Lupa Zoo

About Lupa Zoo

Lupa Zoo sits on 18 acres in Ludlow, Massachusetts (the zoo's own materials describe it as a 20-acre park). It is not accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The zoo is managed by Lupa Game Farm Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, and its website is produced by the Lupa Zoological Society. Its stated mission is to demonstrate "the value, beauty and interdependence of all living things" through a park designed to be both visually engaging and educational, built around keeping families occupied for a full day rather than a quick stop.

Unlike many larger zoos, Lupa says it is not primarily supported by municipal, state, or federal funding; nearly all of its revenue comes from admission and on-site sales. The zoo describes itself as housing "significant populations of rare and endangered species" and operates under state and federal regulations that apply to facilities holding those animals, which is part of why it restricts outside pets from its grounds.

History

No founding date, timeline of expansions, or historical milestones for Lupa Zoo are documented in the available source material. What is known is organizational: the zoo is operated by Lupa Game Farm Inc., a not-for-profit corporation, with its public materials produced separately by the Lupa Zoological Society.

Exhibits and habitats

Lupa Zoo's own description frames its habitats as "animal habitats with surroundings that create interest for the species while enhancing the guest experience," built to mimic natural environments rather than bare enclosures. The zoo notes that these naturalistic exhibits give animals room to hide, as they would in the wild, which it says supports the animals' well-being even though it can mean visitors don't always see every animal on a given visit. The zoo also includes a barnyard area with domestic animals, including chickens, which visitors are asked not to chase or handle. No specific named exhibit areas or buildings are described in the source material beyond these general details.

Animal highlights

Lupa Zoo does not publish a specific species list in the source material. Its own materials describe the zoo as housing "significant populations of rare and endangered species," which are kept under quarantine-facility conditions consistent with state and federal regulations for such animals, alongside more familiar barnyard animals such as chickens. Beyond this general description, no named species or animal counts are available.

Planning your visit

Lupa Zoo is open seasonally: from April 10 to August 30, then September 1 to November 1, and on weekends only from November 3 through November 29, based on its 2026 published schedule. Hours are listed as 10 am to 5 pm. Adult admission is listed at $80 on the zoo's website; tickets can be purchased online with a QR code shown at the ticket booth, and passes bought online are transferable and valid on any day in the season. Seasonal memberships are also available, including tiers for two adults plus up to four children under 18, two adults plus up to six grandchildren under 18, and a single-person membership with optional add-on child memberships.

The zoo is a non-smoking facility, does not allow outside food for the animals, and prohibits balloons and dangerous objects such as bats, balls, or weapons. Pets are not allowed on zoo grounds, though service dogs are welcome if guests notify the ticket booth in advance. Wheeled equipment such as bicycles, scooters, skateboards, and roller blades is not permitted inside. Guests who leave during the day, including to smoke, can get a hand stamp at the exit gate for free same-day re-entry. A diaper-changing area is available in both restrooms, and the gift shop can be visited without paying admission. Lupa Zoo also hosts private events and birthday packages; event inquiries go through (413) 589-9883. Zoo admission can be paid by credit card, debit card, or cash, and personal (non-commercial) photography is welcome throughout the grounds.

By car, the zoo is reached from Massachusetts Turnpike exit 51 (Springfield) via Burnett Road and West Street, from exit 54 (Ludlow) via Center Street and Rood Street, or from I-291 via Burnett Road, all leading to Nash Hill Road, where the entrance is located.

Confirm current hours, admission prices, and seasonal dates on Lupa Zoo's official website before visiting.