The Zoo in Forest Park and Education Center

I volunteered here for almost a year and I can tell you that every single staff member goes out of their way to improve the living situation of these animals. The keepers and volunteers have been out shoveling snow in the dead of winter and have been out in the excessive heat, with no complaints. Their primary interest is in the well-​being of the animals.
Some of the animals don’t belong at this zoo. The interior exhibits for the monkeys are too small to keep them in all winter long. The staff does their best to make those areas comfortable but there just shouldn’t be certain animals there if there isn’t adequate space for them. The capybaras do not have a water supply and live in a dark shed at night and during the winter. Naturally capybaras live primarily in water and graze miles a day. The male has injured the female and the calf because the three were locked up together day and night. The wolves and foxes are beginning to dig under their exhibit because it isn’t designed to hold those animals. Before the leopard passed away, she lived in an area too small and open for her. In the wild, Leopards are the stealthiest big cat and hide in the trees for most of their life. The exhibit wasn’t tall enough or hidden enough for her to have felt safe and comfortable.
I hate to say it but this place should only have animals native to New England. Some of these animals are meant for extreme heat or other conditions that New England just can’t meet. They don’t have the funding to support some of the animals’ needs. Some days they ran out of hay because they couldn’t afford to pay for a delivery that day. With some improvements this place could be great but there is not enough funding going into this place for it to remain open with the animals they have. Keep it limited to farm animals, birds, and other small rodents. But keep the camels, capybara, and big cats out of it.

My expectations were pretty low, seeing that this is a zoo in Springfield of all places. You’ll be pleasantly surprised about the variety of animals, the amount of animals, and the size of the zoo itself. There is quite a bit of space dedicated to the zoo, although some of the areas for each animal seem a little tight to me. The zoo itself is well kept, and there is appropriate signage everywhere detailing the animal you’re looking at. My daughter loved it, particularly the monkeys and the lambs.
Some of the animals were not present in their areas which was a little disappointing. There were other animals that just layed there (perhaps too hot in the sun), but were still visible. We walked the entire zoo twice since my daughter was enjoying it, and we figured some of the animals might do something different. There was also an activity of some kind going on, but it was for older children.
There are lots of things to do in the area of the park itself, and it’s pretty crowded on the weekends. You can avoid the zoo entrance fees if you get a pass from your local library.

I have repeatedly tried to bring the kids to the Zoo in Forest Park in the afternoon and every time they have been closed early or are closing within the hour despite the hours posted online.
Yesterday, the kids had a half day at school so we tried again. The woman at the front gate said they were closing in twenty minutes due to the bad weather even though the sun was shining and the forecast was clear. When I mentioned the forecast, she said, «Listen, we are closing in twenty minutes. It’s $ 21.00 if you want to come in.» She was so rude to us, the youngest one ended up crying. We weren’t allowed to talk to manager, so we left.

We went to Breakfast with the Animals today, what an awesome experience! The zoo workers were all wonderful, friendly and informative. And the animals adorable! So glad we went, and the cutest baby tiger cub, omg!, so worth the trip!

This is definitely a diamond in the rough, located under 45 minutes from Hartford, it is a better alternative for CT folks to the Beardsley Zoo or Action wildlife.
The Zoo itself is nestled inside the 700+ acre Forest Park. The park itself is an attraction we’ll be back to visit. This also means, there’s a $ 5 our of state entry fee to the park before you get to the Zoo, don’t worry, for my 2 year old, my wife and myself Zoo admission was $ 21.50.
There is a playscape right outside the Zoo, which is a blessing and curse. Opposite the playscape there is a beautiful flower garden to relax or have a picnic in after the Zoo.
Now to the Zoo. Your first impression may be a little depressing, as you drive up to park you see what looks like a very small area. Don’t be fooled, it is larger than it looks and they pack in the exhibits with very little wasted space. Good for both getting through the Zoo with little ones and always feeling like you are surrounded by animals.
The animals are clearly well kept and it is evident the Zoo keepers care for the animals.
There are a plethora of primates, it seemed like with every corners was a new cage with a different species of climbing and swinging creature. All my daughter kept saying when we left was that she liked the Monkeys.
While the enclosures look like they were built by a high school shop class, it’s clear the Zoo puts its efforts into the care of the animals. If you’re looking for an afternoon adventure, this is a great choice. Follow it up with a picnic in the large park watching some youth athletics or a long walk through the duck ponds.

A small, well-​kept Zoo with an extensive collection (e.g. tigers, elephants, leopards.)
Located inside Forest Park, a Springfield jewel designed by Frederick Law Olmsted of NYC’s Central Park fame. At 735 acres, Forest Park is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. It features paddle-​boating on the 31 acre Porter Lake, numerous sculptures, playgrounds, Victorian promenades, tree groves, and many sports courts and fields. There is also a skating arena.
Inside Forest Park, one can totally forget that one’s standing in the largest city on the Connecticut River.

The Zoo in Forest Park is a great escape for young kids on a Spring/​Summer/​Fall Day. The zoo is just big enough for children to have a great time without being overwhelmed. The entire zoo can be done in 1 — 2 hours. When I went my family arrived at the zoo around 10am — walked around for 2 hours — had a picnic lunch at the park and then headed home just in time for nap time.
They have an adequate assortment of animals ranging from non-​native species like Monkeys, Camels, and Kangaroos to local species like Cougars, Turkey, and Raccoons.
Prices are quite reasonable at $ 8 per adult and $ 2 per child.
Would highly recommend for a local family outing in the Northern CT/​Western MA region.