 54 (Ludlow) — both work. Put “Lupa Zoo” or the full address into your GPS and watch for the entrance signs on Nash Hill Road.
We’ll be back — and we’ll bring more grandchildren.
